Jewelry ID

The history of the silver jewelry trademark Contessina founded by Towle Manufacturing Company began in 1965. It was the year the American historical drama “The Agony and the Ecstasy” was released. Beautiful Australian actress Diane Cilento played Contessina in the film.

It was she who first appeared in the Towle Silversmiths’ 1965 advertisements for fashion magazines such as Vogue, Mademoiselle, House and Gardens, The New Yorker, etc. Inspired by the beautiful young countess who captured Michelangelo’s heart, romantic new patterns in sterling silver appeared in a full line of jewelry.
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Born in Russia, Harry S Pakula (1898-1981) immigrated to the United States as a teenager. After settling in Chicago, he began his career with local jewelry companies. Remarkably, the young and energetic Harry successfully built a career not only in jewelry but also in sports.

He was a leading player in the baseball league of the Chicago Jewelers’ Athletic Association, according to a 1917 publication in the Jewelers’ Circular.

Before founding his own company, Harry Pakula spent several years successfully working at the jewelry firm Alter & Co., rising to a management position. After gaining many years of experience in the jewelry business, establishing his own firm in 1932 was a logical step.
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The history of the New York costume jewelry company Dewees Inc, headquartered at 93 Nassau Street of Lower Manhattan in New York City, began in 1946. The company created jewelry lines for fashion houses and women’s clothing ateliers for about one decade.

The last mention of Dewees was in 1949, in Industrial Directory of New York State and The Weekly News Magazine of Industry. According to The Weekly News Magazine, Dewees, Inc studied the ready-to-wear market before creating its line of jewelry with imitation onyx and rhinestones. In addition, the publication presented an illustration of one of the pieces from this new jewelry line.
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The history of Royal of Pittsburgh Jewelry Company, located at 810 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began in 1939. Incorporated in 1946, Royal of Pittsburgh Inc was manufacturer, importer and distributor of costume jewelry.

Joseph M. Levy (1900–1988) led the company as president and treasurer, and his wife, Jewel Levy, served as vice president. Joseph Levy previously worked as a sales manager at Royal Novelty Co., founded in 1939 and located at 909 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh.
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The history of the Merrin jewelry brand began in 1921 as Merrin & Caruso, 106 Fulton Street, New York. The partnership between Joseph Merrin and Frank Caruso lasted five years.

Joseph Merrin (1900 – 1991) came to the United States from the Russian Empire in 1917, settling in New York City. He earned his first fortune by working as an apprentice in local jewelry workshops for three years. In 1920, he met Frank Caruso, who also had experience in the jewelry business.
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Everett M Zola (1912 – 1991) founded Duane Jewels, costume and novelty jewelry manufacturing company, in 1944. Located at 861 Broad Street, Providence, Rhode Island, Duane Jewels Inc was the result of a partnership of Everett M Zola, president and treasurer, and Charles D Braverman – vice-president.

Duane’s sparkling and vibrant costume jewelry appeared on the jewelry market in January 1944 and immediately became popular. Already in August 1944 Duane was among jewelry firms exhibiting their jewelry pieces at the Boston Gift Show at the Parker House. Then, participation in National Jewelry Fairs became permanent.
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