VINTAGE JEWELRY DESIGNERS - F
Fahrner: Founded in 1855 by Georg Seeger and Theodor Fahrner, Sr. in Pforzheim, Germany. Sold to Gustav Braendle in 1919 and renamed Gustave Braendle-Theodor Fahrner Nachf. Ceased operations in 1979. Known for Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Arts and Crafts and Celtic Revival jewelry. Often employed semi-precious stones and pearls into its designs. TF trademark introduced in 1901 and Fahrner began exporting to Great Britain via Murrle Bennet & Co. Fahrner Schmuck trademark introduced in 1910. Scarce, highly collectible and priced accordingly.
Fischel and Nessler: Founded in New York in the late 1800s. Ceased in 1937. Best known for Art Deco style necklaces and earrings made in the late 1920s-1930s. Made invariably with silver and set with high quality Austrian crystal rhinestones, beads or cabochons. Marked with a fishmotif with an L at its nose. Scarce on the market and priced accordingly.
Florenza: The Dan Kasoff Company was founded by Dan Kasoff in New York City in 1948. In 1950 his son Larry joined him and they registered their line Florenza, named after Dan's wife Florence. Ceased production in 1981. Distinctive designs with Renaissance and Victorian flavor. Excellent metalwork, ornamented by distinct and superior rhinestones and antiqued gold tone metal. Most pieces are marked Florenza.
Forstner: Originally founded as the Forstner Chain Corporation around 1920 in Irvington, New Jersey. Name later changed to Forstner Jewelry Manufacturing Corporation. Ceased operations by the early 1980s. Most of their sterling silver jewelry is marked Forstner in block letters. The script signature was filed with the US Patent Office in 1949 and renewed in 1972.