Vintage Jewelry

Vargas Jewelry Manufacturing Corporation History

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Vargas Jewelry Manufacturing Corporation History (1945-1979)
Opalescent crystal floral 18 K gold filled ring. Vargas Jewelry Manufacturing Corporation History (1945-1979)

Born June 14, 1915 in Providence, Vito William Scola ran Vargas Manufacturing Company as president from 1945 to 1979. The son of Bernardo and Louisa (Calise) Scola, he studied business administration in the University of Rhode Island. After graduation in 1938 he entered Boston University in Massachusetts.

From 1939 he worked in Rhode Island Social Welfare Department, and finally decided to start his jewelry business in 1945. Initially, Vargas Mfg Co (previously known as VMC, Inc) was a family business owned by Vito William Scola and his wife Laura M. Verdi.

12 K gold filled floral rhinestone brooch pin
12 K gold filled floral rhinestone brooch pin

Among the trademarks launched by Vargas were Cradle Craft (September 1946) and symbol V over a geometric diamond (January 1947) used for children jewelry including pendants, necklaces, pins, bracelets, and finger rings. Also, Vargas (1945), Grandee (April 1971), and Autocrat (April 1971) jewelry trademarks.

Armbrust Chain Company

Vito Scola retired in 1979, continuing to be active in businesses unrelated to the Vargas company. The new owner of Vargas Steven Armbrust renamed the company to Armbrust Chain Company (alternative name Armbrust Corporation). Later the company merged with Consolidated Chain Company (National Chain Co.), Warwick, Rhode Island, headed by Vito William Scola as chairman.

1978 Providence City Directory
1978 Providence City Directory

According to 1978 Providence City Directory, Vito W Scola was president of Vargas Mfg Co., 150 Niantic Av. Joseph Scola was Vice President, Bernard Vincent Scola – Vice-President-Secretary, and Vincent Scola – Treasurer

Trademarks by Vargas since 1945
Trademarks by Vargas since 1945

Vargas trademarks
Vargas trademarks

In addition to jewelry business, Vito W. Scola led an active lifestyle. He was a board member of the executive committee of United Jewelry Show (1963-69), and Manufacturing Jewelers & Silversmiths of America (1965-68).

Maker's mark 1
Maker’s mark

Vargas Jewelry and ads

Sterling silver set with black onyx ring
Sterling silver set with black onyx ring
Gold plated black onyx clear stone ring
Gold plated black onyx clear stone ring
Friendship rings, June 1961 ad
Friendship rings, June 1961
Faux pearl rhinestone gold tone bracelet
Faux pearl rhinestone gold tone bracelet
Genuine onyx initial rings, June 1961 ad
Genuine onyx initial rings, June 1961
Guilloche enamel rose flower screw back earrings
Guilloche enamel rose flower screw back earrings
Opal cabochon gold filled screw back earrings
Opal cabochon gold filled screw back earrings
Shooting star clamper bracelet and earrings set, gold tone mesh, rhinestones
Shooting star clamper bracelet and earrings set, gold tone mesh, rhinestones
Starburst 10 K gold filled rhinestone brooch
Starburst 10 K gold filled rhinestone brooch
Teardrop crystal gold filled screw back earrings
Teardrop crystal gold filled screw back earrings
White thermoplastic gold plated cuff bracelet
White thermoplastic gold plated cuff bracelet
Gold tone mesh faux pearl rhinestone bracelet
Gold tone mesh faux pearl rhinestone bracelet
Filigree gold tone floral motif cufflinks
Filigree gold tone floral motif cufflinks
10 K gold filled circles rhinestones brooch pin
10 K gold filled circles rhinestones brooch pin
Maker's mark
Maker’s mark