Researching Costume Jewelry History, Companies and Signatures – “K”
August 24, 2019Researching Costume Jewelry History, Companies and Signatures -“M”
August 24, 2019Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l
is pleased to host
RESEARCHING COSTUME JEWELRY
originally created and published by Dotty Stringfield on IllusionJewels.com
Jewelry History – Jewelry Research – Jewelry Marks – Jewelry Signatures – Jewelry Articles – Jewelry Galleries
COSTUME JEWELRY MARKS – L*
Information and images contained in Researching Costume Jewelry (RCJ) were created by Illusion Jewels and are currently maintained and updated by Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l (CJCI). Written permission by CJCI is needed to use any information obtained from RCJ in any other publication whether written or electronic.
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L
L script in a circle with “Trade” and “Mark” on either side — See PROVIDENCE STOCK COMPANY
L’AMOUR — See BRAUDE
L. RAZZA — See RAZZA
LC — See CLAIBORNE, LIZ
LC — See SARAH COVENTRY
LG — See LIND-GAL
LG in painter’s palette — See LOUIS GIUSTI
LN, LN/25 and variations — See LITTLE NEMO
LR — LADY REMINGTON — See LIA SOPHIA
L.S. — See STERN, LOUIS
L.S. CO. — See STERN, LOUIS
L.S. & CO. — See STERN, LOUIS
L.S.P.CO. — See PETERSON
LA BELLE — See CORO
LA REL — c. 1953 — ?
- Mark: La Rel Originals —First used April 1953
- Mark: LaRel Photo courtesy Linda Lange.
LA ROCO — LAYKO, ROSS & CO. INC. — Seattle, WA – 1918 through early 1970s
- Mark: LA ROCO Photo courtesy Beth Rowlands.
- Mark: 1918 Courtesy Plenty O’ Jewels.
- LaRoco was a wholesale import/export business founded by William O. Ross in the 1910s and incorporated after Joseph Layko joined the firm in 1929. Among the companies that made jewelry for the firm were Selro, DeLizza & Elster and Regency.
- Learn more about LaRoco and see an additional mark through CJCI original content – LaRoco: Layko Ross & Company of Seattle, Washington.
Updated 8/2/2021 by Pamela Wiggins Siegel
LA ROYAL — See ROYAL BEAD
LA TAUSCA — See HELLER, L. & SON, INC.
LA TAUSCA — Mark was also used by Martin Low & Taussig, Providence, Rhode Island
LACROIX, CHRISTIAN — Paris, France — 1989 — 2009
-
- Mark: Christian Lacroix Made in France Photo courtesy Erik Yang.
- Mark: Christian Lacroix Bijoux.
- Mark: Christian Lacroix Jewelry.
- Contemporary French designer. First jewelry introduced in 1989. Last couture show in 2009.
- Monet produced jewelry for Christian Lacroix beginning in 1995.
- Some necklaces are marked with CL logo metal hang tags.
Updated 3/31/2020 by Pamela Wiggins Siegel
LADY COVENTRY — See SARAH COVENTRY
LADY ELLEN — See LEDERER
LADY REMINGTON — See LIA SOPHIA
LADYETTE — See MARATHON
LAGUNA — See also ROYAL CRAFTSMEN
- Mark: Laguna first used Feb. 1944
- Hang tag Photo courtesy David Pritchett.
- Hang tag Photos courtesy Simply Sharon.
- Hang tag Photos courtesy Simply Sharon.
- Mark: Laguna tag
LAMPL, WALTER — NY, NY — 1921-1959
-
- Mark: WALTER LAMPL — block letters — early mark. Photo courtesy Cheri & Rocky Van Hoover. Photo courtesy ID: justabunchawildflowers
- Mark: LAMPL — block letters — early mark.
- Mark: WL — block lettrs — early mark.
- Mark: WL 10K Photo courtesy Cheri & Rocky Van Hoover.
- Mark: Sterling WL ; Another sterling mark Photos courtesy Cheri & Rocky Van Hoover.
- Mark: by Lampl — script — during Walter, Sr.’s lifetime and beyond.
