Elizabeth Reimer vintage costume jewelry

Elizabeth Reimer vintage costume jewelry

The history of “Arcansas” jewelry brand began during WWII, when a Hungarian couple of Joseph and Elizabeth Reimer immigrated to Australia in 1939. Liz, who had learned goldsmith skills from her father, dreamed of her own jewelry business. First, she created costume jewelry in her dining room, and in the garden tent. However, in 1952 she founded her family business “Elizabeth Reimer Pty. Ltd”. Located at 391 George Street, Sydney, the company with nearly 30 employees, handcrafted exquisite costume jewelry. Traditionally, they used metal alloys of gold and silver tones, as well as 14 K gold plating, glitter enamel, mother-of-pearl, crystals and rhinestones. The marking included cleverly hidden logo, and “Arcansas”, or “Elizabeth Reimer” in written letters.
After Reimer retired in 1969, the company ceased to exist.
Delicately soldered by hand, the collections feature Art Nouveau style. Noteworthy, the full range consisted of 30 individual flower designs and over 70 local plants. Appreciated for intricate workmanship, handcrafted detailing and traditional techniques, Elizabeth Reimer’s jewelry pieces attract collectors around the world.

The archives of the National Library of Australia contain newspaper articles advertising Elizabeth’s jewelry. “From a dining-room—to a garage—to the present two-storey building in the Sydney suburb of Mosman” – this is the progress of the young Sydney company, Arcansas Pty. Ltd.”
According to the archives, already in 1966, Arcansas Pty. Ltd. markets included Japan, Canada, Britain, South Africa, New Zealand, Singapore, Rhodesia and France, as well as U.S.A. Also, the company twice exhibited its products at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, and at the Los Angeles Pacific Jewellery Exhibition. By the way, Arcansas had the only foreign display.

Elizabeth Reimer vintage costume jewelry