Recently Sold (VE383)

'DCE Curtis'  - Vintage Signed Austrian Crystal Rhinestone Screw-On Earrings. These pretty earrings are crafted from  1/20 12K gold fill, hallmarked with metal purity and a makers mark. Featuring a variety of faceted cut crystals, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This gallery on these earrings are expertly hand-set with sparkling red and white crystal rhinestones. The earrings are for pierced and non pierced ears, and feature the original screw-on type backings. These vintage signed earrings are elegant,  and truly a wonderful collectible item to be enjoyed for years to come.

History: Joseph Strasser could be credited with the precursor to our present-day Rhinestone, but it was really when Georg Freidrich Strass in 1760 invented the first ever rhinestone (artificial gemstone) from a special type of crystal found in the Rhine River that the stones we know today were born.

The history of gold-filled jewellery traces back to early 19th century England, where this technique was patented to create semi-precious and better-quality custom jewellery during the Victorian Era.

Known since 1936, Providence Rhode Island company Curtis Jewelry Mfg Co produced high quality jewelry. These were silver and gilded ornaments with semiprecious stones and ivory – brooches, clips, and necklaces. However, the history of Curtis is inextricably linked with another Providence company, Uncas Manufacturing Co., part of which it became in 1936.

As for Uncas Manufacturing Co., its owner was Vincent Sorrentino (1892-1976), an Italian immigrant who came to America in the early 20th century. He first registered the Sorrento company in 1911 in Providence, Rhode Island. Of course, the earliest Sorrento jewelry is difficult to find now and they are a collectible rarity. Then, in the early 1920s, Vincent Sorrentino renamed Sorrento into Uncas Manufacturing Co. Uncas jewelry was popular for its variety, exquisite design and high quality.

Along with the above-mentioned Curtis jewelry manufacturing co, the Curtman Co Inc (active since 1941) also joined the Uncas Manufacturing Co. In addition, Uncas Manufacturing Co. acquired the company Vargas MFG together with its building in 1996. Interestingly, the Sorrentino family still continues the jewelry business.
Noteworthy, the letters DCE that appeared in 1950 refer to Curtis Jewelry Mfg Co.

Measurements: Earrings 15.00 mm x 13.00 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones (Variety of sizes) 7.50 mm - 3.00 mm 

Weight: Earrings 3.00 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Earrings : America, Providence, Rhode Island  Maker: DCE Curtis    

Date: Circa 1950