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M & M DESIGNS, MARK MERCY: 1993 - Present
Mark Mercy founded his own company, M & M Designs 1n 1993 after having worked for Stanley Hagler. The jewelry produced contains delicate filigree backing using antique and modern glass, mother of pearl, and Limoges porcelain. Mark" Stanley Hagler N,Y.C.". Mark: "Stanley Hagler N.Y.C." on name tag. Note: Common Law Trademark entitles Ian St. Geilar and Mark Mercy or both to use the Stanley Hagler N.Y.C. tag legally even today. The company is still in business today.
MAJORICA PEARLS: 1899 - Present
MAMSELLE (B. B. GREENBERG CO.): 1962 - 1987
MARBOUX: SEE BOUCHER, MARCEL
MARILYN WELLER: Unknown Date to Present
MARVELLA: 1911 - Present
The Weinrich Bros. Co. was founded by Sol Weinrich about 1911 in Philadelphia, PA specializing in imitation jewelry and simulated pearl jewelry under the name Marvella. Marvella Pearls, Inc. was the name chosen about 1950 and, around 1965, the name was changed to Marvella, Inc. Before World War II, the jewelry consisted primarily of gold plated metal topped with enamel, simulated pearls and plain and faceted beads using brilliant faceted crystal beads with rhinestone roundels as spacers. The beads, called aurora borealis, were of the highest quality with spectacular change of colors. The Marvella jewelry produced used many trademarks. Marks: "Marvella" in script on pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, and pearl bracelets, since Jan. 1911, "Marvella MINERVA QUALITY" for pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and pearl brooches and other pearl jewelry with stones since Jan. 1939, "Marvella SIMULATED PEARLS, They’re Nature Dipped" since Jan. 1941, "Marvella Replica of INDIAN OCEAN PEARLS" since 1941, "MARVELLISSIMO" for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, clips, brooches, lockets, finger rings, charm bracelets, and charms since Jan. 1948, "Marvella Pearl Nuggets" since 1948, "Marvella Fabulous" in script since Jan. 1949, "Marvella SNUG-FLEX" since April 1950, "Natura" in script since May 1954, "Natura "95" in script since June 1954, "MARVELLA with a copyright symbol" after 1955, "MATURELLE" for simulated pearls since June 1957, "MARVELLIER" since Jan. 1958, and "MARVELLETTE" since Sept. 1958 "MARVELLESQUE" since June 1958, FRESHURA" since Dec. 1958, "MARVELLESCENCE" on necklaces, brooches, earrings etc. as well as beads, pins and jewelry initials made of or plated with precious metal since June 1963. Marvella Inc. was purchased by the Monet Group in 1981, by Crystal Brands Jewelry Group in 1988 and is now owned by Liz Clairborne Inc. as of 2000 with production moved out of the U.S.A.
MAZER: 1917 - 1951 AND JOMAZ; 1946 - 1970s
The Mazer Brothers, Joseph and Louis, began their jewelry business in Philadelphia, PA in 1917 and moved the jewelry establishment to NYC in 1927. Later, the company changed its name to Joseph Mazer and Company, Inc. Marcel Boucher worked as a designer for the company but left in the mid 1930s to form his own company. The Mazer company experimented with different techniques to create metal alloys. It manufactured high quality jewelry using Swarovski rhinestones and crystals and the jewelry sold in the middle price range of costume jewelry. It is avidly sought after by collectors today. In 1946. Joseph Mazer left the company to form Joseph J. Mazer and Co. (better known as JOMAZ). Louis Mazer remained with the original company until 1951, the last year the jewelry was made there. The early 1950s jewelry was designed by Andre Fleurida. Adolfo designed some of the 1970s pieces for the company. The earlier jewelry is marked "MAZER BROS.", " Mystere" in script for earrings and brooched since July 1949, while the later pieces are marked "MAZER" 1946 to 1981 or "JOMAZ" 1946 to 1981 and "JOSEPH MAZER". The jewelry produced contains beautiful craftsmanship with spectacular use of Swarovski rhinestones that can be mistaken for genuine jewelry. Other designer using the Mazor trademark carrying their signature were Thierry Mugler 1978, Adolpho 1970s, and Sandra Miller. The jewelry pieces by Mazor are of high quality with superior stones and designs and are highly sought after by collectors. The companies made costume jewelry up to the 1970s.
