Vintage Designer Costume Jewellery

Often made with bakelite, base metals, gold plating, faux pearls and glass gems, vintage designer costume jewellery has a unique look and does not appear mass-produced. From big rhinestone brooches of the 1950s, to mod chandelier-like earrings of the 1960s, to slinky gold chains of the 1970s, and the big-time baubles of the 1980s, vintage costume jewellery pieces have taken to the runways. If you’re on the lookout for vintage designer costume jewellery, keep brands such as the names listed below in mind, all available at Vintage Modes.

AVON

Best known for cosmetics, Avon began designing costume jewellery in 1963 as free gifts to go with their perfumes.  Avon started selling jewellery separately in 1965, but until 1970 most pieces were only available with an Avon product. After 1970 the costume jewellery became a separate section in the Avon catalogue, and could be bought on its own.

Vintage silver tone ring stamped Avon with turquoise bead and twisted rope detail, offered by Arabella Bianco

BOUCHER

Marcel Boucher was a French jeweller who emigrated to New York in the 1920s. He studied under Pierre Cartier and in 1937 established his own company. His fine quality brooches often have several layers. When he died in 1965 his wife took over the company.

Vintage gold tone brooch by the French designer Bouche, c1960s, offered by Arabella Bianco

BARTEK

Bartek were an American company that designed for Napier in the late 1930s, before opening their own business around 1953.  Their quality jewellery was mid-century modernist and was inspired by the art deco period.

A selection of jewellery by Bartek, all offered by Arabella Bianco

BUTLER & WILSON

Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson began their jewellery careers selling antique jewellery from London market stalls, and then opened a shop on the Fulham Road in 1972 marketing their own designs. By the 1980's they were selling all over the world. They are still in business today, selling their fine jewellery through the Butler & Wilson shop in South Molton Street, London.

 Butler & Wilson gold tone hand brooch, offered by Unicorn

CARL ART

The Carl Art jewellery company began in Providence, Rhode Island in 1936, and was founded by German immigrant Carl Schraysshuen and American businessman Arthur Loercher. They manufactured fine quality gold, gold-filled, and sterling silver jewellery. After his death in 1953 Carl's half of the company was sold by his wife.

Vintage Carl Art earrings, featuring quality triple rhinestones below two textured leaves, offered by Arabella Bianco

CHRISTIAN DIOR

In 1946 Christian Dior opened 'Maison Dior' in Paris. It was not until 1950 however that Dior began to make costume jewellery to match his clothing collections. Always well made, Dior has been one of the most successful couture companies to this day.

Dior gold tone charm bracelet depicting various Dior perfumes - Dune, Poison, Miss Dior, Dolce Vita and one unmarked, offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

CINER

Ciner was founded in 1892 in New York City by Emanuel Ciner. The company is still in business today and is run by the Ciner family.  Ciner is known for high quality costume jewellery, and pieces have been worn by many celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor.

Vintage golden ball necklace and bracelet by Ciner, offered by Arabella Bianco

MONET

Monet was founded in 1929 by Michael and Jay Chernow in Providence, Rhode Island, and became one of the leading names in costume jewellery design during the 1940's. By the 1980's Monet was producing jewellery for Yves Saint Laurent, and is still a successful company today.

Vintage gilt, red and black bracelet by Monet, offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

NAPIER JEWELRY

Napier jewelry began in 1875 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, U.S.A. as Whitney and Rice and 10 years later became E.A. Bliss Co. In 1922 it changed its name again to The Napier Co. The mark Napier in block has been used since 1922 until its sale in 1980 when items were marked in script. The company was bought by Victoria & Co. but closed down on 15 October 1999.

Vintage Napier gold plated and faux pearl pendant necklace, offered by Arabella Bianco

PANETTA

Beneditto Panetta emigrated from Naples, Italy in 1901 and after working for Trifari and Pennino set up his own company in New York in 1945. He made replicas of fine jewellery and the slogan of the company was 'if it didn't look 'real', it went back to the drawing board'. Jewellery was produced using the finest quality materials and limited production runs and was therefore always expensive. The company was sold in the 1980's and closed in 1995.

1950S Vintage faux pearl earrings by Panetta, offered by Arabella Bianco

PENNINO

Frank Pennino was another Italian who emigrated from Italy to found his own New York company in 1926. He was a master craftsman and used the finest quality rhinestones and crystals mounted in gold plate or sterling silver. Each piece was an exquisite imitation of the real thing. Pennino ceased trading in 1966, at which time all the jewellery moulds were destroyed.

Vintage Pennino Necklace and Earrings set, offered by Arabella Bianco

SARAH COVENTRY

In 1949 Charles H. Stuart began a jewellery company which he named after his granddaughter Sarah Coventry. He began selling through home parties which lasted until 1984 when the company was sold. Sarah Coventry jewellery was not designed or manufactured in-house, it was made by other companies in Rhode Island.

Vintage Aurora Borealis and Amber Glass Ring by Sarah Coventry, offered by Arabella Bianco

TRIFARI
Trifari was another talented jeweller who was born in Naples but emigrated to New York in 1902. Gustavo Trifari began his own business in 1918 when he met Leo Kraussman. They were joined by Carl Fishel, in 1925. In 1975 the company was bought by Hallmark, and since then has been taken over by several companies. In 2000 production was finally moved overseas which brought an end to high quality signed Trifari jewellery.

Vintage faux coral & pearl bracelet & earrings set, offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

WEISS

Albert Weiss, a native New Yorker, began the company in 1942, and before closing their doors in 1971, produced some of the most beautiful and quality jewellery of the time. Although not as large as some of the other jewellery companies, the craftmanship was exceptionally high.

Vintage diamante clip-on earrings by Weiss, offered by Arabella Bianco

Thank you Arabella Bianco for the list of designers!

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk