Signed Breakell vintage costume jewelry

15.10.2020

68 1 minute read

Signed Breakell vintage costume jewelry
The history of jewelry company J. H. Breakell & Co began in Newport, Rhode Island in 1972. It is a family business of silversmith James and his wife Joan Breakell. Joan had to take on the role of jewelry designer, since James got vision problems. Her work, in particular, includes all stages from the idea and the original drawing to the creation of a a 3D wax model of the future jewelry piece. Traditionally, the craftsmen of this company use sterling silver and 14K gold. According to Joan, nature and environment where they live is the main inspiration for them.
Forged, hammered and polished by hand, each piece is marked “Breakell”, “Breakell sterling” or Aries astrological sign (used by James in his early works). Based on centuries old technique of the silversmith, their jewelry decorations, especially those created in 1970-90s are highly collectible. Noteworthy, the company, which has been successfully operating for almost five decades, is still active today.