Information & history behind the vintage costume jewelry designers and companies we purchase from (continued)

SWO, INC. JEWELRY COMPANY (1956-1979)..."Edward Swoboda, a jewelry designer, founded Swoboda Inc. in Los Angeles, CA in 1956 after having had an extensive knowledge of gemstones that were used in his manufacturing enterprise. The jewelry is characterized by magnificent thick gold plated metalwork, set with semi-precious stones and cultured pearls. Mr. Swoboda traveled extensively to South America where his gemstones were imported from. It was said that his polished gemstones and cultured pearls were unequaled in costume jewelry".

Trifari, TKF, Trifari, or Krussman & Fishel... - 1918 - present - " Luigi Trifari, a goldsmith and producer of fine jewelry in Italy. He taught his grandson, Gustavo the art of designing". Emigrated to the U.S. A. and worked as a designer in New York City.

Trifari & Trifari....1910, joined in a partnership with his uncle. They produced costume jewelry but only for two years. Gustavo founded his own company, Trifari.

1917... - "Leo Krussman joined the company, forming the Trifari and Krussman Company. Carl Fishel came aboard in the early 1920's, and the company changed its name to Trifari", Krussman & Fishel (or TKF). Alfred Philippe, worked and designed jewelry for Trifari from 1930 to 1968. pieces for Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels". Trifari jewelry is high quality, and Philippe pieces (especially crown brooches), jelly bellies and ClipMates are among the most desireable.

Vendome... - 1944 - 1970's: Originally Coro's upscale line, introduced to replace Corocraft. Eventually became an independent company. Excellent quality, beautiful designs, and very collectible.

Vogue, 1936 - 1973 - Started by Harold Shapiro, Jack Gilbert and George Grant, this successful company was famous for figural pins and popularized "rope necklaces" of beads in the 1950's. *Shapiro's son Bernard and Lester Joy combined their names to form Les Bernard in 1963.

Volupte... - 1926- 1950's - Known for beautiful compacts, cigarette cases and other accessories, but they made a small amount of jewelry.

Walter Lampl Company: "A wholesale jewelry company which created bold and highly individualistic jewelry in a variety of materials, from karat gold and sterling silver to base metal with gold plating, frequently using semiprecious gemstones in their silver and plated jewelry. They were also a major manufacturer of charms. Their motto was, "Creators of the Unusual, As Usual." The company was begun in 1921 by Walter Lampl. Based in New York, the company continued under his leadership until his premature death in 1945. His wife, Sylvia Lampl, inherited the company, which was then managed by his oldest son, Walter, Jr. until the company went out of business in 1959".

Warner... - 1950's - 1970's - Established in the 1950's by Joseph Warner. Produced jewelry until the early 1970's. Great workmanship & exceptional stones. Also. known for using japanned (black) metal.

Weiss... - 1942 - 1971 - Started in New York City in 1942 by a former Coro employee, Albert Weiss. Designed with Austrian crystal stones. Showy and gorgeous.

Whiting & Davis Co. - 1876 - present: - Known for some beautiful gold and silver mesh jewelry and accessories. "Their output and production of some very fine Costume Jewelry was produced in the 1950s copying many fine museum pieces and is very collectible". - W&D ... Produced some of the most stunning and dramatic Art Nouveau and Victorian influenced pieces...you might find.

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