Founded in the 19th century in Italy, Esposito was among the well known Italo-American manufacturers of Italian extraction who contributed to the US jewelry industry. The founder of the Esposito Jewelry company in Providence, R. I., was Alfredo Esposito, Sr. (1888 – 1951). He had been general manager of the company since its organization in 1909.

Born in Naples, Italy, Alfredo Esposito had resided in Providence 42 years. His family moved the company from Italy to 225 Dupont Dr #1 Providence, RI, in 1909. During the Great Depression of 1920-30s the company not only survived, but expanded production.

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Before founding his jewelry company Marcel Boucher et Cie, 347 Fifth Avenue, New York 16, N. Y. in 1937, Boucher had worked for the leading jewelry firms in Paris and New York. Marcel Boucher (1899–1965) began his career at the famous Cartier jewelry house in Paris. In 1922, he was transferred to the New York office of the Cartier firm as a designer.

From 1930 to 1937 he collaborated with the Mazer company, for which he created buckles and costume jewelry, in which he saw many possibilities. Therefore, in 1937, Boucher decided to start his own business. During World War II, Boucher temporarily moved production to Mexico, where silver was abundant.
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Before starting his own jewelry company, Albert W. Adler (1908-1994) had quite a bit of experience in the jewelry business. At a very young age, he worked as a sales agent for the A. Lopatin jewelry firm, 722 Sansom St., Philadelphia. From 1926 to 1930, he was a sales representative for Jentleson & Kaplan, wholesale jewelers, 40 John St., Philadelphia.

Then, for 6 years, he also sold jewelry as a traveling agent for Baskin Bros., jewelry manufacturers, 33 W. 60th St. From 1937, he worked for Heller Co. for 7 years. Finally, having accumulated the necessary capital and experience, he opened his own company, Admark, registered in 1945 at 714 Sansom St, Philadelphia.
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The history of Rice-Weiner & Co began in 1924 and is closely intertwined with the New England Glass Works company. Founded by Isaac L Rice (1855-1940) in 1911, The New England Glass Works was originally located at 12 Beverly Street, Providence, Rhode Island.

In 1916 the firm moved to 110 W. Exchange Street, and in 1917 to 150 Chestnut St. The same year brothers Albert Weiner and Alexander Weiner became partners of Isaac Rice. Their firm manufactured a line of imitation pearls and stones.
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Founded on February 1, 1928, by Paul Kaufman in partnership with 20-year-old Jack Ruderman, Kaufman & Ruderman was located right in the heart of Manhattan’s jewelry district. The firm operated under the Karu and Karu-Arke brands, based on the first two letters of the founders’ last names, Paul (Peter) Kaufman (1891 – 1966) and Jack Ruderman (1908-2013).

The company produced earrings, rings, tie clips, bracelets, brooches, pendants, necklaces, strings of beads and pearls. Karu jewelry gained popularity, being sold in major stores in the United States and appearing in fashion magazines.
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English-born Harry W Iskin (1886-1968) came to the United States in 1907 and settled at 22 Christian Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to his job advertisement in the Jewelers’ Circular on March 25, 1908, young Harry Iskin already had experience in the jewelry business. Specifically, he was a designer, engraver, and had skills in gilding and stone setting.

Harry married Pennsylvania native Leah G. in 1911, and they had two daughters, Evelyn and Pauline. After working for some time in jewelry workshops he founded his company Iskin & Magee in 1913 in partnership with a local jeweler. The company was located at 114 South 8th Street, Philadelphia. Noteworthy, it was 1913 that Harry Iskin indicated for the next forty years as the founding date of his company.
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New York based designer Battani began making costume jewelry pieces for the House of Treasures in 1944. Headed by S. Friedman, The House of Treasures was located at 114 East 32nd Street, New York 16, N. Y. The firm advertised Battani’s creations through fashion magazines and the Jeweler’s Circular from 1944 to 1947.

The “Ocean Treasures” motif dominated this firm’s production which included chatelaines, spray and scatter pins, earrings, barrettes, bracelets, and necklaces. In addition to jewelry Battani created cigarette cases and compacts with tops of mother-of-pearl. Noteworthy, one versatile piece, such as chatelaine or parure, could be used in eight different ways to accent the dress.
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