The history of Rice-Weiner & Co began in 1924 and is closely intertwined with the New England Glass Works company. Founded by Isaac L Rice (1855-1940) in 1911, The New England Glass Works was originally located at 12 Beverly Street, Providence, Rhode Island.

In 1916 the firm moved to 110 W. Exchange Street, and in 1917 to 150 Chestnut St. The same year brothers Albert Weiner and Alexander Weiner became partners of Isaac Rice. Their firm manufactured a line of imitation pearls and stones.

Seven years later, the trio of jewelers came to a common decision to create a new company bearing their names. However, Albert Weiner started his own business as the Albert Mfg Co at 45 Richmond Street. So, Alexander Weiner and Isaac Rice took over the Rice-Weiner & Co.

Noteworthy, they continued the work at the same address (150 Chestnut Street) and in the same style.

A highly respected Providence jeweler, Albert Weiner worked for the New England Glass Works for fifteen years. In 1919 he was elected vice-president of the newly formed organization Manufacturers of Imitation Precious Stones and Glass Novelties. Besides, he was the owner of The Royale Pearl Co at 45 Richmond St.

Isaac Rice

Isaac Rice, as well as Alexander Weiner, in addition to managing the company, made week-long and even several-month-long business trips around the United States, and abroad. Their European trips included France, Germany, Czechoslovakia and England.

85-year-old Isaac Rice died in 1940. His sons Alvin and Robert Rice, veteran jewelry manufacturers, continued the partnership with Alexander Weiner. They managed The New England Glass Works and Rice-Weiner & Company, 95 Chestnut Street, headed by Alexander Weiner.

By 1940 Alvin had worked as sales and promotion manager for 20 years, while Robert acted as director of production activities.

An important event in the company’s history was the year 1946. Alvin and Robert Rice dissolved the partnership with Alexander Weiner and started the Barclay Company at 150 Chestnut Street, Providence. Thus, Alvin Rice became president and Robert – treasurer.

Secretary of the company was Louis C Mark, who previously worked as chief designer for Rice-Weiner for 15 years. In addition, he was an instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Rice Weiner Jewelry Company History

Meanwhile, Rice-Weiner & Co and New England Glass Works headed by Alexander Weiner successfully continued their activity. Moreover, thanks to his sons Howard and Lloyd Weiner the business expanded. They opened office in New York and launched Jeray and Royal Court jewelry trademarks.

Among the designers who collaborated with Rice-Weiner were Natasha Brooks, Norman Bel Geddes and Betty Betz.

Hollywood-inspired jewelry lines

The company’s real triumph has been its Hollywood-inspired jewelry lines, including Samson and Delilah, The Thief of Baghdad, and The Jungle Book. Also, Etruscan and Chinese motif pieces graced many jewelry reference books and have become highly collectible today.

According to 1940-50s The Jewelers’ Circular, Rice-Weiner Co was a permanent participant of national jewelry exhibitions and annual shows sponsored by the Manufacturing Jewelers Sales Association.

Alexander Weiner’s retirement in 1958 due to ill health and age led to the decline of Rice Weiner & Co and the New England Glass Works.

Jewelry by Rice Weiner