MIRACLE: 1946 - Present
The A. Hill & Company (Birmingham) Ltd. In England began producing Miracle
jewelry in 1946. The jewelry produced has the medieval look that is antique
inspired from Celtic, Irish, and Scottish styles including many different
English historical styles for Anglo- Saxon, Viking and Baroque. The jewelry
design pieces are made with antique pewter, silver and gold base metals with
faceted or embedded colorful imitation gemstones of agate, quartz, topaz etc.
and semi-precious stones and rhinestones. Many pieces of Miracle jewelry are
metal detailed on the back side which is appreciated by collectors today.
Mark or stamped to name a few of the Miracle marks: “A Miracle Creation”
hallmark in a small cartouche in the 1950s, “Miracle” in 1960s-1980s, “ Miracle
with or without a number, or with or without an R for copyright date“, “Miracle
Anglo-Saxon”, Miracle Viking”, and “Celtic Jewelry + (in Irish Gaelic)”.
The factory in Shenzhen, China produces 2,000 pieces of Miracle jewelry monthly
and have indicated that good quality is ensured with its skilled workforce. The
company sells 80% of its market here in the U.S.A. with exports to the Middle
East and has expanded its clientele through exhibiting its jewelry in Hong Kong.
Miracle jewelry celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1996 and has been the leading
designer of Celtic, Irish and Scottish style jewelry in the world with their
designs initiated from historic pieces and library accumulations over the years.
Miracle jewelry is considered in the range of medium to high-end priced, cost
wise, with diamonds in 18K white gold from their classic and elegant to trendy
styles. Using the antique pewter, gold and silver base metals each piece of
jewelry is highlighted by the embedded imitation agate, quartz etc. stones,
along with rhinestones, gemstones, and semi precious stones. Miracle jewelry is
still being produced today in 2007.
NOLAN MILLER: 1957-Present
Mimi di N (N stands for last name Niscemi) was born in Sicily and started working for a jewelry manufacturer who produced Schiaparelli jewelry, and for Arnold Scassi in the 1950s as a designer with jewelry marked "Jewelry by Scassi". In 1959, she worked for Robert De Mario, then Brania with jewelry marked "Brania/Mimi di N". Mimi di N opened her own shop in 1960. Her jewelry was dramatic, bold and elaborate, some with byzantine style using gold and silver plating, enamel, rhinestones, glass cabochons, and simulated pearls. Mark: Mimi di N". She also designed and sold belt buckles. Mimi has retired and no longer designs jewelry. Her jewelry is highly collectible.
MIRIAM HASKELL: 1926 - Present
Miriam Haskell, a jewelry designer, opened her own store in New York City in 1926. She produced costume jewelry of elegant artistic ability, ornate and beautiful designs using faux pearls, rhinestones, turquoise, shells, Bakelite and coral that were hand wired in brass and copper to create unique designs of flowers, animals and other organic materials. Miriam Haskell jewelry has been know through the years for its high quality workmanship, designs, and materials. The jewelry pieces were handmade and handset using goldtone metal, an antique Russian gold metal finish developed by Haskell and Frank Hess. Miriam purchased her beads from France and Italy with her crystals imported from Bohemia. During WWII, Haskell used alternative materials including plastics for patriotic designs. After the war, the designs became more vibrant, colorful and feminine looking, more elaborate, larger pieces and multi bead strands with pearls imported from Japan. Frank Hess worked for
Robert" early 1940s, "Haskell designing jewelry although, Haskell in her lifetime, supervised the production of all the jewelry pieces. The 1950s brought Haskell jewelry with incredibility elaborate designs using stones, pearls and beads and filigree in new and exciting ways. The business was purchased in 1954 by Morris Kinsler. In 1984, Sanford Moss became owner but the business was sold again in 1990 to Frank Fialkoff, who is still producing today, the Miriam Haskell jewelry of traditionally the same quality and originality that bears the Miriam Haskell name. No jewelry was marked between 1926 and 1947. The company used many marks to identify their jewelry. Mark: "Miriam Haskell" in metal on the clasp, the hook, in a crescent shaped cartouche or oval stamp.MONET: 1928 - Present (Now Owned by Liz Claiborne Since 2000)
