Danecraft: Danecraft, Inc was founded by Victor Primavera in Providence, Rhode Island in 1939. During World War II the company changed its name to Felch and Co. After his death in 1977, the company changed its name to Felch-Wehr Company. They are still in business and market their silver and vermeil jewelry under the Danecraft name. Danecraft is known for quality silver jewelry reminiscent of Scandinavian design.
Dante: (pr: DON tay) Dante Inc manufactured primarily men's jewelry and accessories. The company ceased operation in the 1970s. Their jewelry was of exceptionally high quality and not always marked.
David Andersen: Founded in Oslo, Norway in 1876 and still in business. Produces beautifully designed silver jewelry decorated with fine enamelwork. Usually commands a high price. Marked David-Andersen or D-A.
Davis, Fred: Hold onto your hat, you've hit the jackpot! Frederick W. Davis was born in 1880. Because of family circumstances, he relocated to Mexico in 1910 where he went to work for the Sonora News company which had a franchise to sell papers and curios in railway stations. During travel into all parts of Mexico, he was able to buy folk art and learn the crafting traditions of different areas. By the time he became manager, he had already established a network of artisans from whom he could buy directly. He began to take an interest in the jewelry worn by Mexican women. He sought out master silversmiths in Mexico City and worked with them to produce silver pieces. His designs were inspried by Pre-Columbian art. The Sonora News Company sold his earlier designs. In 1933 he moved from the Sonora News Company into a partnership with Frank Sanborn and became manager of antiques and fine crafts at Sanborns's - the department store in Mexico City where tourists would go. Retired from Sanborn's circa 1950 and died in 1961. Very collectible and priced accordingly.
Deauville: Jewelry with the trademark name of Deauville was manufactured by the JR Wood & Sons Co which was founded in Brooklyn, NY in 1850. For the first 25 years, Mr Wood devoted his time to manufacturing wedding rings. In 1883 Rawson Wood was admitted to the partnership and the name was changed to JR Wood & Son. In 1889 John Wood was admitted to the partnership and the name changed to JR Wood & Sons. They continued to manufacture wedding rings, engraved bands and signet rings. Mr Wood died in 1897 and his sons continued the business. They merged into Lennox, Inc located in Trenton, New Jersey in 1970. Deauville jewelry was most likely made after the merger. In 1975 the name changed from JR Wood to Art-Carved Inc.
DeLizza and Elster: If you're an Ebay buff and have looked at rhinestone pieces, you've no doubt seen some spectacular rhinestone pieces referred to as "Juliana". These pieces were made by DeLizza and Elster, founded in 1947 in New York City by William DeLizza and Harold Elster. "Juliana" was the name of one of their lines of jewelry started in 1963. They were never signed, but tagged with paper tags. The line was only called "Juliana" in 1963 and 1964. There are also similar pieces tagged "Tara". Mark Mercy, former designer for Stanley Hagler and now designing his own line, states that DeLizza and Elster had their physical manufacturing plant in Brooklyn, NY. They manufactured jewelry for more than 800 different companies including Weiss, Alice Caviness, Hobe, Schrager, Hattie Carnegie, Kramer, YSL, etc.
DeMario, Robert: DeMario was founded in 1945 in New York City by Robert DeMario and ceased production in 1960 when Robert DeMario decided to quit the business and retire to Florida. His jewelry employed superior craftmanship and design. Often mistaken for Haskell jewelry. He did work for Miriam Haskell in the 1940s. Relatively rare and commands high prices on the market. Usually marked with the name DeMario or DeMario NY.
De Nicola: Founded by Jerry De Nicola in 1957. Fine quality costume jewelry. Some in early 1960s it became part of the Capri Jewelry Company. Ceased operation in 1973. Signed De Nicola pieces are rare and highly collectible.
DeRosa: Founded in New York City by Ralph DeRosa in about 1935. Unique designs and superb craftsmanship. Major period of production was from 1935 to the mid 1950s. Because so much of their work was manufacturing for other designers, jewelry of their own with the DeRosa signature was very limited. Ceased operation in the late 1960s. Much of the jewelry is unmarked. Signed DeRosa pieces are very collectible and command high prices.
Dior, Christian: Founded House of Dior in 1930 as a fashion house. Jewelry and other accessories were selected to complement his fashions. Production was of limited quantity. They were the first to use aurora borealis rhinestones. From 1930 to 1955 Mitchell Maer held the jewelry license for Dior jewelry. Kramer of New York from 1950 to 1957 in the United States. Dior West Germany and the year of manufacture is on pieces licensed to the Grosse family, a famous German jewelry firm. After the death of Christian Dior in 1957, Yves St. laurent, who had been Dior's apprentice, continued producing the jewelry for Dior. Mark Bohan was head designer in 1960, Gianfranco Ferre head designer 1989, John Galliano head designer 1996. As of 1958, jewelry is signed Christian Dior in an oval.
Dodds: Based on the designs and material, Dodds jewelry was probably produced in the 1950s to the 1960s. It is of higher quality, employing top quality multicolored and iridescent cabacon and faceted stones mounted on gold-plated metal bases. Relatively rare. Signed Dodds.
Dorsons: D. Ornstein & Sons Corp. New York, New York. In business in the late 1940s and early 1950s. No other information available. Signed Dorsons or Jubilee.
Duane: No definitive information. Possibly ceased business in early 1950s. Of average quality and usually clear rhinestones. Signed DUANE on clasp or clip. Rare to find a signed piece.
DuJay: No real definitive information on company. Founded by Jules Hirsch and Jacques Leff as a division of Hirsch & Leff who were makers of fine jewelry. Pieces are usually rhodium plated and not pot metal. Exquisite enameling. Stones were always crystals and they also employed tiny pave rhinestones. Very high quality. They rarely placed their tradename on their products.