Founded in the 19th century in Italy, Esposito was among the well known Italo-American manufacturers of Italian extraction who contributed to the US jewelry industry. The founder of the Esposito Jewelry company in Providence, R. I., was Alfredo Esposito, Sr. (1888 – 1951). He had been general manager of the company since its organization in 1909.

Born in Naples, Italy, Alfredo Esposito had resided in Providence 42 years. His family moved the company from Italy to 225 Dupont Dr #1 Providence, RI, in 1909. During the Great Depression of 1920-30s the company not only survived, but expanded production.

The Esposito Jewelry Co., Inc

On 4 February 1935 Esposito Jewelry company became corporation. The incorporators were: Vincent A. D’Atri, Maria Esposito and Anthony Sanchirico, all of Providence.

To satisfy the demand Esposito introduced quality costume jewelry designs. Esposito Jewelry Company sold its jewelry in such stores as Sears, Woolworths, and Grants. Later, many department stores and boutiques were their customers.

According to the Jewelers’ Circular Keystone, in 1960, in addition to Esposito Jlry Inc at 387 Charlies Providence 4 Rhode Island, there was Espo-Flex Mfg. Co manufacturers wholesalers at the same address.

The third generation

In the late 1960s, the third generation ran Esposito jewelry business headed by Joseph F. Esposito (born 1946). Joseph’s work caught the attention of QVC, when he designed the Sterling Signature jewelry line.

The company employed 140 craftsmen who made exquisite jewelry using sterling silver and gold. Also, turquoise, pinks, onyx, mother of pearl, carnelian, abalone, and fresh water cultured pearls.

Joseph Esposito

In the 1980s, Joseph (Joe) Esposito Jr joined the family business. Joe learned the craft of jewelry making by watching his father and uncles create beautiful jewelry. Joe knew from a young age that he would be the fourth generation of jewelry designers. While his father managed the business side of the company, Joe was free to develop his artistic abilities.

As soon as Joe Esposito became President of the company in 1992, Esposito Jewelry merged with Emmie, Inc., Rhode Island jewelry company founded in 1977. Trademarks registered by Esposito Jewelry company: Espo (1936 – 2016), Alloyadium (1977), 14 KT Gold Signatures (2002), Espo, Esposito (2001), and Smart Snap (2007).

The company’s closure

The company’s collapse and closure in 2017 was accompanied by a scandal related to the arrest of 71-year-old Joseph F. Esposito. Arrested on November 5, 2017, he was charged with five felony counts of sale of marijuana, conspiracy and possession of marijuana in excess of five kilograms.

Esposito Jewelry company with more than 100 years of history has ceased to exist.

Esposito Vintage costume jewelry