The Monocraft Products Company was founded in Providence, RI in 1928 by two brothers, Michael and Jay Chernow. The company first produced gold plated monograms on handbags. The business expanded and around 1937 began manufacturing jewelry under the name of Monet. Monet jewelry is of the Art Modern design. In the 1940s, the company started using sterling silver and silver plating along with the gold plated previously used as base metal. The jewelry produced is very durable with lasting quality. Monet was also responsible for several technological advancements in jewelry, the friction ear clip and the barrel clutch for pierced earrings. The Monocraft Products Company, that produced Monet jewelry, was acquired by General Mills in 1968, purchased by Crystal Brands Jewelry Group in 1989 to 1994, acquired in 1994 to 2000 by Chase Capital Partners, Lattice Holding, and in 2000 was purchased by Liz Claiborne Inc. with production of the jewelry moved out of the U.S. Mark: "MONET", "MONET with copyright symbol" after 1955. Monet jewelry has been in production for more than 75 years and has successfully adapted to the constant changing images and designs of our changing times. The Monet jewelry made today still maintains its high quality and quantity of production. It is still able to change styles and designs capable of meeting the competitive market of today in costume jewelry.
MONOCRAFT: 1927 - 1937
The Monocraft Products Company, NY was founded in Providence, RI in 1927 by two brothers, Michael and Jay Chernow. The company specialized in gold plated, silver plated and brass plated monograms and initials on handbags starting in 1927 with the items marked: "Monocraft". The company started manufacturing and producing costume jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, broaches, earrings, and ornamental clips under the name Monet around 1929 but this jewelry was not marked "Monet" until 1937. See Monet for additional information.
MOSELL: 1940 - 1980
N.W JEWELS: June 2000 - Present
Nathen (Nate) Waxman reestablished some of the Swoboda jewelry lines in Los Angeles, CA, on an internet website in June 2000, under the name of N.W. Jewels. He is producing the unique and exclusive designs of both originals and a limited quantity of re-issues plus his own new designs. The company, Swoboda, Inc., was originally founded by Edward Swoboda in Los Angeles, CA in 1956. N.W. Jewels offers jewelry that is unique and exclusive that emphasizes natural gemstones set in heavy gold plated metal with an antique finish. The company is famous for its broaches for it is said they do not tarnish, and last indefinitely. The company has most recently introduced the use of precious gems to include ruby, emerald, and sapphire in their designs. Categories of jewelry now being produced include rare Swoboda, floral, crown, critter, Christmas, and precious gem broaches, necklaces, earrings, crosses and pendants. Their value and their rich look will please the purchasers of the N.W. Jewels jewelry.
NADJA BUCKLEY: 1940 - 1979
Little is known about Nadja Buckley who was a renowned 1940s designer of
supremely elegant, fabulous and massive jewelry that was sold in the finest
department stores (Macy’s to name one) and upscale jewelry stores. The costume
jewelry pieces, maintaining a tradition of outstanding design and craftsmanship,
were made in gold-washed silver metal with many containing semi-precious stones
and some contained pieces of cubic zircons. Even her rings were massive and
fabulous in appearance. Her jewelry had the look of or could be mistaken for
real fine jewelry.
Nadja Buckley designed jewelry for Georg Jensen in 1948, the greatest design
company of the 20th century, producing necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings
and rings in sterling silver metal. Her jewelry pieces had the overall look of
opulent (very wealthy or rich) and showy (of striking or attractive appearance)
content and it was advertised in Vogue and Glamour magazines introducing her
jewelry designs in 1948 up through 1979. A 1945 issue of Harper‘s Bazaar
featured a Nadja Buckley silver compact studded with zircons that was selling
for $900 at Bonwit Teller, a one time outstanding 5th Avenue retailer with
stores throughout the U.S. A., that imported designer clothes and accessories
from Europe, and in 2000 declared bankruptcy. In 1945, the $900 price, at that
time in history, was a large portion of the average working person’s salary for
the year. Mark: “Nadja Buckley 925”, “Georg Jensen (in oval) 925S, #assigned to
designer, and may include Denmark”.
