
Gold filled circles brooch pendant. 1960s. Signed Vargas vintage costume jewelry
Signed Vargas vintage costume jewelry (1945-1998)
Founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1945, Vargas Manufacturing Corporation (alternatively known as VMC, INC.) ceased to exist in 1998.
Initially, the company specialized in production of children’s jewelry (marked Cradle Craft), but it also manufactured ornamental and costume jewelry for adults. The company manufactured earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces during five decades.
In the 1990s Vargas Manufacturing Corporation merged with CJ International, Inc., alternatively known as Uncas Manufacturing Company, which ceased to exist in 2017.
Creating classic and filigree designs, Vargas jewelers used sterling silver, gold plated metal, sometimes set with good quality rhinestones. The marking traditionally includes V over a geometric diamond, or “Vargas”.
Noteworthy, Vargas jewelry is featured in the 1998 book “Costume Jewelry by Fred Rezazadeh”.

10 K gold and silver floral design ring. 1950s

Maker’s mark
Signed Vargas vintage costume jewelry

Antique sterling silver red rhinestone flower link bracelet

Art Deco shooting star hinge bracelet and earrings. Gold tone mesh, rhinestones. 1960s

Asian Warrior silver tone bracelet

Bamboo ring. 18 K gold plated, faux pearl, jade. 1940s

Cameo gold tone clear rhinestone screw back earrings. 1950s

Double horse head sterling silver brooch pin

Faux opal clear rhinestone marquise screw-back earrings

Filigree floral design cuff bracelet of gold tone

Flower brooch pin. 10K gold filled, rhinestones. 1940s

Flower pendant. 10K gold, glass. 1940s

Leaf design silver tone clear rhinestone screw back earrings. 1950s

Marlin sword fish sterling vermeil rhinestone pin brooch

Mid-century pendant and earrings. Faux opal, clear rhinestones, gold tone

Oval shape rose enamel rhinestone gold tone screw back earrings

Red and clear rhinestone gold tone screw back earrings

Rose flowers screw back earrings. Gold tone, clear rhinestones, guilloche enamel. 1940s

Shooting star hinge bracelet. Silver tone mesh, rhinestones. 1960s

Silver mesh faux diamonds cuff bracelet. 1940s

Starburst gold filled rhinestone paired brooch

Sterling silver bracelet. 1970s

White, black and blue guilloche enamel sterling silver rose rings. 1940-50s

Maker’s mark

Trademark