Matl: Matl is the mark used by Matilde Eugenia Poulat (pr: Mah Teel Duh Poo lat) who began making mexican silver jewelry in the 1930s. She opened a retail shop in Mexico City in 1950. Her jewelry is characterized by stylized floral and figural motifs and religious themes. Often utilized a combination of turquoise, coral and amethyst stones . Matilde died in 1960. Her nephew, Salas, continues to make Matl jewelry in her old designs. Signed Matl or patent 10463. Original Matl pieces commond high prices. Salas pieces, which are also very beautiful, command a lower price but I believe the prices will rise.
Mazer/Jomaz: (pr: MAY zer and JOE Maz) Founded by Joseph and Lincoln Mazer in new York circa 1927. Later changed name to Joseph J Mazer and Company (listed under this name in the 1950 "Jewelers' Circular"). High quality jewelry. Early 1950s jewelry was designed by Andre Fleuridas. Adolfo designed some of the 1970s pieces. Ceased operations in the late 1970s. Earlier jewelry marked Mazer Bros. Signed Mazer 1927 to 1970. Signed Jomaz 1950 to 1970. Signed Joseph Mazer 1950 to 1970. Very collectible and still affordable.
McClelland Barclay: McClelland Barclay was born in St Louis, MO in 1891. Studied art with H.C. Ives, George Bridgman and thomas Fogarty. he did illustrations for both Cosmopolitan and Good Hosuekeeping as well as posters for various agencies. He extended his talents to making jewelry. Created beautiful jewelry in sterling silver and other pieces set with rhinestones on gold plated metal. Died in 1943, during World War II, when a landing ship on which he was a passenger was destroyed by an enemy torpedo. His body was never found. Very rare on the market and extremely collectible. Usually marked McClelland Barclay. (Not to be confused with Barclay.)
Melendez, Emma: Emma Melendez opened her workshop in 1953 and employed a number of designers. These designers initials often appear on her jewelry along with the Emma signature. Closed her shop in 1971. High quality and collectible.
Melendez, Miguel: Trained by Antonio Castillo at Spratling's. Left Spratling for Los Castillo. Responsible for the development of enamelwork introduced by Los Castillo which later became the hallmark of Margot's jewelry. Considered among the best mexican silversmiths, especially in the field of repousse. Never established his own workshop. Pieces are signed in a script M, the end of which encircles the letter. Also marked CM.
Mimi di N: Mimi di Niscemi was born in Palermo, Italy. She studied at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Arts which allowed her to work parttime for a jewelry manufacturer who produced Schiaparelli jewelry. Her skill afforded her the opportunity to work with Dutch silversmith Rudolph Broom at the Wichita Art Association. She won a scholarship to the School of Applied Arts in Paris. In the 1950s she formed a partnership with Arnold Scaasi and produced pieces marked Jewels by Scaasi. In 1959 she joined Robert DeMario but soon moved to the New York bead house Brania where she made jewels marked Brania/Mimi di N. She opened her own jewelry firm in 1960 in New YHork City. She is still in business and her pieces are marked Mimi di N.
Ming: Established in Honolulu in the 1940w, Ming's was a retail jewelry store which later added more than a dozen additional stores in Hawaii and on the mainland. They are no longer is business. Their jewelry employed a floral or faunal motif in natural material such as ivory, coral and jade. They also made silver jewelry. Pieces are signed Ming's. Can be found on the market. Collectible and priced accordingly.
Miracle: The brand name Miracle was used on jewelry manufactured in Birmingham by A. Hill & Co. founded in 1946 and later by Butler & Wilson in the 1980s. In silvertone or goldtone, antiqued, with faux stones such as agate and Cairngorn. Most of the Miracle jewelry I have seen has imitated antique Celtic, Irish and Scottish jewelry. Jewelry with the Miracle signature with a large M and smaller other letters underlined is from the 1960s to the 1980s. The A Miracle Creation hallmark in a small shaped cartouche is probably a 1950 signature.
Mizpah: There is a variety of jewelry dating back at least to the turn of the century which is marked Mizpah. No definitive information about any one company having been responsible for making the bulk of this jewelry. Since the work "Mazpah" evolved to mean farewell or God watch over you, there is speculation that these pieces were farewell gifts made by many different manufacturers and signed "Mizpah" for the sentiment.
Monet: (pr: MOE nay) Founded as Monocraft in 1929 by Brothers Michael and Jay Chernow in Providence, Rhode island. Produced gold plated monograms which were set on handbags in the store at the time of purchase. Began manufacturing jewelry under the name of Monet circa 1937. Much of the 1940s jewelry used silver as the base metal. Monet was acquired by General Mills in 1968. In 1977, the company introduced a new line of jewelry named Ciani with a higher price range. The first was purchased by Crystal Brands Jewelry in in 1989 and is still in operation. Most of the Monet jewelry found is gold plated metal. All Monet jewelry is marked on the back of the piece and/or on a metal tag attached to the necklace chain. Abundant on the market and priced accordingly.
Murrle Bennet & Co: In business 1884 to 1914. Jewelry was similar to Liberty. Pieces were usually made of silver or low carat gold and set with green and blue enamelwork, semi-precious stones, mother of pearl or glass. Often designed by Theodor Fahrner. Most pieces signed MB or MB & Co. Those attributed to a specific designer are the most valuable. Rare on the market and priced accordingly.
Mylu: Mylu is the trademark of the Mylu Design Co. which ceased operation circa 1970s. The jewelry is usually in gold plated metal enhanced by rhinestones or enamel work. They manufactured novelty and figural pins including a large amount of Christmas jewelry. Usually marked MYLU on the back of the pieces.