Nadja Buckley’s jewelry pieces are very rare and exceedingly hard to find. They
are sought after by collectors and highly priced because of their excellent
design quality and workmanship along with Buckley’s association, for a time,
with Georg Jensen. Mark: “Nadja Buckley”, “Georg Jensen (in oval) 925S and
designer’s #and some labeled Denmark”. Nadja Buckley’s ceased jewelry operation
in 1979.
NAPIER: 1875 - 1999
As a small child, Austrian born Nettie Rosenstein (originally Nettie Rosencrans) emigrated to the United States with her family as a small child. She and her sister started a millinery business in New York, in the early 1920s, devoted to women’s clothing and apparel. She retired from the fashion world in the late 1920s. She returned to the fashion industry, the 7th Avenue House of Couture in 1932 designing new women’s fashions and accessories including jewelry, lingerie, perfume, body soap, and handbags. In 1961, Nettie discontinued her fashion line, keeping only the costume jewelry, perfume, and handbag branches of the business. Rosenstein’s jewelry, with its high quality pave diamante rhinestones, poured and glass color stones, and strong imaginative designs, using sterling sliver in 1942 to 1946 and gold plated and rhodium metals and enamel designs that were produced between the 1930s and 1940s that are highly collectible. Mark: "Nettie Rosenstein" and "Sterling Nettie Rosenstein", name in script. Her shop was closed in 1975 and she lived until the age of 90 dying in 1990. A limited amount of Nettie Rosenstein jewelry is still available and sought after today.
NEIMAN MARCUS: 1907 - Present
The Neiman Marcus Company was founded in Dallas, TX by Herbert Marcus, Carrie Marcus Neiman and her husband Al Neiman in 1907 purchasing and selling under their company’s name and the company also began acquiring majority interests in brand-name items, under designers names, an expertly edited assortment of jewelry including rings, bracelets, charms, pins, earrings, necklaces along with tabletop collections and decorative items. In the beginning designer’s jewelry included Coco Chanel and Miuccia Prada . Herbert’s son Stanley Marcus joined the firm in the 1920s. Mark: "Neiman Marcus, date" in script, and also jewelry designer marks. The Neiman Marcus stores are still in business today selling their own new lines plus named designers jewelry.
NINA RICCI: 1932 - Present
France in 1932 producing extraordinary designs for women. Their Paris,
France head office incorporated eleven floors of offices with 450 workers
before WWII with designs studios and workrooms, boutiques, salons, and several
showrooms whose operations developed to cover ready-to-wear, leather goods,
and fashion accessories - scarves, glasses and jewelry. Other offices were
found in Japan and Singapore along with Boutiques and stores found worldwide.
Nina Ricci’s name was used on the costume and precious jewelry designs made
into necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches, earrings and rings in Sept.
1960. Nina Ricci died in 1970.
In 1984, D’Orlan Jewelers Ltd. of Toronto, Canada formed a partnership with
the Nina Ricci Enterprises of Paris, France (known throughout the world in the
fashion industry for French designs and French luxury goods including
perfumes). This partnership occurred due to the impression made by Maurice J.
Bradden, D’Orlan’s founder in 1957 because of the classic designs of high
quality and the ability to develop high fashion jewelry lines that
complemented the Nina Ricci image. Together the companies developed a high
standard plating process that highly regarded to include a 22 karat
triple-plated finish over a pewter base metal that ensures a consistency of
color. This process has been incorporated into the Nina Ricci jewelry lines.
