Anthony Originals vintage costume jewelry

Anthony Originals vintage costume jewelry
Born in Naples around 1907, the future jeweler Antonio Aquilino emigrated with his family to New York in the 1920s. Honing his skills in various jewelry workshops in New York, including Coro, he decided to start his own business. To implement original ideas under his own name, he and his family moved to the jewelry capital of the United States, Providence in 1940.
When he founded Anthony Originals in 1945, it became an instant success. The very next year, his first collection of dress clips entered the most fashionable jewelry catalogs. In 1945 and May 1946, Antonio applied for patents for his unique jewelry designs. Among them, in particular, were a dress clip and earrings “Cascade” and Peacock brooch, featured in Harper Bazaar in 1947, and “Cat fishing in a bowl” iconic brooch.
The second collection of 1948 was dedicated to refined and demanding ladies, who immediately bought it out. The collection included a special box made of thick cardboard imitating wood, and thus was more affordable than wood. In addition, the box with a mechanical lock had three levels for permanent storage of jewelry, as well as a powder case with a mirror. Upholstered in natural shimmering satin, embellished with gold leaf on a hand-applied ornament, the box was released in just two tones, with emerald green and pink jewelry glass. There is no doubt that such boxes were a valuable acquisition and a welcome gift for post-war women.
Unfortunately, Anthony Aquilino did not have time to enjoy the success and realize all his creative ideas, as he died in 1948, at the age of just over 40 years.

Anthony Originals vintage costume jewelry

When creating jewelry, Antonio traditionally used gold, sterling silver, lucite, rhinestones, and glass. Products were sold in elegant labeled boxes with a foil branded tag.
After the designer’s death, his daughter Antoinette and son Anthony patented their father’s other designs and continued to make jewelry under “Anthony Creations” and “Jewels by Antoinette” brands.