Convertible necklace, three strands deep. Of beige stones and onyx-colored stones, Vogue February 1961. Robert Fleischer Jewelry Company History
The history of Robert Fleischer Co., costume jewelry manufacturing firm, began in 1944 and lasted two decades. For twenty years Robert Fleischer Company headquartered at 366 Fifth Avenue, in the building also known as The New York Accessories Exchange.
The firm launched La Marquise jewelry line for brooches, earrings, pins, necklaces, bracelets and lockets made of precious and semi-precious metals in September 1945. The following year, they registered the brand La Marquise Pearls for costume jewelry made with artificial pearls. In April 1952 they also began making costume jewelry under “Vari-jewels” brand.
Robert Flescher recruited sales representatives through newspaper ads – ad in St. Louis Post-Dispatch 1950, 1951
Traditionally craftsmen made distinctively designed and richly detailed costume jewelry with the use of high quality materials. They used gold-plated sterling, simulated pearls, rhinestones, and colored stones imitating natural gems. The company sold costume jewelry through sales representatives to major retailers. Double bowknot brooch and earrings, gold or rhodium finish, 1946
Advertising
The advertisements for Robert Fleischer’s jewelry were published monthly in Jewelers’ Circular in 1946. In addition, advertisements for Robert Fleischer Co costume jewelry regularly appeared in Vogue and Mademoiselle magazines from 1960 to 1964. The last mention of the company in business directories and fashion magazines dates back to 1964. Creamy mother-of-pearl rope necklaces, worn two at a time, Vogue April 1963
366 Fifth Avenue, New York
Interestingly, the same building at the same time housed the offices of many other well-known jewelry companies. Among them, for example, were Deknatel, J. A. & Son, Inc., Dorset Products, Inc., Ledo Jewelers, Leading Jewelry Mfg. Co., Mele Mfg. Co., Inc., and C.J. Bates & Son. Brilliant, crusty, topaz-coloured beads combined with beige and brown fake pearls and crystal-coloured beads in a 3-strand necklace. Vogue November 1960
Trademarks
La Marquise Pearls trademark since 1946Vari-jewels trademark since April 1952La Marquise trademark since September 1945, Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office
Vintage ads
A chatelaine Key to your heart, gold plated sterling set with simulated pearls, rhinestones and colored stones, 1946Double bowknot brooch and earrings, gold or rhodium finish, 1946Fake jade and pearls necklace, Vogue January 1962Hand-knotted pearl necklace, 1946Horse shoe and nail pin, beautiful combination of gold plating on sterling silver, studded with rhinestones, 1946Key pin and earrings of two-tone gold on sterling and center stones of various colors, 1946La Marquise Pearls, new spring line, 1946Lizard pin, gold finish sterling silver, rhinestones, 1946Pin and earrings studded with Czechoslovakian stones around a center simulated pearl, 1946Pinwheel pin, textured gold plate and rhinestones, about the size of a half dollar, $6.60, Vogue December 1960Simulated pearl necklace with pendant of gold or rhodium plate on sterling, set with rhinestones, 1946Sunflower pin, gold or rhodium finish on sterling silver, rhinestones. September 1946Sword-and-crown pin in gold-plated sterling set with simulated pearls, rhinestones, and colored stones, 1946This necklace and bracelet have night-and-day faces. On one side, rhinestones for evening; the other side, all gilt mesh. Vogue December 1953Three-strand simulated pearl choker with a rhinestone clasp, 1946Coin bracelet, Mademoiselle July 1961
