The history of the iconic jewelry brand Kramer began in 1940 and lasted for about four decades.
A family of jewelers of Jewish origin, Max Kramer, his wife Sarah Kramer and their four children moved from Poland to the United States in 1935. Their children – eldest daughter Helen, 19-year-old Louis, 18-year-old Morris, and 13-year-old Harry settled at 124 Cannon Street in New York.

A hereditary jeweler, 24-year-old Louis Kramer began producing costume jewelry in a small workshop, and already in 1940 founded his own company for the production of costume jewelry. Louis Kramer was president, Morris vice president, and their younger brother Harry, joined them later as secretary-treasurer.
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The history of Alice Jewelry Co., of Valley Street, Providence began in 1948 and lasted just over two decades. Alice was a family business founded and owned by Julian Lou Jaron (1921 – 1974) as president, and his wife Jennie P. Jaron as vice-president.

According to records, Julian Jaron came to the United States with his parents Michael Jaron and Michalina Kostorowski from Italy in 1936. While still a teenager, Jaron began working as an apprentice in the Cranston jewelry workshops.

In 1954 Paul G. Everson, previous vice-president of Taunton Pearl Works, joined Alice Jewelry Co as vice-president and general manager. He expanded production facilities and enlarged the product line. Thus, they included a higher-priced selection of tailored earrings. Moreover, Alice manufacturers began using precious metals and semi-precious stones like tourmalines, synthetic rubies, cultured pearls, and agate.
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The history of the Star costume jewelry trademark began in July 1946 in Texas and spanned nearly four decades. Jewelry production ceased in 1984. Located at 402 Pierce Houston, TX, Star Jewelry Co., Inc was a family business headed by Myron Irving Sandler (22 October 1922 – 8 November 1984).

The distinctive feature of Star jewelry pieces is the use of thermoplastic, along with art glass, rhinestones and enamel. The design of the ornaments includes floral motifs with filigree elements. Initially, the marking included the word Star in capital letters and without the copyright sign, since the copyright symbol on jewelry only appeared in 1955.

Noteworthy, there is also incorrect information on the Internet about the origin of the Star brand. For instance, that Star is the same trademark as Staret of Star Novelty Company of Chicago, etc. However, there are no facts confirming this.
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Incorporated on November 14, 1918 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, H. Weinreich Co., Inc. was a prominent jewelry manufacturer for half a century. Its founder was Harry Weinreich (1870-1944), one of the pioneers in the costume jewelry field. The company had branches, offices and show rooms in New York, Kansas City, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, and other major cities.

Harry Weinreich married Rebecca Weinreich (born Wunderlich, Pennsylvania, 1874 – 1945) in 1899. They had 5 children: Irvin, Philip, and 3 other children. Harry Weinreich was active in the firm until the age of 74. He founded Winey Creations jewelry brand in 1936 and it became an alternative name for the H. Weinreich Co.
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