Signed Best vintage costume jewelry

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Funny frog with umbrella vintage brooch. Polished Silver tone metal, black rhinestones (eyes), crystal. Signed Best vintage costume jewelry

Signed Best vintage costume jewelry
A chain of American catalog showroom retail stores, Best (also known as BEST Products) was founded by Sydney and Frances Lewis in 1957. Originally headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company went out of business in 1997. The Lewises sent out their first catalog and the first showroom at 4909 West Marshall Street in Richmond, in 1957. By 1956 (the bankruptcy time) the company had 11 Best Jewelry stores in 23 states, and a nationwide mail-order service. 1992-1993 catalog featured jewelry pieces alongside with watches, pens, Sunglasses, luggage, electronics, lamps, toys and sporting goods.
Costume jewelry of this company has its own unique style, which allows these jewelry to become a rarity and collectible. Characteristic was the use of two metals in one jewelry piece – silver and gold tone metal, the brilliance and texture of which were close to precious metals. Also, the masters used pearlescent enamels, lucite and sometimes a very small amount of rhinestones and crystals. Traditionally, the jewelry of this company has the marking BEST in italics on the reverse side.
The thematic focus of design – festive and patriotic symbols – angels, flags, Halloween symbols, Easter and Christmas figures, as well as animal figures.
Noteworthy, there is another jewelry trademark Best by Astoria, NY based company DME Industries, Inc. First used in 1972, the trademark is still active. However, the company’s marking differs – it is in bock letters and in rectangular frame.