Banana republic vintage costume jewelry

Banana republic vintage costume jewelry

The history of the American jewelry brand “Banana Republic” began in 1978. Its founders are talented artists from San Francisco Patricia Ziegler and her husband Mel Ziegler (b.1956). Previously, they both worked for The San Francisco Chronicles, where Patricia was an illustrator and Mel was a reporter.
Originally, they named their family business “Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company”. Starting the production of leather goods, travel bags, umbrellas, walking sticks, etc., the company has achieved great success. However, five years later Patricia and Mel had to sell their business to “Gap Inc”.
Initially, the new owners shortened the company’s name to Banana Republic (Apparel), LLC. Also, they registered two jewelry trademarks “Banana Republic” and “BR” (in 1993 and 2004).
BR jewelry includes beautiful handmade statement necklaces, chains, cuff bracelets and dangling earrings. Traditionally, craftsmen used gold tone metal alloy, Swarovski crystals, Cubic Zirconia, rhinestones, enamel, resin, and art glass imitating natural stones. Noteworthy, the marking on each product consists of the initials BR, with a letter B turned backwards.
Undoubtedly, the BR company was the “favorite child” of Mel and Patricia, as in 2012 they published a book “Wild Company: The Untold Story of Banana Republic”.

Banana republic vintage costume jewelry