- Mark: WL script on a shield — mid 1940s and after. Photo courtesy Jennifer of Jennifer Lynn’s Timeless Jewelry.
- Mark: WL script on a shield — mid 1940s and after. Courtesy Lee Caplan
- Mark: Courtesy Sam Mitchell.
- Mark: By W. Lampl Courtesy Lanae Williams
- Mark: Courtesy Joan Smith
- Mark: Sterling by Lampl Photo courtesy Cheri & Rocky Van Hoover.
- Mark: LAMPL STERLING
- Mark: WALBURT — named for Walters’s sons Walter & Burton; only used about a year 1944 into 1945.
- Mark: Toddle-Tot — used on children’s jewelry.
- Mark: Golden Threads
- Mark: Silver Threads
- Some items were probably not marked.
- During WWII some Lampl jewelry was produced in Mexico. Carl-Art also produced some of Lampl’s jewelry.
- The company also made vanity items including compacts.
- Intricate charms for bracelets were a specialty including many “puffy” and padlock hearts. Line of enameled birthstone hearts was patented along with a number of other designs.
- Walter Lampl died at age 50 in 1945; his wife Sylvia and then his son Walter, Jr. managed the company.
- The family closed the business in 1959, rather than sell to outsiders.
- From a 1954 accessories show brochure: imported faceted beads on gold finished chain with gold beads — same with pearls — also 14k and sterling charms.
- Courtesy of Cheri van Hoover.
Updated 4/14/2020 by Pamela Wiggins Siegel
LANCETTE — See SILSON
LANE, KENNETH J. — 1963 — present
-
- Mark: Kenneth Lane with © — 1960s & 1970’s; lots of large pieces. Photo courtesy Laura Libio.
- Mark: K.J.L. — 196’s & 1970s; . Photo courtesy Elizabeth Nyland.
- Mark: Donald Stannard for Kenneth J. Lane c. 1970.
- Mark: Kenneth Jay Lane — 1970s & 1980s.
- Mark: K.J.L. for Avon 1986 to mid-2000s
- Mark: KJL for Laguna — dates unknown.
- Mark: © KJL (no periods) c. 1990; known to be used on pieces made in mass for QVC Photo courtesy Elizabeth Nyland.
- Mark: Kenneth Lane with © to the side — probably 1990s to present. Photo courtesy Elizabeth Nyland.
- Mark: KJL Thailand Courtesy Karla Wacker
- Information from Liz Bryman & Ann Hellie.
- Kenneth Jay Lane died in 2017 but jewelry is still being marketed under his brand.
- Learn more with CJCI original content – Looking Back: A Conversation with Kenneth Jay Lane.
Updated 9/2/2020 by Pamela Wiggins Siegel
LANG (sterling) 1946-to at least 1977 ?
- Mark: Sterling Lang Photo courtesy Beth Rowlands.
- Have ad from 1977
LANGANI — See SCHAAD, ANNI LANG
L.A. TIMES
- Mark: Courtesy ID: eclecticgramma.
LATASIA JEWELRY — Washington, DC
- Mark: Latasia
- Jewelry sold by consultants through a party plan.
- Contemporary company
LATONA — See BOND BOYD
LAUREL BURCH — See BURCH, LAUREL
LEA STEIN — See STEIN, LEA
LEADING JEWELRY MFG. CO. — See POLCINI
LEDO — See LEADING JEWELRY MFG. CO
LEADER — See PROVIDENCE STOCK COMPANY
LEADING BAND — See W. & H. JEWELRY CO.
LEADING LADY — See W. & H. JEWELRY CO.
LEAVENS MANUFACTURING COMPANY — Attleboro, MA
- Mark: “L” with banner marked “QJ” Courtesy Jenny Wren
- Mark: “L21” is the mark issued to Leavens to use on US military insignia.
- Founded in 11948 by Theodore Leavens, Lucy Fantaccione, Pete Taratian, Rauul LaCasse, orin Armstrong & Haig Abdian.
- Acquired by Oneida Ltd. in the mid-1970s.
