Born in Italy Ralph A Polcini (1888 – 1954) came to the USA in 1907. He founded the Leading Jewelry Mfg Co, 366 Fifth Avenue, New York, in 1911. On his return from service in the Army in World War I he added real estate to his interests.

Incorporated in March 1921, with the capital of $20,000, The Polcini Mfg Corp., began the jewelry business in the Bronx, according to a charter of incorporation filed at Albany, N. Y. The incorporators were H. Cohen, P. A. Riche and Ralph Polcini, 328 E. 150th St.
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The history of the Rhythm Jewelry Company, 405 Broome street, New York 13, NY, a manufacturer of gold and silver jewelry, began in 1946. Its founders were Brooklyn-based couple Max Rahthus (1893 – 1973) and his wife, Dorothy Rahthus (1896 – 1978).

Before founding Rhythm Jewelry Company, Max Rahthus owned Eastern Radio Mfg Co, 65 West Broadway, a manufacturer of radio accessories. An engineer by training, Max Rahthus was the author of several inventions in jewelry design, patents for which he received between 1947 and 1951.
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The history of the renowned jewelry firm Marchal Jewelers Inc, 745 Fifth Avenue, New York City, began in 1943 and spanned exactly five decades. The company’s founder and president was Charles Fleishman (1903 – 1984). His partners were Lou Brenner, Edgar M. Segal (1907 – 1976), and Gerald Goldwyn.

Edgar Segal made a career from manager, executive vice president and later president of Marchal Jewelers. Gerald Godwin, a significant figure, designer and winner of several prestigious jewelry awards and president until 1976. Lou Brenner was advertising manager who promoted the company brilliantly.
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The history of the De Nicola costume jewelry brand began in New York City in February 1956. Its founder was New York-born businessman Jerry De Nicola (1902 – 1968). It’s important to note that before founding his own company, Jerry De Nicola had extensive experience in the retail and jewelry business.

Thus, in 1950 Jerry De Nicola was president of the National Handbag and Accessories Salesmen’s Association, now defunct but once a highly respected association. In 1951 he joined Kramer Jewelry Co and worked there as the general sales manager. In fact, Jerry De Nicola worked as the general sales manager for two jewelry firms. The second company was Ledo Jewelry Co.
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The history of the silver jewelry trademark Contessina founded by Towle Manufacturing Company began in 1965. It was the year the American historical drama “The Agony and the Ecstasy” was released. Beautiful Australian actress Diane Cilento played Contessina in the film.

It was she who first appeared in the Towle Silversmiths’ 1965 advertisements for fashion magazines such as Vogue, Mademoiselle, House and Gardens, The New Yorker, etc. Inspired by the beautiful young countess who captured Michelangelo’s heart, romantic new patterns in sterling silver appeared in a full line of jewelry.
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