Iconic Maltese cross design brooch made of gold tone jewelry alloy, white glass cabochons, rhinestones and large crystal in the middle. Howard Benedikt vintage costume jewelry

Benedikt vintage costume jewelry
New York based jeweler Howard Benedikt made costume jewelry marked Benedikt in the period of 1955 – 1963. Located at 389 5th Avenue, one of the most fashionable streets of New York, Benedikt jewelry company produced high quality decorations. Meanwhile, collectors of vintage costume jewelry find Benedikt designs and quality similar to Hattie Carnegie’s. Indeed, the original design of Benedikt NY works inspired many of Howard Benedikt’s colleagues. In particular, well-known designer Kenneth Jay Lane, who drew ideas for his collections in Benedikt jewelry. And less famous bijou masters didn’t hesitate to copy the works of the brand, for example, the Maltese crosses of incredible beauty. The Maltese cross in various styles and color combinations was the most famous and iconic design by Howard Benedikt.
Noteworthy, the last mention of the brand was in the “Seventeen” magazine, dated 1963.
More »

Tree of life sterling silver brooch decorated with multicolor rhinestones. 5.5 cm. American vintage – Curtis costume jewelry

Curtis costume jewelry
American company Curtis jewelry manufacturing co., known since 1936, produced high quality jewelry. These were silver and gilded ornaments with semiprecious stones and ivory – brooches, clips, and necklaces. However, the history of Curtis is inextricably linked with another American company, Uncas Manufacturing Co., part of which it became in 1936. As for Uncas Manufacturing Co., its owner was Vincent Sorrentino (1892-1976), an Italian immigrant who came to America in the early 20th century. He first registered the Sorrento company in 1911 in Providence, Rhode Island. Of course, the earliest Sorrento jewelry is difficult to find now and they are a collectible rarity. Then, in the early 1920s, Vincent Sorrentino renamed Sorrento into Uncas Manufacturing Co. Uncas jewelry was popular for its variety, exquisite design and high quality.
Along with the above-mentioned Curtis jewelry manufacturing co, the Curtman Company also joined the Uncas Manufacturing Co. In addition, Uncas Manufacturing Co. acquired the company Vargas MFG together with its building in 1996. Interestingly, the Sorrentino family still continues the jewelry business.
Noteworthy, the letters DCE that appeared in 1950 refer to Curtis jewelry manufacturing co.
More »

Gorgeous heart pendant and clip on earrings. Crystals, jewelry alloy. Laguna vintage costume jewelry

Laguna vintage costume jewelry
New York City based company Royal Craftsmen Inc. founded Laguna jewelry brand in 1944. The highlight of Laguna, which distinguishes it from any other brand, is jewelry made of high quality artificial pearls. Large pearls framed in gold-colored alloys give the impression of real jewels. And the multi-colored necklace beads, which Laguna was also famous for, were not inferior to jewelry in terms of the quality of design and execution. In addition to artificial pearls, Laguna traditionally used Austrian crystals and faceted beads.
Laguna ceased to exist in 1980, so any product labeled Laguna is definitely vintage, and often – a rarity.
More »

Beautiful leaf brooch of gold tone, sterling silver. Eggert vintage botanical jewelry – Flora Danica

Eggert vintage botanical jewelry – Flora Danica
Founded in Copenhagen in 1953 by Orla Eggert and his wife Grethe Eggert, Flora Danica is the most unique Danish jewelery company. The uniqueness of this jewelry is in particular, in the casting technique, real botanical materials used as the base. As a result, each piece is truly realistic, one-of-a-kind botanical jewelry of the highest quality. Indeed, all jewelry is unique and no two can ever be the same. A living flower or a leaf taken as a basis, then coated with silver or another 24-carat gold by electroplating. Even the destroyed base leaves an exact silver or gold copy of a living plant. Noteworthy, gorgeous vintage jewelry line is among the most collectible of botanical style European jewelry.
More »

Mermaids silver and gold tone brooch. Collectible rarity, before 1947. Vogue vintage costume jewelry

Vogue vintage costume jewelry
Located in New York City, Park Importing Company began producing costume jewelry under the “Vogue” label in 1936. The company owners, founders and the main designers were Harold Shapiro and his partners Jack Gilbert and George Grant. Originally, the company specialized in manufacturing faux pearl jewelry and beads. Traditionally, Vogue costume jewelry demonstrated originality, innovation of design and very high quality. This explains the popularity and demand for Vogue decorations among costume jewelry lovers.
Having worked as the main designer of Vogue jewelry, Harold Shapiro left the company. And already in 1963, he and his son Bernard founded Les Bernard, Inc.
Noteworthy, the earliest pieces have marks “VOGUE JLRY”, or “VOGUE” and they are scarce on the market. Vogue company ceased operations in 1973.
More »

Adorable cat brooch. Beige enamel, Green crystal eyes, rhinestones, jewelry alloy. 3.5 cm. 1950s. Jonne Schrager vintage costume jewelry

Schrager vintage costume jewelry
Marked Jonne, or Schrager, such jewelry is quite rare and in high demand among lovers and collectors of vintage costume jewelry. Noteworthy, decorations marked “Jonne” appeared in the early 50s, and Schrager-labeled ornaments – in 1959. However, according to some pieces, the company also stamped their pieces as “House of Schrager 5th Ave.”. Traditionally, Schrager jewelers created decorations of classic designs with exceptional detailing, and always of high quality. They used gold and silver plated base metals, faux pearls, clear and colored rhinestones. Undoubtedly, this jewelry has a signature look, something between Miriam Haskell and Stanley Hagler. The company ceased operations in 1962.
Founded in 1925, H. M. Schrager & Co. had the main office at the 5th Avenue in New York. Due to many reasons, created from 1925 to 1940s costume jewelry is rarity. First of all, smaller production than the larger jewelry makers of the time. Also, their earlier pieces were not marked at all. According to sources, Schrager also created jewelry for other jewelry brands, in particular, for Staret. And this explains the similarity of some Schrager and Staret designs (for example, butterfly brooch in the below picture).
More »

Dragonfly brooch. Silver tone metal, faux pearls, clear crystals. 6.3 cm. Oscar de la Renta vintage costume jewelry

Oscar de la Renta vintage costume jewelry
The American fashion designer of Dominican origin, Oscar de la Renta is the founder of the eponymous brand that appeared in 1967. Featured in this post vintage costume jewelry – a new classic, multi-layered, light, bold, rich colors, greatness and luxury. Traditionally, jewelers of the brand used Austrian crystals, gold tone jewelry alloy, multicolor crystals and enamels. Aged 82, the world famous designer died in 2014. The jewelry line of the famous house – collectible vintage jewelry, the price of which only increases with time.
According to his biography, starting with Jacqueline Kennedy, he dressed all the first US ladies – Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton. Twice he was president of the American Council of Fashion Designers, and in 1993–2002 he created collections for the Pierre Balmain house. In addition, he became the first American to lead the Paris fashion house.
More »