Signed Best vintage costume jewelry

Signed Best vintage costume jewelry
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.

Turkey bird silver and gold tone brooch
Turkey bird silver and gold tone brooch
Signature
Signature

Signed Best vintage costume jewelry

Double leaf brooch. Silver tone textured metal. 6.5 cm. 1960s
Double leaf brooch. Silver tone textured metal. 6.5 cm. 1960s
Puppets in a basket gold and silver tone brooch. 4.5 cm. 1980s
Puppets in a basket gold and silver tone brooch. 4.5 cm. 1980s
1984-1985 catalog
1984-1985 catalog
Angel brooch pin. Silver tone metal, rhinestones
Angel brooch pin. Silver tone metal, rhinestones
Bible story Christmas brooch
Bible story Christmas brooch
Christmas present box tied with bow brooch. Silver and gold tone metal, enamel
Christmas present box tied with bow brooch. Silver and gold tone metal, enamel
X-mas Tree pin of silver and gold tone
X-mas Tree pin of silver and gold tone
Daisy flower stud earrings of gold and silver tone
Daisy flower stud earrings of gold and silver tone
Easter Basket Silver Tone pin
Easter Basket Silver Tone pin
Elephant brooch. Silver and gold tone textured metal
Elephant brooch. Silver and gold tone textured metal
Signature
Signature
Flamingo brooch pin. Silver tone metal, pink enamel
Flamingo brooch pin. Silver tone metal, pink enamel
Flower brooch. Gold tone jewelry alloy, multicolor enamel. 1970s
Flower brooch. Gold tone jewelry alloy, multicolor enamel. 1970s
Galleon Ship brooch pin. Silver and gold tone, enamel
Galleon Ship brooch pin. Silver and gold tone, enamel
Grape cluster pendant brooch of silver and gold tone
Grape cluster pendant brooch of silver and gold tone
Grapes American Flag pin pendant of gold and silver tone
Grapes American Flag pin pendant of gold and silver tone
Halloween pumpkin silver tone brooch pin
Halloween pumpkin silver tone brooch pin
Halloween Scarecrow pin of silver and gold tone
Halloween Scarecrow pin of silver and gold tone
Lighthouse and birds brooch pendant. Silver and gold tone metal
Lighthouse and birds brooch pendant. Silver and gold tone metal
Mother Giraffe with her baby brooch of silver tone
Mother Giraffe with her baby brooch of silver tone
Motorcycle brooch p of gold and silver tone
Motorcycle brooch p of gold and silver tone
Oval shaped decorative ornament earrings of gold and silver tone
Oval shaped decorative ornament earrings of gold and silver tone
Palette and brushes pin pendant of silver and gold tone
Palette and brushes pin pendant of silver and gold tone
Pink tunic brooch. Jewelry alloy, rhinestones, enamel
Pink tunic brooch. Jewelry alloy, rhinestones, enamel
Scarecrow Face enameled pin
Scarecrow Face enameled pin
School House and children brooch pendant
School House and children brooch pendant
Scotch Terrier brooch. Silver tone metal, multicolor rhinestones
Scotch Terrier brooch. Silver tone metal, multicolor rhinestones
Seashell starfish bracelet
Seashell starfish bracelet
Snowman brooch pin. Gold and silver tone metal, enamel
Snowman brooch pin. Gold and silver tone metal, enamel
Strawberry brooch. Enamel, rhinestones. 1990s
Strawberry brooch. Enamel, rhinestones. 1990s
Tiger's head brooch of silver and gold tone
Tiger’s head brooch of silver and gold tone
Treble clef brooch pin. 1990s
Treble clef brooch pin. 1990s
White snowman handpainted enameled brooch. 1980s. 5,7 cm
White snowman handpainted enameled brooch. 1980s. 5,7 cm
Yellow and green plique a jour' enamel brooch with rhinestone
Yellow and green plique a jour’ enamel brooch with rhinestone
Flower gold plated brooch. 5 cm. 1970s
Flower gold plated brooch. 5 cm. 1970s
Signature
Maker’s mark

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