List of Vintage Jewelry Designers

Vintage Jewelry

Who doesn’t love vintage jewelry? I especially like the elaborate handmade styles like Miriam Haskell.

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As you may have found out, it’s pretty difficult to identify who the designer is for vintage jewelry. Without studying designer tendencies and characteristics, it’s nearly impossible for the average person to tell a Samuel Kirk from a Harry Dixon.

You can look for marks, but frequently the jewelry only bears the mark of the company they worked for. However, if you do find the marks, this list below of over 180 vintage jewelry and metal designers may help you identify how old they are.

This list is sorted alphabetically and by country. We start with Austria and end with the United States. Some of these manufacturers go all the way back to the 1700s!

List of Vintage Jewelry & Metal Designers

Workshop or Artist NameLocationDatesTypes & More Info
Carl Otto Czescha (Czeschka)Vienna, Austria1878-1960Metalwork
Hagenauer WerkstatteVienna, Austria1898-1956Metalwork
Josef HoffmannVienna, Austria1870-1956Jewelry, Metalwork
Otto PrutscherVienna, Austria1880-1949Jewelry, Enamel
Wiener WerkstatteVienna, Austria1903-1932Metalwork, Jewelry
Henri Clemens Van de VeldeBrussels, Belgium1863-1957Jewelry, Metalwork, Bronze, Silver
H. SternRio de Janiero, Brazil1945-presentGold, Diamonds, Precious Gems
Henry Birks & SonsMontreal, Canada1879-presentSilver, Gold, Jewelry
BoucheronParis, France1858-presentJewelry
Edgar BrandtParis, France1900-1930Metalwork, Brass, Iron, Copper
CardeilhacParis, France1802-1951Silver
CartierParis, France1847-presentJewelry
Coco ChanelParis, France1920s-presentJewelry
Chaumet et CieParis, France1780-presentJewelry
ChristofleSt. Denis, France1839-presentSilver, Silver Plate
Edward ColonnaParis, France1862-1948Jewelry
FouquetParis, France1860-1930sJewelry
Rene LaliqueParis, France1860-1945Jewelry, Silver, Glass
Alphonse Maria MuchaParis, France1860-1939Silver, Jewelry
Gilbert PoilleratParis, France1921-1950sLamps, Ironwork
Gerard SandozParis, France1925-1931Silver
Lea SteinParis, France1957-presentCostume Jewelry
Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France1906-presentJewelry
Maison VeverMetz, France1821-1982Jewelry
Peter BehrensMunich, Germany1868-1940Metalwork
Theodor FahrnerPforzheim, Germany1868-1928Silver, Jewelry
J.P. Kayser SohnKrefeld-Bochum, Germany1885-1910Pewter
KayserzinnKrefeld-Bochum, Germany1885-1910Pewter
Bernd MunsteinerIdar-Oberstein, Germany1943-presentGemstone cutter
OrivitKoln-Ehrenfeld, Germany1900-1905Petwer, Silver
Ferdinand Hubert SchmitzKoln-Ehrenfeld, Germany1900-1905Petwer, Silver
Wurttembergiche MetallwarenfabrikGeislingen, Germany1853-presentPewter, Silver Plate, Glass, Ikora Metal
Artificers’ GuildLondon, England1901-1942Silver, Copper, Metalwork
Charles Robert AshbeeLondon, England1863-1942Silver, Jewelry
Asprey & Company, Ltd.London, England1781-presentJewelry
