Kaleidoscope effect

Jewellery kaleidoscope

DFB Briggs vintage costume jewelry

DFB Briggs vintage costume jewelry

Amethyst glass rhinestone gold tone brass stretch bracelet. 1930s. DFB Briggs vintage costume jewelry

DFB Briggs vintage costume jewelry
The history of the American jewelry company D.F.B Co began in Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1882. According to “The New England Magazine” (1908), the company belonged to W. C. Tappan (July 4, 1864 – June 8, 1907) and his brother Charles.
An important turning point in the company’s activities was the invention patented on May 20 1890. In particular, a patent for a bracelet that could be stretched not due to banal elastic bands, but with the help of a hinged connection of the links. In 1903 they began the manufacture of the famous Carmen bracelet, signed “Carmen” and sometimes even diminutively Carmelita – in honor of the daughter of one of the owners of the company. Made until 1940s, the design of bracelets changed slightly over the years. So, instead of engraving with a graceful floral design, filigree inserts with glass cabochons imitating natural stones and rhinestones appeared. In addition, the engraving was often personalized, for example, with the name of the owner or love letters.
The company became the largest manufacturers of compacts, chains, bracelets, earrings, etc. and had offices in New York, Chicago, st. Louis and London.
Traditionally, the company’s craftsmen used sterling silver, gold filling or plating, and guilloche enamel. They labeled products with “D.F.B. Co.”, made in USA, Carmen, and Patented.
Noteworthy, D.F.B. marking was last used in 1922 as the company name changed to Briggs, Bates & Bacon. Bates & Bacon also belonged to Tappan brothers, which they purchased in 1907. The company ceased to exist in 1950. Extremely rare, the products of this company are highly collectible.

Adjustable Gold Filled Bracelet. 1901

Adjustable Gold Filled Bracelet. 1901

Signature

Signature

DFB Briggs vintage costume jewelry

Carmen collection Women's wrist bracelet of gold tone

Carmen collection Women’s wrist bracelet of gold tone

Carmen marking

Carmen marking

Dangle heart earrings. Amber glass, gold tone metal

Dangle heart earrings. Amber glass, gold tone metal

Etched heart gold tone stretch bracelet. 1920s

Etched heart gold tone stretch bracelet. 1920s

Filigree design bracelet of gold tone. 1920s

Filigree design bracelet of gold tone. 1920s

Rolled Gold Heart Etched detail of bracelet

Rolled Gold Heart Etched detail of bracelet

Retro ad

Retro ad

Made in USA

Made in USA

Flower design rhinestones gold tone metal pendant. 1940s

Flower design rhinestones gold tone metal pendant. 1940s

Flower design rhinestones gold tone metal bracelet. 1940s

Gold plated rhinestones Flower design bracelet. 1940s

Signature

Signature

Swan pendant. Striped silver tone medallion compact powder lipstick holder

Swan pendant. Striped silver tone medallion compact powder lipstick holder

Victorian design gold plated bracelet. 1920s

Victorian design gold plated bracelet. 1920s

Yellow gold citrine stone filigree design bracelet

Yellow gold citrine stone filigree design bracelet

The D.F.B. Co marking

The D.F.B. Co marking