Jewellery Kaleidoscope

Jewelry trademark history

Signed Maxim vintage costume jewelry

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Signed Maxim vintage costume jewelry

Weird Face brooch. 1960s. Gold tone, rhinestones. Book piece featured in Kathy Flood’s Book of Pins & Pendants ‘Vintage Visages’ published 12 May 2012. Signed Maxim vintage costume jewelry

Signed Maxim vintage costume jewelry
Incorporated in the late 1950s, the French jewelry trademark Maxim ceased to exist in the 1970s. High quality and handcrafted, the brand’s pieces showcase the fine work of the designer. These are figurative animal and floral, classic and art deco earrings, brooches, and bracelets. Traditionally made from gold and silver tone alloys, with the use of semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and art glass. The marking consists of the word “Maxim” in stylistic script letters, without a copyright sign.
Noteworthy, among American jewelry brands, there are three Maxim brands. The oldest of them is from 1929, and two brands registered in New York and Florida in 1991. Thanks to the unique markings, it is easy to distinguish them from the eponymous French jewelry brand Maxim.

In the wake of interest in costume jewelry in the 1960s, many French fashion houses expanded their business into runway jewelry and accessories. Having become world famous, these companies received international registration of their jewelry trademarks. Among them are Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Rochas, Celine, Paco Rabanne, Jean Paul Gaultier, Cacharel, Nina Ricci, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Guy Laroche, Lanvin, Chloe, Kenzo, and others. These brands have been successful for several decades and their history is well known.


Bee pin. Gold tone, turquoise emerald green rhinestones

Bee pin. Gold tone, turquoise emerald green rhinestones. 1970s

However, some jewelry manufactories ceased to exist after several years of work, unable to withstand the competition. Information about many of these companies or brands is almost impossible to find today.

Maker's mark

Maker’s mark

Signed Maxim vintage costume jewelry

Blue rhinestone gold tone circle pin. 1980s

Blue rhinestone gold tone circle pin. 1980s

Butterfly brooch. Gold tone, art glass, rhinestones

Butterfly brooch. Gold tone, art glass, rhinestones

Cat brooch. Gold tone, green rhinestone eyes

Cat brooch. Gold tone, green rhinestone eyes

Filigree ornate gold tone pendant

Filigree ornate gold tone pendant

Flower brooch. Gold plated alloy, faux pearls. 5 cm. 1960s

Daisy Flower brooch. Gold plated alloy, faux pearls. 5 cm. 1960s

Maker's mark

Maker’s mark

Flower brooch. Gold plated alloy, glass

Flower brooch. Gold plated alloy, glass

Pearl bangle bracelet of gold tone

Pearl bangle bracelet of gold tone

Pike fish brooch. Textured gold tone, rhinestones. 1960s

Pike fish brooch. Textured gold tone, rhinestones. 1960s

Pineapple brooch. Gold plated, art glass

Pineapple brooch. Gold plated, art glass

Trumpeting Angel vintage brooch. Gold tone, turqoise face, rhinestones

Trumpeting Angel vintage brooch. Gold tone, turquoise face, rhinestones

Maker's mark

Maker’s mark