Beaucraft Sterling Silver Costume Jewelry

Beaucraft Sterling Silver Costume Jewelry
Double leaf damascene filigree texture sterling brooch pin. Beaucraft Sterling Silver Costume Jewelry

Advertisements of Beaucraft company in the 1960s positioned their jewelry as the most beautiful silver jewelry in America. And it was.

Incorporated under the laws of the state of Rhode Island in 1947, Beaucraft Inc produced costume jewelry, silver and gold jewelry for nearly six decades. The co-founders of the corporation were three young men of Italian origin who adapted their Italian names to the American style.

Thus, Luigi Russo, or Louie Russo (1916 – 2008), was the president of the corporation. Among the other incorporators were Nicholas (Nick) DiCristafaro (1920 – 2002), secretary, and Ray (Rinaldo) Saccoccio (1915 – 2002), treasurer. Noteworthy, Nicholas DiCristafaro left the company in the late 1960s to start his jewelry business Carla Corporation in Providence.
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Wendell August Forge Hand Wrought Jewelry

Wendell August Forge Hand Wrought Jewelry
Butterfly on Daisy flower handmade pewter pendant. Wendell August Forge Hand Wrought Jewelry

The introduction of hand-forged aluminum into the jewelry industry is credited to Wendell McMinn August (1885 – 1963) of Grove City, Pennsylvania. In 1907, after completing his thesis “Origin and Development of the American Railroads”, he graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

For two years he worked as teacher of mathematics in private school in Easthampton, Massachussetts. Then, from 1911 to 1930, Wendell August was superintendent and one of the owners of the Toby Coal Mining Company in western Pennsylvania. With an engineering mind, he was also a creative person who enjoyed his hobby, namely, forging decorative ironwork.
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Wendell & Co Jewelry Manufactures History

Wendell & Co Jewelry Manufactures History
October 1911 ad. Wendell & Co Jewelry Manufactures History

The founder of the Wendell jewelry manufacturing firm, Charles Wendell (1832 – 1879) came to Chicago about 1860. He entered into the wholesale jewelry business establishing Wendell & Hyman, jewelry firm in Chicago, in 1864. The partnership lasted for about two decades.

Charles Wendell’s growing sons, Emanuel and Maurice, helped their father in the business, which motivated him to start his own company. Thus, in 1883, he founded his company “C. Wendell & Son” on manufacture of both jewelry and silverware.

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Hayden W. Wheeler Jewelry Company History

Hayden W. Wheeler Jewelry Company History
Platinum diamond and sapphire Art Deco brooch. Hayden W. Wheeler Jewelry Company History

The House of Hayden W. Wheeler & Co, 2 Maiden Lane, New York, was one of the oldest and most respected firms in the American jewelry industry. Hayden W. Wheeler (1830 – 1904) joined the firm founded in 1851 by Charles E. Hale. After six years with the Charles E. Hale company, Wheeler received a share in it in 1857. From that time on, the firm became known as Charles E. Hale & Co.

Later, Lewis A. Parsons also acquired a share in the firm, and in 1867 the firm changed its name to Wheeler, Parsons & Co. When Henry Hayes joined the firm in 1877, its name was changed to Wheeler, Parsons & Hayes. Under this name it gained a high reputation in the jewelry business, both for the superior workmanship and for the principles that dominated its policy.
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Ciner Costume Jewelry Brand History

Ciner Costume Jewelry Brand History
Necklace $110, earrings $25. Emerald, Ruby or Sapphire. VOGUE, November 15, 1966. Ciner Costume Jewelry Brand History

Austrian-born Emanuel Ciner (1865 – 1958) and Louis Seeleman (1874 – 1949) founded Ciner & Seeleman at 87 Maiden Lane, Manhattan, New York in 1892. The company’s co-founders also included Julius Bernstein, who left the firm in 1901. The company manufactured jewelry and rings made from precious metals and diamonds.

After 22 years of business together, Ciner and Seeleman announced their mutual consent to liquidate the firm. Established in 1914 the new firm Ciner Mfg Co moved to 51-53 Maiden Lane. Meanwhile, Louis Seeleman continued to operate under the firm name Seeleman & Co after extensive renovations to the old plant at 87 Maiden Lane.

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Ginnie Johansen Designs Vintage Costume Jewelry

Ginnie Johansen Designs Vintage Costume Jewelry
Etched silver tone red glass brooch. Ginnie Johansen Designs Vintage Costume Jewelry

Born in 1961, Ginnie Johansen is a renowned designer, jeweler and artist based in Dallas, Texas. While still a college student, 18-year-old Ginnie created her first designer belt from braid and ribbons, which she then successfully sold. As a result, she began to think about the idea of ​​starting her own business for the production of fashion accessories.

With the support of her father, an experienced businessman Gerald Charles Johansen (1931 –2017), her idea quickly became a reality. Founded in 1978, Ginnie Johansen Designs became a successful and rapidly growing business, with Ginnie, the president of the company, responsible for design and human resources, and her father for management and marketing.

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JHP John Peckham Antique Jewelry

JHP John Peckham Antique Jewelry
Double flower and leaf design silver tone glass rhinestone dress clip. JHP John Peckham Antique Jewelry

Born in Newport, Rhode Island, John Hathway Peckham (1856 – 1941) was one of the veteran manufacturing jewelers of North Attleboro. He came to North Attleboro in August 1874 and was apprenticed to the plate makers (FB and CF Richards) for 3 years. Peckham worked for E Ira Richards and Co for a total of 18 years, with an 18 month break when he worked for the EF Franklin Co making medallions.

John Peckham and Harriet E Blanchard (1858 – 1930) got married in North Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts on December 24, 1878. Born to John and Hattie children motivated him to start his own business and earn more income. Therefore, he left E Ira Richards and Co in 1893 to start his own business.
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