J.W. BensonLondon, England1874-presentJewelry
Birmingham Guild of HandicraftBirmingham, England1890-presentMetalwork, Jewelry, Silver
Bromsgrove Guild of Applied ArtBromsgrove, England1890-1966Jewelry, Metal
Alwyn C. E. CarrLondon, England1872-1940Silver, Enamel, Wrought Iron
Collingwood & CompanyLondon, England1817-presentSilver, Jewelry
Comyns, William & SonsLondon, England1848-presentSilver
J. Paul CooperWesterham, England1869-1933Silver, Copper, Jewelry
Bernard CuznerBirmingham, England1877-1956Silver, Jewelry
Nelson DawsonLondon, England1859-1942Jewelry, Silver, Metalwork, Enamel
James Dixon & SonsSheffield, England1806-presentSilver, Silver Plate, Britannia Metal
Christopher DresserLondon, England1834-1904Designed for many companies
Elkington & Co.Birmingham, England1824-presentSilver, Silver Plate, Metalwork, Enamel
Alexander FisherLondon, England1864-1936Silver, Jewelry, Enamel
R. and S. GarrardLondon, England1802-1952Silver, Gold, Jewelry
Goldsmiths’ & Silversmiths’ Co.London, England1890-1952Silver, Jewelry
Hennell, Ltd.London, England1735-presentJewelry
Charles HornerHalifax, England1885-1984Mass-produced Enameled Silver, Jewelry
Hukin & HeathBirmingham, England1875-1953Silver, Silver Plate
Hunt & RoskellLondon, England1844-1939Silver, Silver Plate, Jewelry
Archibald KnoxLondon, England1864-1933Jewelry
Liberty & Co.London, England1875-presentSilver, Pewter
Margaret MacdonaldGlasgow, Scotland1865-1933Metalwork, Jewelry
Arthur MackmurdoHeygate, England1851-1942Metalwork
Harold StablerKeswick, London1872-1945Jewelry, Metalwork, Silver
Henry J. WilsonLondon, England1864-1934Metalwork, Jewelry
Bonebakker & SonsAmsterdam, Holland1767-presentJewelry
Jan EisenloeffelAmsterdam, Holland1876-1957Silver
BugariRome, Italy1881-presentJewelry
BuccellatiMilan, Italy1919-presentGold, Precious Stones, Pearls, Watches
Paolo de PoliPadua, Italy1905-1996Enameled Jewelry
MikimotoTokyo, Japan1899-presentPearls
Hector AguilarTaxco, Mexico1939-1966Silver
Frederick DavisMexico City, Mexico1920s-1960Silver
Antonio Pineda GomezTaxco, Mexico1941-presentSilver
Bernice GoodspeedMexico City, Mexico1940-1972Silver
Enrique LedesmaTaxco, Mexico1950-1979Silver
Los CastilloTaxco, Mexico1939-presentSilver
Isidro Garcia PinaTaxco, Mexico1943-1986Silver
Sigfrido Pineda (Sigi)Mexico City, Mexico1952-presentSilver
Matilde PoulatMexico City, Mexico1934-1960Silver
William SpratlingTaxco, Mexico1931-presentSilver
Margot de TaxcoTaxco, Mexico1948-1985Silver
Salvador Vaca TeranMexico City, Mexico1930s-1974Silver
House of FabergeMoscow, Russia1842-1918Jewelry, Gold
Feodor RuckertMoscow, Russia1890s-1917Gold, Jewelry
Sigvard BernadotteSweden1907-2002Jewelry, Silver Dinnerware
W.A. BolinSweden1791-presentJewelry
David-AndersenNorway1876-presentSilver, Enamel
Nanna & Jorgen DitzelDenmark1920s-2005Jewelry
Hans HansenDenmark1906-presentFlatware, Hollow Ware, Jewelry
Georg JensenDenmark1904-presentJewelry, Silver
Henning KoppelDenmark1917-1982Jewelry, Silver