LeC — See BOUCHER
LEDERER BROTHERS
- Mark: Lady Ellen — 1948
- Dates: c. 1948
LEE, JUDY — See JUDY LEE
LEE MENICHI — See POLCINI
LEE, NANCY
- Have ad from 1946
LEE, SONIA — Providence, RI
- Mark: Sonia Lee in script Photo courtesy Pamela Wiggins Siegel.
- Have ads from 1946, 1947
LEIBER, JUDITH — NY — 1963 to present
- Mark: Judith Leiber Courtesy Lilly Vittetow
- Known for handbags, but has also had a line of costume and now fine jewelry.
- Judith Leiber died in 2018 but accessories are still being marketed under her brand.
LEO GLASS — 1928-1957
- Mark: Leo Glass in script
- Mark: Leo Glass sterling on an oval plaque
- Mark: Leo Glass in script on 5 sided plaque
- Mark: Courtly Jewels first used in 1946 — had a foil hangtag
- Mark: Courtly — seen in a 1953 and 1959 Jeweler’s Buyers Guide
- Mark: Leo Glass Courtesy Cathy Gordon.
- Mark: L G – c. 1941 Elizabeth Taylor MGM Star, Fashion Jewelry styled by Leo Glass Courtesy Aged and Opulent Jewelry
- Founded by Leo Glass in NY in 1928. He had worked for Lisner 10 years prior to that. He was a manufacturer & importer. He went bankrupt in 1957.
- Visit Cathy Gordon’s gallery to see examples.
LEONARDO — See DAVINCI CREATIONS
LERU — PELTON & LERU CORP. — NY, NY — c. 1950s — 1960s (?)
- Mark: Leru — first used in 1956
LES, BERNARD — 1963-1996
- Mark:
- Mark: Sterling Les Bernard Courtesy Deb Schneider
- Mark: Marks on mechanical flower brooch
- Mark: Les Bernard
- Founded by Bernard Shapiro, son of Harold Shapiro of Vogue jewelry, and Lester Joy, thus the name “Les Bernard”.
- Lester Joy was a designer and Bernard Shapiro may have also done some of the designs.
- Les Bernard manufactured jewelry for Mary McFadden, James Galanos, the Dynasty Collection for the TV show and Ugo Correani.
- Read an article about Les Bernard by Ann Pittman.
LEWIS KIRSCHMAN — See KIRSCHMAN, LEWIS
LEWIS SEGAL — See SEGAL, LEWIS
L. KAPSIS — NY, NY
- Mark: Courtesy Lilly Vittetow
- Founded in 1967; jewelry manufacturer.
LIA SOPHIA, — Wood Dale, IL — 1986-2015
- Mark: Lady Remington – 1986
- Mark: LR Courtesy Lynda Hodgins
- Formerly Act II Jewelry; name changed to Lady Remington when Act II was purchased by Victor Kiam in 1986.
- Act II/Lady Remington is now known as Lia Sophia Jewelry and is a direct sales company.
- The company was named after Kiam’s granddaughters Lia and Sophia.
- Ceased operation in February, 2015 according to an article in the Chicago Tribune.
LIANNA, INC. — Cranston, RI — at least from 1995 to June 2003
- Mark: LIA Photo courtesy of Gail Gupton
LIBERTY BUCKLE-ON WATCH BRACELETS — See PROVIDENCE STOCK COMPANY
LIDELL, NELLY — c. May 1963
LIDZ BROTHERS, NYC — 1895
- Mark: LIDZBRO
- Mark: LIDZNY Photo courtesy Jennifer from Jennifer Lynn’s Timeless Jewelry.
- Mark: LIDZ Courtesy ID: eclecticgramma.
- Mark: Costumakers 1958 print
- Mark: Costumakers script at an angle 1945
- Manufactured Costume Makers Buttons, Sewing Notions and Novelties.
- Also made some costume jewelry, as pieces with a small metal plaque that says LIDZBRO have been found.
- Thanks to Elaine Lucier (green-mannequin on Ruby Lane) who bought a salesman’s sample card of buckles & shared with RCJ. It reads, “Lidz Brothers, Inc. Founded 1895”.
