The history of the Rubel jewelry brand began in 1915, when Jean and Robert Rubel opened the Rubel Fréres workshop on at 22 rue Vivienne, next to the legendary Place Vendôme in Paris. In fact, the Rubel brothers were second-generation jewelers, whose father owned a jewelry store in Budapest, Hungary.

Thanks to their exceptional craftsmanship, the Rubel Frères (Rubel Brothers) soon gained an excellent reputation and became partners with Van Cleef & Arpels. The brothers created exquisite jewelry for Van Cleef & Arpels, working in partnership with designer Maurice Duvalet.
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Born in Manhattan, Seaman Schepps worked odd jobs as a child to help support his family. In addition to work and school, he was passionate about art from an early age. Working as a traveling salesman, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and finally, settled in Los Angeles, California.

Seaman Schepps (1881 – 1972) originally commenced the loan business in his name, and in April, 1904, incorporated the business under the State laws of California, trading the Schepps & Harris Jewelry Co. Schepps opened his new store at 621 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California in December 1908, a few days’ before Christmas.
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The history of the Volupté, manufacturer of compact powders, cigarette cases, lighters, and jewelry, began in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1932. Noteworthy, Volupte’s advertising listed 1914 as the beginning of its business. Known for 22 years as Superior Products Corporation, the firm changed its name to Volupte in 1932.

Founded by Russian immigrant Simon Spitalny (1863-1933) and his wife Dora (1868-1939), Superior Products manufactured perfumes, toilet powders, rouge and lip rouge. Located in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Superior Products became a corporation in October 1926, under the management of Frederick Spitalny, the founder’s son.
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The history of the Marvel Jewelry Mfg Co began in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1941. Its founder and president was Arthur Albanese (1904 – 1975). Before founding his own jewelry company, Arthur Albanese had extensive experience in the jewelry business.

Thus, in March 1930, Arthur Albanese was one of the three incorporators of the Paragon Jewelry Co., Inc., Providence, Rhode Island. Soon he became vice-president and treasurer of the firm. Besides, in July 1930 he purchased the firm United Mfg. Co., 11 Bassett St.
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The history of the Nanasi jewelry company began in 1945 and lasted nearly three decades, until 1968. Its founders were Nicholas Nanasi (1903-1985) and Yolanthe Nanasi (1915-2007). Interestingly, her name is spelled differently in different sources, as Yolanda or Yolanthe.

Nicholas headed the company as president, and Yolanthe served as secretary and treasurer. Thomas H. McCaffrey (1895-1950) served as vice president. Registered in West New York, New Jersey, Nanasi manufactured watch bracelets, necklaces, and men’s jewelry—cufflinks, tie clips, pins, and bracelets.
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