The history of the Marjorie Raven costume jewelry brand lasted no more than 15 years. Marjorie Raven and Louis Raven, a New York couple, founded their jewelry manufacturing and sales business in 1945. Initially, it was a small workshop and storefront at 698 Madison Avenue, where Raven created designs and made her jewelry.

According to the 1953 business directory, Marjorie Raven was president, and Louis Raven was secretary and treasurer. The company employed eight people, including Marjorie, and where Louis Raven was the only man.

The company specialized in beautiful handmade jewelry, the price of which varied depending on the materials used. The store offered exquisite handcrafted gold and silver jewelry, encrusted with semi-precious stones, priced from $50 and up.

Another line of jewelry included no less exquisite, also handcrafted, made from metal alloys and faux pearls, rhinestones, and glass. These pieces were available at a lower price and exclusively at Marjorie Raven’s store.

The company’s president, Marjorie Raven, frequently traveled to Europe to purchase gems and jewelry pieces she admired for her store. These included, for example, Victorian-style gold filigree bracelets with diamonds, sold for prices starting at $270.

Jewelry masterpieces made by Marjorie Raven with all the artistry and care of real jewels was nationally advertised in Harper’s Bazaar, The New Yorker, and Vogue.

Marjorie Raven jewelry in ads