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VINTAGE JEWELRY DESIGNERS - L Laguna: Laguna is the registered trademark of Royal Craftsmen Inc. founded in New York City in 1944. Manufactured simulated pearl jewelry, beaded jewelry and faceted crystal beads. Average to below average quality. Common on the market. Lane, Kenneth Jay: Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1930. In the mid 1950s he began working in Vogue's art department. From the late 1950s to the early 1960s he designed shoes for Roger Vivier studio at Dior and then shoes and jewelry for Arnold Scaasi. Founded the KFL company in New York in 1963. Began designing jewelry lines for Avon in the mid 1980s. Began selling his jewelry on QVC in the late 1990s. Jewelry is bright and bold, employing Swarovski crystals, colored stones and faux pearls. Pieces made up until the late 1970s are KJL (most collectible). The jewelry line created for Saks Fifth avenue was Kenneth Jay Lane. The jewelry for Laguna, featuring their pearls, was signed Kenneth Lane Laguna. The Avon line was signed KJL for Avon. Fairly common on the market as he is still in business. Prices vary according to rarity and quality. Lang Jewelry Company: Established circa 1946 in Providence, Rhode Island. Manufacturer of Sterling Silver jewelry of good quality with floral and figuralmotifs. Two common marks are LANG and Lang with a Swan (used since 1946). Not that commonly found, but the prices are still low. Lanvin: The House of Lanvin was established in Paris in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin. Oldest of the Paris fashion houses. Creates stylish and elegant jewelry to complement its fashions. Produced a series of carved Op Art plastic pendants on chains which have become very collectible. La Pierre: Founded in New York City in 1855. Relocated its factory to Newark in 1893. Produced good quality jewelry - notably bangles, belt buckles and pins - until 1929. usually silver, but sometimes with other materials such as celluloid. Rare on the market and priced accordingly. La Rel: La Rel is the trademark for La Rel Originals founded in New York City circa 1953. Manufactured an assortment of rhinestone jewelry in subdued traditional designs. Average to above average quality. Not very common on the market. Usually marked La Rel or La Rel Originals. Early pieces may also include the words "rhinestone magic". Ledesma: Enrique Ledesma trained at his father's workshop in Mexico City. Moved to Taxco circa 1940 and worked at Spratling's Las Delicias and later at Los Castillo. Opened his own workshop circa 1950. Masterful craftsmanship in designs inspired by nature. Marked Ledesma with an extended L. Leru: (pr: LA Roo) In business during `1950s and 1960s. Jewelry usually is in white or pastel colors employing light and pastel color stones on plastic or metal base in floral patterns. Sometimes opaque glass beads. Average to below average quality. Often found in worn condition. Signed Leru. Liberty: Established in London, 1875, by Arthur L Liberty. From 1894, designs were commissioned from jewelers such as Archibald Knox, leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. Pieces are often made of hammered silver with peacock blue and green enameling and semi-precious stones with a Celtic influence. Gorgeous jewelry which is rare on the market and priced accordingly. Lisner: (pr: LIZ ner) D. Lisner and Company was founded in New York City in the early 1900s. Competitor of Coro. Manufactured a wide range of jewelry. Designed by Henrich Ganz from circa 1955 to early 1960s. the mark Lisner in block letters first used in 1959. Common on the market and affordably priced. Their higher quality pieces will rise in price. Lister, Farah: Has been designing jewelry since 1986. Currently based in London after having lived and worked all over the world. her jewelry is known for its bold scale and color combinations. Little Nemo Jewelry: Little Nemo jewelry was founded by Benjamin Brier, Charles Brier and Samuel Magid in Providence Rhode Island in 1913. Ceased operations in 1978. Signed Nemo inside circle or L/N inside various shapes such as a diamond. Los Ballesteros: (pr: BUY a steros) Jalil Majul Ballesteros established a workshop in Taxco in 1937. He came from several generations of silversmiths. First began manufacturing silver jewelry in the traditional filigree style of Iguala, but later began making Taxco type silver jewelry. Many pieces are inspired by the pre-Hispanic motifs. Still in business at its workshop on Los Plateros Avenue in Taxco. Broad range of jewelry with some very fine early work. Los Castillo: (pr: Cass TEE yo) Antonio Castillo de Teran and his brothers trained at Spratling. Set up their own workshop in 1939 producing jewelry primarily designed by Margot van Voorhies Carr (Margot de Taxco), an American visitor Antonio had married. Their jewelry exhibits the finest craftsmanship and beautiful designs. Still in business with Don Antonios's daughter, Emilia, as the major designer. Can be found on the market, very collectible and sought after, and priced accordingly with prices continuing to rise. |
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