LILIJA — c. Jan. 1966
LILLY DACHE, INC. — NY, NY — See DACHE, LILLY
LILO — See SERMOL, LILO
LILY WHITE — See DEKNATEL
LIMOGES
- Mark: Photo courtesy Stefanie Brawner.
LIND-GAL, INC. — NYC — first use 1952
- Mark: Letters “LG” with no other design
LINE VAUTRIN — See VAUTRIN, LINE
A.L. LINDROTH CO. — Attleboro, MA
- Mark: A.L.L. CO.
- Mentioned in Keystone in 1922
- Last mentioned in 1950
LISA JEWELS CO. — Orange, NJ
- Mark: Lisa Courtesy Victoria James Courtesy justabunchofwildflowers
- Mark: Lisa Jewels – from a presentation box Courtesy Jennie Smith
LISANDA — See MARVELLA
LISNER — D. LISNER & CO. OF NY — 1904 to approx. 1985
- Mark: LISNER — early mark Courtesy Rebecca Fransway
- Mark: Lisner Courtesy David Pritchett, Courtesy Karen Bird Courtesy Rebecca Fransway
- Mark: With copyright, after 1955
- Mark: Courtesy Lyn Peightal
- Mark: Lanvin’s Violet — 1926
- Mark: Crystalia (all caps) first used 1926
- Mark: Diamond Jim Brady — 1935
- Mark: Stylized head mark used for children’s costume jewelry 1935.
- Mark: Lisner — used since 1938
- Mark: Men From Mars — Dec. 1940
- Mark: Powder-Blend — mark for artificial pearls — June 1940
- Mark: Gremlin — first used Oct. 1942
- Mark: Junior Prom 1956
- Mark: Lisner script with *L* in an oval with zipper-like design at top and bottom of oval) — 1956
- Founded by David Lisner in 1904.
- In 1931 it was listed as only a wholesaler, and much of their jewelry was imported from Europe prior to the 1930’s.
- Lisner was the authorized agent of Schiaparelli in the US, imported & distributed Schiaparelli jewelry prior to WW.2
- Urie Mandle joined Lisner as a full partner in the 1930’s.
- In 1930s Lisner began to produce jewelry in Providence, RI. Other companies actually manufactured the jewelry for Lisner, including Whiting & Davis.
- Lisner bought the Richelieu Pearl Co. in mid-1970’s and company was re-named Lisner-Richelieu Corp. A 1960 ad indicates a possible earlier connection.
- Victoria Creations purchased Lisner-Richelieu in 1979.
- Jones apparel Group currently owns the Lisner name, but is not making Lisner jewelry.
- Lisner jewlery has not been made since the mid-1980’s.
- Information courtesy Susan Klein. Read her articles for more information on Lisner jewelry: Lisner Jewelry and For The Love Of Lisner.
LISTER, FARAH — London, England
- Designing jewelry since 1986.
- Has a collection named “Angels” in Sterling Silver.
- Involved in design for Swarovski’s Signity line for 2005.
LITTLE FLOWER ROSARY — See STERN, LOUIS
LITTLE NEMO MFG. CO. — Providence, RI 1913-1978 — confirmed a subsidiary of Brier Mfg. Co.*
- Mark: Little Nemo inside the shape of a ring.
- Mark: “Nemo Gold Seal Quality LN/25” “Stones Hand Set” Courtesy Rita Perloff.
- Mark: LN/25
- Mark: L/N
- Mark: LN inside a flattened diamond shape
- Mark: LN
- Mark: LN/25 inside a flattened diamond shape
- Mark: LN 50
- Little Nemo was founded by Benjamin Brier, Charles Brier & Samuel Magid in 1913.
- Little Nemo found in Keystone jewelers magazine in 1922, 1931 & 1965
- *See Brier Mfg. Co. – confirmed through research done by Cheri Van Hoover.
LIZ CLAIBORNE — See CLAIBORNE, LIZ
LJM — Laurentian Jewellery Manufacturing, Montreal 1955.
- Mark: Photo courtesy Laura Libio.
LOCKE, PATRICIA — c. 1970s, 1980s ?
- Was based in Chicago.
