Incorporated in 1952, DuBarry-Fifth Avenue, 16 West 36th Street, New York , N. Y., were importers and manufacturers of pearl and costume jewelry and novelty products. Initially, DFA was affiliated with the old New York cosmetics company Dubarry, 693 Fifth Avenue, founded by Richard Hudnut in 1913.

Dubarry cosmetics often advertised its products in the 1950s and 1960s in conjunction with the DFA jewelry company, demonstrating this connection.

For example, a 1956 advertisement for facial care products featured a special offer—pearl jewelry from Dubarry Fifth Avenue. Another example of Dubarry advertising appeared in Ladies’ Home magazine in 1968. Thus, Dubarry offered “Cashmere Bouquet” body powder alongside with enamel daisy brooches in four colors from Dubarry Fifth Avenue.

According to business directories, Franklin Sands, a 1963 graduate of Long Island University, was president of DuBarry Fifth Avenue from 1963 to 1980. His partner, 25-year-old Donald S. Calaman became the company’s vice president.

Dubarry and Tara – two affiliated jewelry factories

The article published in New York Times (1963) noted, Sands and Kalaman simultaneously managed two companies — Dubarry Fifth Avenue and Tara Fifth Avenue. The two affiliated jewelry factories, with 50 employees, were located at the same address: 93 34th Street in Red Hook.

In 1983, Dubarry Fifth Avenue opened a branch in Florida, headed by Franklin Sands. He led the company for 10 years. The last mention of the company was in 1993 when DFA presented the Misty Boutique inexpensive jewelry with the high fashioned look of gold and pearl.

DuBarry-Fifth Avenue launched three trademarks on manufacture of costume jewelry. Among them – DuBarry-Fifth Avenue, DFA, and Flamenco. Maker’s mark included various stamps – DFA and a shield with D, and DuBarry + FA, under a crown. Besides, much of their jewelry was sold on paper cards or with hang tags.

Vintage Costume Jewelry by DuBarry-Fifth Avenue