Vintage jewelry Signed Karatclad by Bell
The history of the Bell Trading Post (alternate name Bell Trading Company) began in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1932 and lasted for three decades. Its founder, Jack Michelson, named the company after his wife Mildred, whose maiden name was Bell. During the Great Depression and the WWII the US government strictly regulated the use of gold by individuals and companies. It was at this time that Bell Trading began manufacturing jewelry and novelty items from sterling silver, copper, and natural stones, primarily turquoise and jade.
During the post-war period, the company launched the Karatclad by Bell jewelry trademark on manufacture of gold jewelry. The filigree design with swirls, bows, delicate flowers, leaves and naturalistic motifs reflects the traditional jewelry fashion of the 1950s and 60s. The company marked their pieces with the obligatory graphic logo of a bell suspended from a post, “Karatclad” and “By Bell”. Karatclad by Bell trademark ceased to exist in 1960.
Jack Michelson, the president of Bell Trading Company died in 1957, and his company became part of the New Mexico Corporation Sunbell (in business 1960-2001). Having stood the test of time, high-quality gold jewelry with the Bell trademark is quite rare and highly collectible.
Vintage jewelry Signed Karatclad by Bell (1948-1960)