LONGCRAFT — See LONG’S
LONG’S (Thomas Long Co., Inc.) — Boston, MA — 1878 until present
- Mark: Longcraft – 1946 Photo courtesy of Gail Gupton
- Mark: Giovanni by Longcraft Courtesy
- Thomas Long Co. became “Long’s” which lists itself as a retailer & designer of jewelry.
LOOK OF THE REAL — See CRYSTAL BRANDS
LOOP LINKS — See SWANK, INC.
L’OPERA — See MARVELLA
LORD COVENTRY — See SARAH COVENTRY
LOUIS FERAUD — See FERAUD, LOUIS
LOUIS ROUSSELET — See ROUSSELET, LOUIS
LOUIS STERN CO., INC. — See LUSTERN
LOUVAINE PEARLS — LASSNER & BAMBERGER, INC. — NY, NY
- Keystone has them listed in 1922 as manufacturers of jewelry with precious & imitation stones
LOVABLE (Script) — See CORO
LOVE LOCKET — See CORO
LUCIEN PICCARD ORIGINAL — A. BLUMSTEING, INC. — NY, NY
- Mark: Lucien Piccard Original first used Jan. 1947 Courtesy Barb Jackson
LUCKY BUCK (script) — See CORO
LUCKY ELEPHANT — See VARGAS
LUNCH AT THE RITZ — 1982 to present
- Mark: Lunch At The Ritz © 88 (in hand script) Photo courtesy Erik Yang.
- Mark: Lunch At The Ritz © (in block print)
- Mark: Lunch At The Ritz © on rectangular plaque Courtesy Carol Hearn
- Mark: Lunch AT The Ritz © (hand printed) Courtesy Carol Hearn
- Mark: LATR Courtesy Lisa Pantoja
- Established by Alexis Watts and Esme Hecht. Website shows designs by Zander Elliott as of 2019.
- The pieces were signed from 1984-1990, then they started with the copyright stamp. (info provided by Cathy Gordan)
LUNT SILVERSMITHS — 1902 to present — Greenfield, MA
- Mark: Lunt Sterling
- Originally incorporated in 1902 as the Rogers, Lunt and Bowlen Co.
- Lunt purchased A.F. Towle Co. in 1902, including all of their silverware patterns; patterns from 1903 on are marked with the Lunt trademark.
LUSTERN — See STERN, LOUIS
LUSTRALITE (script) — See CORO
LYNGGAARD, GERDA — See MONIES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PAT SEAL: research files
DOTTY STRINGFIELD: research files
BOBYE SYVERSON: research files.
A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA by Carla and Roberto Brunialti
AMERICAN COSTUME JEWELRY by Carla and Roberto Brunialti
AMERICAN JEWELRY MANUFACTURERS by Dorothy T. Rainwater
COLLECTIBLE COSTUME JEWELRY by Cherri Simonds
COLLECTING COSTUME JEWELRY 101 By Julia Carroll
COLLECTING COSTUME JEWELRY 202 By Julia Carroll
COLLECTING RHINESTONE COLORED JEWELRY by Maryanne Dolan
COPPER ART JEWELRY by Burkholz and Kaplan
COSTUME JEWELRY A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK AND GUIDE by Fred Rezazadeh
COSTUME JEWELRY (2nd Ed.) by Harrice Simons Miller
EUROPEAN DESIGNER JEWELRY by Ginger Moro
INSIDE THE JEWELRY BOX By Ann Pitman
LUCILLE TEMPESTA: owner-publisher of the Vintage Fashion & Costume Jewelry Magazine
MASTERPIECES OF COSTUME JEWELRY by Ball and Torem
MID-CENTURY PLASTIC JEWELRY By Susan Klein
MIRIAM HASKELL JEWELRY by Cathy Gordon and Sheila Pamfiloff
OLD JEWELRY by Jeanenne Bell
WARMAN’S JEWELRY 2nd Ed. by Christie Romero
WARMAN’S JEWELRY 3rd Ed. by Christie Romero
*DISCLAIMER: As in the past, we make every effort to ensure all information contained in the RCJ pages is accurate. However, errors can occur. Neither the prior owner of RCJ, CJCI or its representatives are responsible for your use of these resources.
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