Creating a collection for any given fashion season was a collaborative effort by the Napier team. Lines were developed as much as two years in advance. Upcoming fabrics, color pallets, and social trends all played a part in the jewelry design.from The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h
Author Archive | Melinda Lewis
Napier’s Diversity in Design
Napier had extremely diverse jewelry designs? It designed metals, color (rhinestone), pearls, and use multiple manufacturing techniques. It had its own modelmakers, toolmakers, and design department. Everything was in-house so that it could be responsive to the market and its customers’ needs. Napier often made small runs of designs, and hence it can be challenging […]
The Napier Dynasty Collection
This collection, designed by Eugene Bertolli, was inspired by President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. The presidential visit signified the first arrival of a U.S. president to visit the People’s Republic of China. This set consisted of two different pendant necklaces, two cuff designs, two earring designs, and a wide flexible mesh belt with […]
Bliss Chatelaine
The Napier Co. began its history in North Attleboro, MA, in 1878 as The E. A Bliss Co. Sometimes written as The E. A. B. Co. This piece is from the company’s early history. This is a chatelaine holder made by The E. A. Bliss Co. E.A. Bliss Chatelaine Hook E.A. Bliss Chatelaine Hook Back
New York Office of Mr. James Napier
The New York Office of The Napier Co. was recognized as being one of the most beautiful in the city. The office space was designed by the firm of Voorhees, Walker, Smith, and Smith, Architects. Shown here is the personal office of Mr. James H. Napier, president of The Napier Co. The workspace was featured […]
Napier Embraced The Boutique Look–1950s & 1960s Shoulder Duster Earrings
In the 1950s, boutique jewelry, a version of higher-end jewelry was seen in finer department stores across the nation. Napier, mostly known for its tailored lines, decided to develop a full-couture line of fashion jewelry. In its ensuing design history, Napier for decades, created pieces that held the prestige of “Boutique” jewelry. Here are two […]
Roman Influence: Napier Byzantium Jewelry Collection
Roman Influence: Napier Byzantium Jewelry Collection Influenced by Roman traditions, the jewelry from the Byzantine Empire played an important role toward the expression of social status and wealth. With an abundance of successful trade and available wealth. In the late 520s AD, the emperor Justinian established a law whereby only the emperor could legally wear […]
Napier, Prystal and Dinner Jewelry
There has not been much written about the jewelry produced by The Napier Co. during the 1930s. It was thought that the company largely suspended its jewelry production during this period and focused its business on alcohol and tobacco-related items due to changed personal habits brought forth by the prohibition. One thing is for sure; […]
Napier’s Wire and Metal Bending Department
Wire and Metal Bending Department The unique detail of Napier’s jewelry was often the result of designs created in Napier’s Wire and Metal Bending Department. These designs were either hand-formed, or created with the assistance of a jig to bend into the desired shape. No two pieces of jewelry were exactly alike. Napier’s unique designs […]
The Dolly Madison Bracelet
First used in 1922, this hinged bangle bracelet remained a staple in the line for over 70 years. It can be found with many surface patterns, including polished, textured, basket weave, and gold or silver tapestry. The bracelet has a characteristic “lip” around the edge as seen in the bracelet above. Or History […]