Erik MagnussenCopenhagen, Denmark1884-1960Jewelry
Anton MichelsenDenmark1841-presentJewelry, Silver
Evald NielsenDenmark1879-1958Hand-hammered Silver
Harald NielsenDenmark1892-1977Jewelry, Silver
Johan RohdeDenmark1856-1935Silver
Acme StudiosLos Angeles, California1985-presentWhite Metal, Enamel
Allan AdlerLos Angeles, California1916-2002Silver, Jewelry
Alvin Manufacturing CompanyProvidence, Rhode Island1886-presentSilver
Aaron BashaNew York City, New York1950s-presentGold, Enamel
Bailey, Banks & BiddlePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania1832-presentJewelry
F. Carlton BallSan Francisco, California1911-1992Silver
Benedict Manufacturing Co.East Syracuse, New York1900-1930sCopper, Pewter, Silver Plate
Harry BertoiaDetroit, Michigan1915-1978Hammered Brass
R. Blackinton & Co.North Attleboro, Mass.1862-presentJewelry, Silver
Bradley & HubbardMeriden, Connecticut1895-1930Brass
Alexander CalderNew York City, New York1898-1976Costume Jewelry
Hattie CarnegieNew York City, New York1918-1976Costume Jewelry
CinerNew York City, New York1892-presentCostume Jewelry
Charles ClewellCanton, Ohio1899-1955Copper, Bronze
Betty CookeBaltimore, Maryland1924-presentSilver, Enamel, Wood, Pebbles
CoroProvidence, Rhode Island1901-1979Costume Jewelry
Craftsmen WorkshopsSyracuse, New York1900-1915Copper
Margaret CraverBoston, Massachusetts1930s-1988Silver
Margaret De PattaSan Francisco, California1903-1964Silver
Harry DixonSan Francisco, California1908-1967Copper
William B. Durgin CompanyProvidence, Rhode Island1853-1935Silver
EisenbergChicago, Illinois1930-presentCostume Jewelry
Claire FalkensteinSan Francisco, California1908-1997Wire, Rough Glass
Theodore W. Foster & Brothers Co.Providence, Rhode Island1873-1951Jewelry, Silver
George GebeleinBoston, Massachusetts1878-1945Silver
Gorham CorporationProvidence, Rhode Island1818-presentSilver, Silver Plate, Bronze, Metalwork, Jewelry, Copper & Gold
HARNew York City, New York1940s-1950sCostume Jewelry
John HardyNew York City, New York1975-presentJewelry
Miriam HaskellNew York City, New York1924-presentCostume Jewelry
Oscar Heyman & BrothersNew York City, New York1912-presentJewelry
Frances HigginsChicago, Illinois1912-2004Glass Jewelry
HobeMt. Vernon, New York1887-presentCostume Jewelry
Yuri IchihashiNew York City, New York1991-presentHandwoven Gold & Platinum
Jaccard Jewelry CompanySt. Louis, Missouri1829-presentJewelry
Eugene Joseff, Joseff of HollywoodHollywood, California1935-presentCostume Jewelry
Kalo ShopChicago, Illinois1900-1970Silver, Copper, Jewelry
Samuel KirkBaltimore, Maryland1815-presentSilver
Florence KoehlerChicago, Illinois1861-1944Jewelry
Sam KramerNew York City, New York1913-1964Silver
Kramer Jewelry CreationsNew York City, New York1943-1980Costume Jewelry
KrementzNewark, New Jersey1866-presentJewelry
Walter LamplNew York City, New York1921-1959Silver, Gold, Charms
Kenneth Jay LaneNew York City, New York1963-presentCostume Jewelry
Judith LeiberNew York City, New York1921-presentCostume Jewelry
