Year: 2020

From our family to yours, we wish you the happiest of holidays. May you enjoy this card, courtesy of a special friend–The E. A. Bliss Co. 1912. We have books in ready-to-wrap boxes available for immediate shipping! Treat yourself to this treasure trove of information. From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

The E. A. Bliss Co. (Napier’s predecessor) was known as a leader in hair combs. In 1901, The E. A. Bliss Co. recognized a growing fashion emphasis on hair and began to manufacture shell and celluloid combs.

In 1902, the company patented a technique for setting rhinestones in celluloid. By 1903 the company was in full production of celluloid combs and housed an entire comb department staffed with 50 men. Bliss’s designers traveled to Europe for design inspiration as part of its strategy to be at the forefront of design in the American market.

The company, for nearly two decades, manufactured various styles of hair adornment. In 1920, the company registered the BLISS (in a shield) trademark to include celluloid, carved, or decorated combs. Although no ads have been seen post-1920, it can be hypothesized that there is a potential to discover information associated with hair comb manufacturing dating to the 1920s—including that under the Napier trade name. From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

Over the last seven years we have been a lender for the wonderful “Out of This World: Jewelry in the Space Age” traveling exhibit curated by Elyse Zorn Karlin. This exhibit has been shown at the Forbes Galleries New York, N.Y. the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA and now the Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville, GA. Mark and I invite you to watch this virtual opening and preview lecture. It has been an honor to share these bracelets as a tribute to the amazing jewelry designed by Napier. The lecture begins at approx 17:45. *

*Disclosure: The necklace shown with the 1967 Napier “Saucer” bangle bracelets designed by Eugene Bertolli is actually a Trifari necklace and not Napier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsGobyVN_Nw From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

A grand display of three color versions featuring the Napier “Baroque” pendant/brooch. A multi-layer piece with highly sculpted stampings surmounted by faux pearls and a large faceted rhinestone. These pendants measure nearly 3 1/2″ across. Designed by Eugene Bertolli. A prime example of the “Boutique” fashion jewelry of the 1950s. You can read more about these jewelry designs in our book, “The Napier C.: Defining 20th Century American Costume Jewelry.” From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

The Napier company made banks for decades until it stopped production 1976. However, the company continued the sale of its giftware line reserved stock, including banks, until 1980. This is a fun bank we have never seen other than this ad dated “1942.” What is your favorite Napier bank? Show & Tell! From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

Another classic tailored 1950s design by The Napier Co. We love the tassel drops which give this piece great movement. The bracelet and earrings were equally alluring.  This piece came in both silver and gold plate.  From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

Here is another example of the “Juliet” cap made with polished spheres (place on a hat for display) along with an editorial from Vogue. There were several different designs for the Juliet cap designed in honor of the movie sensation “Romeo & Juliet.” From The Napier Book #napierbook #romeojuliet #Napierheadpiece https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

Here is a fun pair of 1950s figural ballerina ear clips. These utilized a cast body and hand-wired faux pearl for the tutu. Each earring will look slightly different. The company produced a number of figural pieces from brooches to earrings. Figural pieces are a favorite for Napier collectors. From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

Another example of Napier product placement as featured in the September 1963 issue of “Woman’s Day.” The editorial was titled, “High Fashion Knits.” Shown here is one spread from that editorial featuring Napier bangle bracelets and earring clips.  From The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h

#napierjewelry #productplacement #1960sfashion #knitwear #napierearrings #napierbangles

In the first half of the 20th century, The Napier Co. used product placement to obtain exposure with little to no marketing expense. Napier lent jewelry or giftware product for editorials or other companies’ advertising. Here we see Napier earrings featured in a 1952 advertisement for a Lederman designed cashmere coat made with fabric loomed by Einiger. T & C November 1952.

#napierearrings #napierfashion #townandcountrymagazine #1950sfashion #1950sjewelry #thenapierbook #jewelryhistory #productplacement from The Napier Book https://ift.tt/3cnbS9h