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 […]
Author Archive | Melinda Lewis
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 […]
Displaying One’s Party Affiliation is No New Fad
Displaying One’s Party Affiliation is No New Fad Political symbolism dates back to 1874 after a series of political satire cartoons were published in a number of publications, including Harper’s Weekly. Cartoonists, playing upon each others’ work, soon adapted the animal-affiliated party representation. Women have been displaying their political party affiliation since 1920s when Mrs. […]
Why Inappropriate Costuming can Ruin a Movie Scene
Being a costume designer is both a fun and demanding profession. The job of the costume designer is to make sure that the attire of each actor portrays the story of the actor’s character through a visual medium. Color, texture, and style are all important factors of each garment. The costumes not only become a […]
Quick Tips to Cleaning Your Jewelry Properly
There is great debate and discussion regarding the proper care of rhinestone and costume jewelry. However, experience has demonstrated that the most damaging elements to costume jewelry and rhinestone pieces in particular are moisture, food, or hairspray. Rhinestone jewelry should never be immersed in water or cleaning fluids. The moisture gets trapped behind the stone […]
Aluminum Jewelry in Fashion: Giorgio Sant’ Angelo
Eloxal (electrolytic oxidation of aluminum) jewelry was made mostly from the mid-1940s to the mid-1960s. Eloxal jewelry can be found marked Germany or W. Germany and is among the collectible genre of aluminum jewelry. Jewelry made of aluminum is sleek, sturdy, highly reflective and lightweight. It was a metal of choice for some couture designers […]
5 Tips to Choosing the Perfect Piece of Jewelry
Choosing the right piece of jewelry for your sweetheart can be a fun and rewarding experience, both for you choosing that special piece and for your sweetheart to receive it. There are 5 things to keep in mind when looking for that special piece. Choose a Gift She will Feel Confident to Wear Often Selecting a […]