Born in Belgium, Joseph Julius White (May 15, 1868 – December 2, 1936) came to the USA as a boy with his parents. He attended the public schools and served an apprenticeship at the jewelry business in Providence. In 1896 he and his wife Jessie established the jewelry business J. J. White Mfg. Co., at 155 Pine St., Providence, Rhode Island.

Later, their two sons Frederick B. White and Reginald J. White joined the firm. The White family’s jewelry business was very successful, and in 1927 they expanded the company by opening a division Helgen Mfg. Co. Among the owners were Joseph Julius White, Frederick White, Reginald. White, and Fred Perry, the latter formerly of Ford & Perry. The business was conducted at 144 Pine St., the plant of the J. J. White Mfg. Co.

The company’s craftsmen created exquisite filigree men’s and women’s jewelry – bracelets, rings, necklaces, cufflinks, tie clips and brooches. Traditionally, they used precious metals and stones – gold, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, amethyst, rubies, etc.

68-year-old Joseph Julius White died after a prolonged illness. His son Frederick B. White took over the company as its president, and Reginald J. White became vice-president and secretary.

Joseph Julius White was a member through his firm of the New England Manufacturing Jewelers’ and Silversmiths’ Association and the Manufacturing Jewelers’ Board of Trade. He was also a member of Providence Lodge of Elks, the Metacomet Golf Club and the Providence Chamber of Commerce.

Vintage Jewelry by J.J. White