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 broochSignature
Signed Best vintage costume jewelry
Double leaf brooch. Silver tone textured metal. 6.5 cm. 1960sPuppets in a basket gold and silver tone brooch. 4.5 cm. 1980s1984-1985 catalogAngel brooch pin. Silver tone metal, rhinestonesBible story Christmas broochChristmas present box tied with bow brooch. Silver and gold tone metal, enamelX-mas Tree pin of silver and gold toneDaisy flower stud earrings of gold and silver toneEaster Basket Silver Tone pinElephant brooch. Silver and gold tone textured metalSignatureFlamingo brooch pin. Silver tone metal, pink enamelFlower brooch. Gold tone jewelry alloy, multicolor enamel. 1970sGalleon Ship brooch pin. Silver and gold tone, enamelGrape cluster pendant brooch of silver and gold toneGrapes American Flag pin pendant of gold and silver toneHalloween pumpkin silver tone brooch pinHalloween Scarecrow pin of silver and gold toneLighthouse and birds brooch pendant. Silver and gold tone metalMother Giraffe with her baby brooch of silver toneMotorcycle brooch p of gold and silver toneOval shaped decorative ornament earrings of gold and silver tonePalette and brushes pin pendant of silver and gold tonePink tunic brooch. Jewelry alloy, rhinestones, enamelScarecrow Face enameled pinSchool House and children brooch pendantScotch Terrier brooch. Silver tone metal, multicolor rhinestonesSeashell starfish braceletSnowman brooch pin. Gold and silver tone metal, enamelStrawberry brooch. Enamel, rhinestones. 1990sTiger’s head brooch of silver and gold toneTreble clef brooch pin. 1990sWhite snowman handpainted enameled brooch. 1980s. 5,7 cmYellow and green plique a jour’ enamel brooch with rhinestoneFlower gold plated brooch. 5 cm. 1970sMaker’s mark