Frank Tortolani vintage jewellery
Shoulder Brooches “Angel” and “Demon”. Gold tone, rhinestones. Tortolani vintage jewellery
Tortolani vintage jewellery
Jewellery brand “Tortolani” existed in California from 1934 until World War II, and then from 1950 until 1976. Tortolani jewelry was extremely popular due to its exciting design and has a high collection value today.
Frank Tortolani, founder of the dynasty of jewelers, came to America from Italy in 1923. He founded the family business and his children helped him. When he closed his factory, his eldest son, Donald, founded his own jewelry trademarks «Corina» and Crislu. Also, Frank’s grandchildren successfully continued the jewelry business.
Traditionally, Tortolani craftsmen used metal alloys of gold and silver tone, bronze, silver and gold plating. However, his decorations received recognition only in the 50s, after numerous awards for original design and unique method.
He signed a contract with Max Factor in the manufacture of boxes for cosmetics. Now these items are highly collectible. At the same time, he created a nominal jewelry for the celebrities of the time. Thus, among his clients were Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis and many others.
Swan silver plated brooch. 1950s
Maker’s mark
Tortolani vintage jewellery
Bird chick on branch gold tone rhinestone brooch with faux pearls
Bouquet of roses silver tone brooch
Cat brooch of bronze tone
Clown with umbrella silver tone brooch. 1950s
Coral reef gold tone brooch. 1960s
Flower earrings of gold tone
Old tree gold plated brooch. 1960s
Rose bud silver tone clip earrings
Seagull brooch. Silver tone, rhinestones
Silver tone plant brooch
Skeleton key silver tone brooch
Soccer ball playing mouse brooch of gold tone
Two fish with bubbles brooch. Gold tone, rhinestones, faux pearls
Leprechaun elf brooch from Irish folklore, brings good luck in money
Cactus brooch in gold and silver
‘Streetcar’ brooch. Gold tone, faux pearls. 1960
‘Tram’ brooch of gold tone with faux pearls. 1960
Angel shoulder brooch of gold tone with rhinestones, 1960s
Galina Karputina collection. Flower brooch and clip earrings of gold tone, 1950s
Plant tree brooch and clips, gold tone, faux pearls
Flower gold tone faux pearl pendant
1950s floral design brooch
Garden tomato brooch. Gold tone, enamel
Tennis player brooch. 1960s
Donkey brooch. 1964
Flower brooch 1964. Galina Karputina collection
A wild goose silver tone art glass brooch. Galina Karputina collection
A wild swan brooch. Silver tone, rhinestones, glass cabochon. Galina Karputina collection
Grapevine brooch of gold tone
Two wings gold tone brooch
Maker’s mark
