Napier figurals are an excellent way to start collecting Napier jewelry. Whether you choose animals, florals, or people, you are sure to find some incredible items. Many of these pieces have three-dimensional attributes, gorgeous colors and enticing textures. Most of the cast figurals manufactured by Napier were made in the 1960s and 1970s. The hand-manipulated […]
The Napier Book Newsletters
Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 2. March 2013
“Indian Sunrise”
“Indian Sunrise” This open metalwork cuff, surmounted by oval and circ coral cabochons was part of a collection called, “Indian Sunrise.” The collection was comprised of link and cuff bracelets, earrings, and a necklace in rich coral tones with antique gold plating. This bracelet later made in silver-plated metal with faux turquoise stones.
The Tale of a Napier Bracelet
“The Gloria Swanson Bracelet” The bracelet featured below is famously known as the “Gloria Swanson Bracelet.” It was made for Gloria Swanson for the film, Sunset Blvd. The bracelet was inspired by two Cartier bracelets that Ms. Swanson had purchased in the 1930s. Like Coco Chanel, who was famously known for wearing her fine jewelry […]
The Napier Book Publishing Updates
NEWS: NAPIER BOOK UPDATE We’ve been away for a bit as we work on wrapping up getting the final files ready for the printer. I’m happy to say we passed our first “file quality” test, and gave approval for the preliminary print color test. Mark and I also made an extremely difficult, scary, yet critical […]
Napier, Design and Inspiration
Although the designers at Napier were outstanding jewelers, silversmiths and artisans, they too, turned to other companies for design inspiration. This page was taken from a 1932 Cartier catalog that was part of The Napier Archive.As discussed in the book, many catalogs from other companies were used either to examine the marketplace and current […]
Cartier and The Napier Archives
Although the designers at Napier were outstanding jewelers, silversmiths and artisans, they too, turned to other companies for design inspiration. This page was taken from a 1932 Cartier catalog that was part of The Napier Archive. As discussed in the book, many catalogs from other companies were used either to examine the marketplace and current […]
New Book on Fashion Jewelry Icon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BENICIA, CA (December 28, 2012) – Decade by decade from the late 1870s, The Napier Co. created high-quality costume and sterling silver jewelry, and fashion adornment. A new book, The Napier Co.: Defining 20th Century American Costume Jewelry, chronicles the styles, the materials, and the evolution of The Napier Co. jewelry across […]
Legends in Silver Heraldic Jewelry by Napier
Heraldic jewelry enjoyed popularity several times during the 20th century, including the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. So when it comes to indentify a particular decade that a piece could have been introduced into a jewelry line can often be difficult from a visual perspective. Fortunately, our ability to research collections has improved over the […]
Napier Jewelry Christmas Pins and Christmas Tree
The Napier Co. manufactured a variety of Christmas pins throughout the years, including wreaths, candy canes, trees, Christmas bells and snowflakes. In the collectors genre, these pins are highly desirable and have maintained a strong demand on the secondary market. These pins, especially the rhinestone embellished motifs, are heavily coveted by collectors. Napier pins can […]