Established in 1946 in Providence, Rhode Island, M. & S. Jewelry Mfg Co manufactured sterling and gold filled costume jewelry for a decade. The founder and president of the company was Anthony F. Scitarelli, while William A. Mancini was its head designer. The company’s jewelry has been popular since the beginning, thanks to the quality of the materials, exquisite design and even packaging.

Since 1946, M&S gold jewellery came in a paper box, which, as it soon became clear, left much to be desired in terms of appearance. It took several months to design new packaging, which Scitarelli introduced in 1947. At the same time, the M&S launched the Phyllis jewellery line.

Farrington’s craftsmen, together with M&S President A.F. Scitarelli and sales manager M.R. Parillo, developed a metal box with a snap-lock hinge and removable lining. The lovely Phyllis gift package, so unusual and rich looking, added more beauty and sales appeal to Phyllis jewelry.

In November 1948, M & S Jewelry Mfg. Co., maker of Phyllis Originals jewelry, moved from 585 North Broadway East Providence to its own building at 536 Atwells Ave, Providence. The new building provided the necessary space for more than 100 additional employees. Consequently, it allowed the company to more than double its production volume.

Phyllis Jewelry

According to the 1950s ads, everything about Phyllis Jewelry was truly beautiful, out of the ordinary, and expensive looking. Made both in sterling and 1/20th 12 K gold filled, pins, brooches, pin and ear ring sets, and necklace and ear ring sets attract with new designs.

M & S exhibited its Scitarelli, Phyllis and Phyllis Originals jewelry during the five-day event of the annual American National Retail Jewelers Association. Scitarelli jewelry was widely advertised in fashion magazines in 1948-1954. Also, each week, in all parts of the nation, millions of people saw and heard about Phyllis Jewelry as publicized on top-rated radio shows like “Grand Slam”, “Welcome Traveler,’’ and “Carnation”.

Incorporated in 1950 as Phyllis Originals, Inc., the company launched Scitarelli Creations by Phyllis costume jewelry line. The company ceased to exist in 1955 due to the death of its founder and president Anthony Scitarelli.

Scitarelli Phyllis Costume Jewelry