Vintage Jewelry

Jerry De Nicola Jewelry Company History

04.11.202505.11.2025 by JewelryID

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Vogue November 1957 ad, Brooch, a strong fashion statement, a burst of rhinestones and pseudo-pearls, rimmed with cabochon emerald-green stones, centred with faux sapphire, $20 at Henri Bendel. Jerry De Nicola Jewelry Company History (1956 – 1971)

The history of the De Nicola costume jewelry brand began in New York City in February 1956. Its founder was New York-born businessman Jerry De Nicola (1902 – 1968). It’s important to note that before founding his own company, Jerry De Nicola had extensive experience in the retail and jewelry business.

Thus, in 1950 Jerry De Nicola was president of the National Handbag and Accessories Salesmen’s Association, now defunct but once a highly respected association. In 1951 he joined Kramer Jewelry Co and worked there as the general sales manager. In fact, Jerry De Nicola worked as the general sales manager for two jewelry firms. The second company was Ledo Jewelry Co.

Jerry De Nicola, The president of the National Handbag and Accessories Salesmen's Association. 1950 note — Jerry De Nicola, The president of the National Handbag and Accessories Salesmen’s Association. 1950 note

Jerry De Nicola, sales manager for Kramer Jewelry, and Edith Beeson, Fashion Director, were happy about reception of 'Diamond Look' line. Jeweler's Circular September 1951 — Jerry De Nicola, sales manager for Kramer Jewelry, and Edith Beeson, Fashion Director, were happy about reception of ‘Diamond Look’ line. Jeweler’s Circular September 1951

In 1953 Jery De Nicola resigned as sales manager for Kramer Jewelry. According to the January 1956 publication of the Jewelers’ Circular, Jerry De Nicola, formerly general sales manager for two costume jewelry manufacturers, announced the launch of his own business.

Mac Goldman, Ralph Mangano, Jerry De Nicola, general sales manager; and Dan Polcini, vice president of Ledo. JCK July 1953

De Nicola costume jewelry mark by Jerry De Nicola, Inc., New York, N.Y. First use Feb. 6, 1956

De Nicola Trademarks

The De Nicola corporation created several lines of costume jewelry under the trademarks “De Nicola” (February 1956) and “The Real Look” (1968). Indeed, these exquisite, high-quality pieces looked like real jewelry, as the best artisans and designers of the time created jewelry for De Nicola.

Zodiac sign articles of jewelry, Copyright Entries, 1969

Undoubtedly, the most popular, and now iconic, became 12 signs of the zodiac jewelry line, patented in 1969. Today, jewelry from the “Zodiac Signs” series is highly collectible and expensive. Spectacular fashion jewelry, artisan figural brooches, bracelets, and earrings by De Nicola frequently appeared in advertisements for Vogue and Mademoiselle in the 1960s and 1970s.

Lawsuits

Meanwhile, Jerry De Nicola filed several lawsuits against other jewelry companies, accusing them of copying their designs and infringing copyright. Thus, two of the defendants were the well-known jewelry companies Pakula & Co and Genesco. The New York District Court in this case granted the plaintiff’s claims.

After the death of the company’s founder in 1968, De Nicola merged with the Capri Jewelry company and continued operations until 1971.