Fred LeightonNew York City, New York1965-presentJewelry
Ed LevinNew York City, New York1950-presentSilver
Paul LobelNew York City, New York1930s-1965Silver
Peter MacciariniSan Francisco, California1937-2001Silver, Mixed Metals
Marcus & CompanyNew York City, New York1892-1950sJewelry, Copper, Silver
Marshall Field & Company Craft ShopChicago, Illinois1904-1950Jewelry, Silver, Brass, Bronze
MarvellaNew York City, New York1911-presentCostume Jewelry, Fake Pearls
MatisseLos Angeles, California1946-1964Costume Jewelry, Copper, Enameled Copper
John Paul MillerCleveland, Ohio1918-presentGold, silver
MonetE. Providence, Rhode Island1937-presentCostume Jewelry
NapierMeriden, Connecticut1922-presentCostume Jewelry
Paloma PicassoNew York City, New York1949-presentJewelry
Earl PardonSaratoga Springs, New York1926-1991Enamel, Stone, Wood, Wire
Potter StudioCleveland, Ohio1899-1927Brass, Copper, Jewelry, Silver
Francisco RabajesNew York City, New York1934-1967Costume Jewelry
Reed & BartonTaunton, Massachusetts1824-presentSilver, Silver Plate, Jewelry
Renoir of CaliforniaLos Angeles, California1946-1964Costume Jewelry, Copper, Enameled Copper
Nettie RosensteinNew York City, New York1935-1975Costume Jewelry
RoycroftEast Aurora, New York1895-1938Copper
Seaman ScheppsLos Angeles, California1904-presentGold, Precious and Semiprecious Stones
Elsa SchiaparelliNew York City, New York1920s-1950sCostume Jewelry
Jean SchlumbergerNew York City, New York1946-1956Jewelry
SelroNew York City, New York1950s-1960sCostume Jewelry
Shreve & CompanySan Francisco, California1852-presentJewelry, Silver
Shreve, Crump & LowBoston, Massachusetts1796-presentHand-Wrought Sterling
Art SmithNew York City, New York1917-1982Silver, Silver Wire, Brass, Copper
Spaulding & CompanyChicago, Illinois1888-presentSilver, Silver Plate, Jewelry
Henry SteigNew York City, New York1906-1973Silver
Gustav StickleySyracuse, New York1857-1942Copper
Arthur J. StoneBoston, Massachusetts1847-1938Silver
Tiffany & CompanyNew York City, New York1853-presentJewelry, Silver, Metalwork
Tiffany StudiosNew York City, New York1890-1932Metalwork
TrifariNew York City, New York1918-presentCostume Jewelry
Unger Bros.Newark, New Jersey1872-1919Silver, Jewelry
Dirk Van ErpOakland, California1859-1933Copper
Nicholas VarneyNew York City, New York1996-presentJewelry
Webster CompanyNorth Attleboro, Mass.1869-1950Silver
Frank M. Whiting CompanyNorth Attleboro, Mass.1878-1960sSilver
Whiting Manufacturing CompanyNorth Attleboro, Mass.1866-presentSilver
Ed WienerProvincetown, Mass.1918-1991Silver
James H. WinnChicago, Illinois1866-1940Jewelry
Harry WinstonNew York City, New York1932-presentJewelry, Diamonds
Samuel YellinPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania1885-1940Ironwork
David YurmanNew York City, New York1980-presentJewelry
Marie ZimmermannNew York City, New York1879-1972Metalwork, Jewelry
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About Paul Phipps

