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VINTAGE JEWELRY DESIGNERS - N AND O Napier: (pr: NAY pee ur) Originally founded as Whitney and Rice in Attleboro, Massachusettes as a manufacturer of silver products. Changed hands in 1882 and became Carpenter and Bliss and then E.A. Bliss and Co, Inc. Moved to Meriden, Connecticut in 1890. After WWI the firm began production of jewelry. james Napier became president in 1920 and the company name was again changed - this time to Napier-Bliss Co. In 1922, the name was changed to Napier Company. Still in business today as a major manufacturer of costume jewelry. Their early designs and their Egyptian influenced pieces of the 1920s and 1930s are very collectible as are their chunky gilt metal charm bracelets of the 1950s and 1960s. Used a variety of trademarks all including the name Napier. Newhouse: Possibly manufactured by the JL Newhouse and Son, Inc. during the 1950s and 1960s. Above average quality. Marked Newhouse jewelry is rare on the market. Nye: Stuart Nye founded the Stuart Nye Silver Shop in 1933 in Asheville, North Carolina. Formed a partnership with Ralph and Annie Morris in 1947 and retired in 1948. Still in business. All work is hand done and hand finished and displays motifs taken from nature such as dogwood flowers, ivy, oak and pine cone. Signed NYE in a three-leaf clover design. Very collectible and priced accordingly. Ora: This is the trademark of the Chicago firm of Agnini and Singer, later the Ralph Singer Company. Founded in 1921 by Oreste Agnini. Manufactured costume jewelry and were a supplier of rhinestone buttons and pins for Eisenberg dresses when Eisenberg was still doing its clothing line. In the early 1950s, Anne Geyer was the principal designer. Most of the Ora jewelry is set with quality rhinestones on gold or rhodium plated metal. Marked Ora. Still in business. Orb: Founded by Otto R. Bade in the late 1950s in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Otto Bade served as foreman to Rebajes in the 1940s and 1950s. Before Rebajes relocated in Spain, he sold Bade his designs and machinery. Bade manufactured copper jewelry under the name Orbcraft. Still in business today specializing in the manufacturing of gold and silver rings. Ornella: The following information is from Ginger Moro, author of "European Designer Jewelry". Ornella jewelry was designed by Maria Vittona Albani and produced in Milan, Italy. Ornella design is characterized by unusual costume jewelry materials, ceramic, painted wood, shells and Venetian beads. The 1950s were the heyday of their success. Still in business in 1989 - not sure if they are currently still manufacturing jewelry. Otis: Founded in providence, Rhode Island circa 1943. Beautifully designed jewelry with superior stones, often in Art Deco style. Usually done with clear rhinestones. Hard to find on the market. Mr. Otis died in 1972. Company ceased operations circa 1970. |
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