The history of the New York costume jewelry company Dewees Inc, headquartered at 93 Nassau Street of Lower Manhattan in New York City, began in 1946. The company created jewelry lines for fashion houses and women’s clothing ateliers for about one decade.

The last mention of Dewees was in 1949, in Industrial Directory of New York State and The Weekly News Magazine of Industry. According to The Weekly News Magazine, Dewees, Inc studied the ready-to-wear market before creating its line of jewelry with imitation onyx and rhinestones. In addition, the publication presented an illustration of one of the pieces from this new jewelry line.

Dewees was clearly one of the jewelry companies that sprang up in large numbers after the end of World War II. Indeed, the peaceful postwar era saw a real boom in costume jewelry, and demand created supply. Moreover, glamorous Hollywood stars in sparkling jewelry inspired women of the time.

Job advertisements

The earliest mention of the Dewees Corporation dates back to 1947, when Dewees actively placed job advertisements for the company in the New York Times. The company offered work and good wages to experienced stone setters and jewelers creating costume jewelry from sterling silver and rhinestones.

The range of jewelry marked Dewees, or Dewees NY, traditionally included sets of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, as well as brooches, pins, and pendants. The artistic design of these Art Deco and classic pieces demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship. The artisans used gold, sterling silver, art glass imitating precious stones, and rhinestones.

Vintage costume Jewelry by Dewees Inc

According to some online sources, the company’s founder was one of the Trifari designers. This is a highly dubious claim, as there is no evidence to support this fantasy. However, it is undeniable that the design, materials, and craftsmanship of these jewelry pieces are distinguished by their exceptional sophistication, high quality materials, and masterful execution.