Bliss Chatelaine
May 11, 2020
Napier’s Diversity in Design
May 11, 2020This 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 the dragon motif as its buckle. The collection came in both gold and silver-toned metal and was called “The Dynasty Collection.” In addition to the jewelry line, Napier designed a rectangular wooden box (possibly walnut) with either a gold or silver-plated lid with the dragon motif on top. (Permission to reprint must be obtained from author.)
Melinda Lewis
Jewelry historian, Melinda Lewis is co-founder of Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l (CJCI) and author of The Napier Co.: Defining 20th Century American Costume Jewelry.