Paul loves history. He literally read the entire 1987 World Book Encyclopedia when he was 23 years old. His expertise ranges across the entire spectrum of pop culture. He specializes in vintage clothing, sports collectibles, vinyl records and tin toys.

54 thoughts on “List of Vintage Jewelry Designers

  1. Lynette

    Saw naturalistic pieces estimated on “Antiques Roadshow” gold with semi and precious stones by an American designer. Pieces were somewhat chunky and included various sizes and varieties of stones. Do this sound like any designer you know of? Who?

  2. Zondra Rapazzini

    I have a large chunky bracelet with intense metal work almost
    medieval style with large glass stones. It is an impressive piece
    and signed by a KALIZGER…do you know anything about this designer.

    1. Jo

      Hi all. I have a beautiful 70s gold tone and rhinestone pendant signed what looks to be ‘Tar Lavalier’. The ‘T’ is capitalised and the ‘ar’ are lowercase and over the top of the T. I’ve tried to research the designer, but haven’t had any luck. I thought it could be HAR or Art ( Mode Art), but the designs seem quite different. Has anyone come across this stamp before?

  3. Twyla Jackson

    I have an unusual brooch with black and white beads, center is silver metal with what I believe to be rhinestones. The beads are hand sewn into a plastic back. On the back, this has a round, silver disc that is marked ‘CH. RONIS’. Under the name,it reads ‘MADE BY’ and below that is ‘N.Y’. I have researched and can find no information on the item or the Artist.

  4. Peggy Karleen

    I have a brooch of my grandmothers that is about a 3 1/2 in wide oval of gold tone with a large cut amethyst and a simple metal floral design. The back has a simple if not somewhat crude clasp. The only marking is J.H.P. Any ideas about this piece?

  5. SUE WHALEN

    I HAVE A RING THAT BELONGED TO MY GRANDMOTHER. IT HAS A YELLOW STONE IN IT THAT I ASSUMED
    WAS A YELLOW DIAMOND. I KNOW IT IS AT LEAST 30 YRS OLD AS SHE WORE IT AT MY WEDDING 30 YRS AGO.
    THE ONLY MARKING ON THE RING SAYS 10K MAGNOLIA ON THE INSIDE OF THE BAND. HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN THIS BEFORE AND WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT IT.

  6. Janice Reeves

    I have some Canadian Costume jewelry from the 1930s. Do you know the names of Canadian Costume jewellery designers from the 1930? It has blue stones and mother of pearl in tradition designs.

    Thank you

  7. Ann

    I have a vintage pair of rectangular/ triangular hoop earrings, sterling with 14k hooks. They’re marked/signed what looks to be PPI SS14K Does anyone know anything about the maker ppi? Thanks!

  8. Dave Hlatko

    I have a solid gold pendant of the Mother Mary, the baby Jesus and an angel. It is aproximaely 1.25″ H and 3/4″ wide and quite heavy (over an ounce). It is stamped 14kt and manufacturer mark is AUTAYA. I believe that it is from Italy in the late 1800s or early 1900s. I am curious if you have any information on this manufacturer, as they Do not appear on your list.

    V/R
    DLH

    1. Lisa

      Hi I saw this post and was wondering if you researched Alice Caviness? I can see why you would have thought Schreiner, with the “pie crust” back settings. I have also seen this setting used in Caviness pieces and she was quite unique and bold in her designs. Just a thought.. . . . . .

  9. Cathy Koon

    I have a set of rhinestone jewelry (clip earrings, bracelet and choker necklace) that was my grandmother’s. She was born in 1908. It is in the original case marked as jewels designed by Chez Lorraine. I have been unable to find anything online about it. I assume it’s from about the 1950s.

  10. Art Meier

    I have a shell cameo of a man side view in a coat with a ruffle shirt. Very good detail. Old pin and clasp. It is marked Mayhen . I think the last letter is an n. And dated 1847. Any info about the name. Thanks

  11. Ana

    Hi i got cabochon emerald clip earrings it is very old but the hallmark hard to read. It look like ardisos or arcansos with the logo is letter U facing down with crown in top . Kindly help me please if this is valuable or where came from. thanks

  12. Jessica

    Hi, I have a vinatge diamond ring with a marking inside Im having trouble placing. It has 14k and then what looks like a cursive c that flows into a sideways heart. It could be a cb. Any ideas? I can send a picture.

  13. Patrick

    I am currently researching as much history on “Bud and Blossom” that I can find. They were a line and jewelry company based in New York City in the 20’s and 30’s. I have recently purchased an art deco platinum engagement ring with their mark inside the band and am developing a romantic story for when I ask my lady to marry me. Such beautiful workmanship unsurpassed by today’s rings. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

  14. Hope Scott

    I have a 18k gold diamond ring of my grandmothers in an ornate box that is inscribed with St. Louis Jewelry Clock and Silver Co on N. 8th St, St. Louis, Mo Do you have any information on this company? I can’t seem to find anything.