The D’Orlan and Nina Ricci’s costume and precious jewelry has been sold
throughout the world in Nina Ricci Stores, in high-end department stores and
boutiques. The jewelry produced by D’Orlan for Nina Ricci since 1984 had the
look of newness. The workmanship and details on the jewelry being produced by
D’Orlan is of very high quality. All D’Orlan stones are machine cut from the
Swarovski Austriann lead crystals (rhinestones) and precious stones that are
multi-faceted and set by hand, in gold or silver, gold-tone or silver-tone
metals or a 22 karat triple-plated finish over a pewter base metal, in
settings of pave, prong, bezel or channel depending on the jewelry style of
rhinestones or precious stones and metal content used. The designer mark is
Nina Ricci/Paris. Robert Ricci died in 1988 and the company was taken over by
Nina’s son-in-law Gilles Fuchs.
Creed Canada, an exclusive Canadian distributor for many years purchased all
remaining D’Orlan and Nina Ricci jewelry produced before the manufacturer,
D’Orlan Company, closed its doors in March of 2006. It sells some of the
D’Orlan and Nina Ricci Fashion Jewelry, necklaces, earrings, brooches,
bracelets, D’Orlan box sets and pendants on its website along with other name
brands including Rachel, La Scala, Beaded Jewelry, Religious Jewelry, Chains,
La Manufacture Watches, and Fontenay Watches. See the
Website: creedcanada.com
The Nina Ricci Company is still in business today producing many fine luxury
items, women‘s ready-to-wear clothing and accessories including handbags and
shoes, watches and jewelry set with pearls, diamonds, rhinestones and precious
stone made into necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooches, rings and earrings ,
men’s shops apparel, home décor items, perfumes and fragrances, and sunglasses
with the Nina Ricci trademark stamp.
ORA: 1921 - Present
The Oreste Agnini Company, Chicago, IL was founded in 1921 by Oreste Agnini.
He emigrated to the U.S. from Italy in 1903. The company acquired the
trademark ORA in the late 1940‘s, a name that was a combination of the
company’s co-founders (OReste Agnini and Ralph Singer). The company was the
first jewelry manufacturing operation in the city of Chicago. Agnini had
displayed his artistic talents early in life that lead to the designing of
jewelry. His drawing skills became apparent during WW I sketching observations
while behind enemy lines. Ralph Singer, another emigrant from Italy, joined
Agnini in the jewelry manufacturing business, soon after the company’s
founding, changing the name to Agnini & Singer with Singer, not only handling
the factory operations, but also doing much of the jewelry designing. Singer
had previously been a diamond setter in the U.S. All the stones used in the
production of their jewelry were of the highest quality made in Czechoslovakia
and purchased in Rhode Island. The company manufactured beautiful and very
fine quality costume jewelry. The company supplied much of the jewelry (pins
and broaches) for the Eisenberg dresses and clothing before the formation of
the Eisenberg Jewelry Company. Agnini & Singer were also responsible for
jewelry that was featured in the 1939 Chicago World's Fair symbol, as well as
the crowns for the Mardi Gras queens.
Early pieces of ORA jewelry were not marked, probably those produced in the
1920s, 1930s,and 1940s, and probably many of the high quality, unsigned pieces
displayed the delicate, Old World workmanship admired today were early
examples of Oreste Agnini's work. Eventually the business was known as ORA
Designs. Mark: “ORA” began appearing in the 1940s. Other marks: ORA
CREATIONS”, and “ORA ORIGINALS”. In 1952, Oreste Agnini retired and sold his
half of the business to Ralph Singer who named the business “The Ralph Singer
Company“. Ralph Singer died in 1963. After Singer’s death, his son-in-law,
Raymond Pausback, ran the business, becoming a partner with Ralph Singer’s
widow, Celeste, and eventually buying out her half of the business. Pausback
sold the business in the 1980’s to Sanford Smith Sr. When the latter died, his
son Stanford Smith Jr. became owner of the Ralph Singer Company and continues
in that capacity up to this date in 2005. Stanford Smith II is still producing
ORA jewelry today along with a product fashion line and fraternal jewelry. The
ORA jewelry is now marked “ORA”.
Vintage Costume Jewelry Makers And Designers
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