Recently Sold (VP190)

Crowned Heart - Vintage Signed 'DCE Curtis' Austrian Crystal Rhinestone Pendant/Brooch & Chain. This pretty pendant/brooch is crafted from  1/20 12K gold fill, hallmarked with metal purity and a makers mark. The chain is crafted from 14K gold fill, hallmarked 1/20 14K gold fill. Featuring a variety of faceted cut crystals, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This beautiful pendant is made in the form of a crowned heart, which is set with marquise, emerald, diamond, and round cut sparkling red and white crystals. The lovely piece can be worn as a pendant or a brooch. The pendant has been matched  up to a 14K gold fill chain, which features a spring ring clasp in perfect working order. The pendant also features a pin on the back with a rotary type closure, which locks the pin in place.  This vintage signed pendant/brooch is elegant and so versatile, truly a wonderful collectible piece 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: Pendant/Brooch  28.00 mm x 25.00 mm    Chain: 18" 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones (Variety of sizes) 7.00 mm - 3.00 mm 

Weight: Pendant/Brooch and Chain: 4.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Pendant/Brooch : America, Providence, Rhode Island  Maker: DCE Curtis   Chain: Ireland 

Date: Circa 1950