  15. Shannon Peters

    I’m trying to find who may have made this bracelet. It’s marked Ahlor Italy. It’s diamond cut with a lions head at one end with the tail wrapped around the clasp at the other. It’s a man bracelet. I’d love to know more about this piece but I’m having trouble finding anything similar.

  16. Dale Elizabeth Kler

    I have a circular brooch with matching clip-on earrings all marked AUSTRIA. Large stones (just over 1/4″ across) in brown, gold and green not thinking they are genuine stones) in a gold colored setting. I received from grandmother approx. 50 yrs ago and they looked old then. Any idea of the value?

  17. Tina Webster

    I recently bought a large estate of antique to 1970s designer jewelry from a ” clean out” seller from UK. In this lot is a Clear Quartz crystal and 18K sculpture/ pendant with Emerald eyes. The only marks ive found are 18k and A “J” forwards and one.backwards. I have found the identical item online on Pinterest. The article.says the pendant was a Cartier from the 1960s and sold.at the Hancocks auctionhouse in London. The webpage from Handcocks has expired and i cannot locate the author.or any other information. Could you please help me to locate any information at all to validate uts authenticity? I would be most grateful! Thank you so much!

  18. Mark

    I have a old gold wedding band that has H.JLY. CO 18bKT. All I can find is the bKT rating goes back to 1915.
    18 and 14 karat gold were rated in bKT in the early 1900s.
    Can anyone give me an idea who made this ring?
    I am assuming JLY.CO stands for jewelry company but what does the H stand for?

    1. Leigh

      Hello. I found your note while searching for information about JMP. I have a beautiful antique ring signed H.E.C.8.JMP. It is also stamped 18ct. It is set with old cut diamonds and is 18k topped with platinum. Please let me know if you are interested or know anything about this hallmark.

  19. Jason

    I have a 1920s or earlier woman’s watch ,with the face name ,lady Rodney ,the only thing I can find is a war ship called lady Rodney ,after her . Does anyone know anything about this watch it’s gold filled with some other gold markings not sure of couple diamonds . Swiss made 17 jewel . Tia

  20. June

    I have a necklace looks 1920s period it is made up of small oblong jade pieces each one set with small stones
    Each piece of jade has a silver coloured decorated metal along the bottom, there are five jade pieces on the top row and four set in between set with pins on the bottom row a silver coloured chain also in the same shape as the jade comes off from each side and fastens at the top of the neck. It seems to be a very well made piece.
    I cannot find any hallmarks on the piece but have found a stamp on one of the jade pieces looks like J.M.G.M 1188525.
    I would love to find out where it was made, when and by whom.
    My search so far as turned up no clues.

  21. Bernadette Ferriter

    I worked Christmas time at Granat Brothers in San Francisco when I was a teen…sure made me love gold jewelry!
    The carousel charms were so fascinating and I just cannot remember the designer – a New Yorker…wish I had bought one but I did get a gold Ruser cherub.
    Developed a lifetime desire for gold charms…much to to the dismay of my husbands!

  22. Viviane

    Anyone familiar with a jewellery maker called Foduil or Roduil? I have earrings stamped with that sort of name on the backs of both but have no idea who it is.
    Also,anyone know what make an ‘N’ with like a little Q shaped shape that resembles a scarf around it mean? That’s also on some earrings of mine as well.
    Any info very welcome.
    Thanks!

  23. JoAnn McLain

    I have jewelry stamped GARDA 925 stamped on the back and I can’t find anything in that name. Please help! It’s a mystic topaz cross shaped medallion with earrings.

  24. Jennifer L. Buchanan

    I have two pieces of jewelry that were purchased independently, each marked “CHOLI” or “<HOLI”. It’s hard to tell whether the first character is the letter C or a carrot. Both pieces have a streamlined, modern look and are made from sterling silver. I know they date back at least to the early 70s. Any info on this designer is appreciated!

