The history of the Jordan jewelry brand began in 1939 in Providence, Rhode Island and lasted less than two decades. Initially it was Kaye Jordan Co., manufacturers of moderate priced jewelry, founded by Robert M. Jordan (1893 – 1964). Jordan previously worked as sales manager of the Ostby & Barton Co, Providence, RI, manufacturing jewelers.

According to the 1943 Jewelers’ Circular, “R M Jordan, president of the Kaye Jordan Co., changed the company name to RM Jordan & Co. No other change is involved. The same ownership, officers, executives and sales personnel continue”. Home office of the company was at 87 Weybosset Street, Providence, R. I., with branch offices in New York and Los Angeles.

In 1943, a young American jewelry designer Natacha Brooks joined R M Jordan & Company, to style and design a new collection of costume jewelry. Well known for her “Natacha Brooks Fashions” unusual creations, her costume jewelry was featured by leading department stores and specialty shops in New York and throughout the country.

Robert Jordan

The name of Robert Jordan was quite well known in the world of jewelry business. Jordan himself was a specialist in jewelry sales and marketing and the author of several articles published in the Jeweler’s Circular Keystone in 1939-1940. Noteworthy, his jewelry decorated the cover of Jeweler’s Circular Keystone, the most authoritative jewelry directory in the USA.

Trademarks

R.M. Jordan & Co. owned three trademarks on manufacture of sterling silver and 10 K gold jewelry – J, By Jordan, and Scarf Bait. A great salesman, Robert Jordan understood the importance of advertising. Thanks to 1940s ads, his creations have remained in jewelry history, to the delight of vintage jewelry collectors.

Vintage jewelry and ads