  25. Sue McQueen

    I have a 31 inch 14K gold rectangle box link chain necklace marked 14K Italy and stamped with a name ending in FAERRE (first 2 or 3 letters cannot be made out)…. these are the 6 I can make out. Would you know anything about this? I believe the necklace may be from the early to middle 1900’s. Anything you might know would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

  26. Cheryl

    I have a silver tone necklace that stamped Pat and under that it says Paris. Just not sure if it’s supposed to be Pat Paris or Pat for patent. Looked on web can’t find anything on it. Hope someone can help solve this. Thanks

  27. Maria Alards

    Hello,
    I have a very heavy Art Deco huge brooch 585 14k gold set with numerous gemstones and diamonds;
    It appears to be signed
    « GOTSHA »
    CAN ANY ONE HELP PLEASE?It appears to be Art Deco
    Thanks in advance.

  28. KP Shaffer

    Unique line of handcrafted designed Alaska gold charms and gold jewelry with interlocked “KW” hallmark by goldsmith. Ken Warburton lived in small town on Kenai Peninsula Alaska, had his own small workshop, and a few employees to finish product line.

    Lost wax cast duplicates of his originals were made; regionally resold in wholesale to retail fine jewellery shops, in larger towns and cities. Resellers were across western US who ordered these unique AK Theme characterized charms and the Warburton brand line of Alaskan gold and gold nuggeted jewellery; considered vintage antique and rare now. (tiny float planes; animals, old style railroad trains; billikans. etc)

    These among dozens of other small representations. There were two gold jewelry manufacturers in the small town of Moose Pass AK from 1950/1970; one maker’s name was Ken Warburton, the other, named Merle Reed. Reed brand was resold to other owners who made the product line in Seward Alaska.

    The Warburton name had much larger line of unique and AK themed gold and gemstone jewelery; moved to Anchorage in late 1960s. His Originals were first handmade, then lost-wax casting was done, with rubber molds to make sprued multiples of items.

    These waxes were later burned out of the casting matrix, and the hollow was used with centrifugal machine to force liquid gold into the unique shaped voids, made with investment plaster casts of each design.

    Warburton had his manufacturing shop uptown in top floor of Frisco Bar, across from Captain Cook Hotel. Warburton continued; had partners including J.V Brown, Jr (whose father James Vic Brown, Sr, had first Zales store in Anchorage) and other investors. Hired skilled craftspersons, mostly women whose spouses worked in other Alaskan business; oil, timber, government; and trained additional persons to perform specific tasks in processes of manufacturing this extensive line of unique jewelry. And so a dedicated workforce of crafts persons were local residents. Some followed Warburton from the small towns of eastern Kenai Peninsula; when business sought to expand, and Warburton bought the building (now gone) near Captain Cook Hotel uptown.

    There had been a memiographed catalog of this line, sent by mail to retail owners of businesses, so they could mail order the jewelery from Warburton. Even from small towns, it was viable good business. Between personal sales in remote AK towns, and on the few roadways, the sales persons had sample cases of actual product to show potential buyers of 200+ items of this line.

    All that wholesale small industry, with independent resellers; to include JC Penney stores in Alaska, and Hawaii; yet few items such as ‘Alaska Charm Bracelets’ remain.

    Saw one hefty bracelet with 40 charms, original; in a pawnshop in Eagle River business district.

    The store owner wanted only $1,000. (Worth much more in gold; he was going to scrap it.) Said it was not selling; unadvertised in showcase. ~ And I could not afford $1K. However I talked about the uniqueness, rarity; and suggested better ideas to sell that to collectors. A researched auction?

    The bracelet, double-linked (14K with 10 K+ 14K charms) was similar to one my sister was given; charms added each christmas and birthday, by our mother who crafted the KW line. These are rare and have upscale value beyond scrap.

    Items from KW were copied by lost wax methods, so duplicates were smaller than originals. Memory fades; but gold hardware could remain almost indefinitely.
    Take care & happy trails!🌻

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