Florenza: Wonderfully Designed Costume Jewelry

I saw a lot of beautiful jewelry today at the local flea market and was struck by some pieces by the company Florenza and I thought I would share some things I have read about this company.

The company began in the 1930’s and stopped manufacturing in 1981. It was founded by Dan Kasoff and pieces were not signed until about 1948. His son Larry also joined the company. When marked it will say FLORENZA either in script or print. According to Julia C. Carroll author of "Collecting Costume Jewelry 101" (one of the books I recommend), the name was to honor his wife Florence. After the mid 1950’s the copyright symbol will also be shown. Many of their pieces have an antiqued look in either gold or silver color. Their metal work was excellent and many pieces have interesting colors combinations and wonderful stones.

You can see photos of some of the pieces I collect at the right of this posting. I always get compliments on the bird brooches! I love the Florentine finish and I am drawn to Mr. Kasoff's distinctive designs from quite some distance.


The company also made accessories such as photo frames, pens, lipstick holders. Mr. Kasoff also manufactured designs for other companies such as Kramer, Capri, Weiss and Carnegie.

References taken from “Costume Jewelry a Practical Handbook and Value Guide” by Fred Rezazadeh and "Collecting Costume Jewelry 101" by Julia C. Carroll. There is a great story in Jewelry 101 describing Mr. Kasoff's early days.

Vintage Costume Jewelry Designers Mazer Bros.

I was looking at my lovely double clip brooch whose mechanism was patented by Marcel Boucher when he worked for Mazer Bros. and then looked through some of my costume jewelry books for Mazer and was reminded how beautiful their jewelry designs are. I thought I would share some informaton about the Mazer brothers and Jomaz.

Mazer Bros. was formed in 1927 by Joseph and Lincoln Mazer who were Russian immigrants. Many of their early pieces were made to look like fine jewelry. The high quality and color of rhinestones as well as plating techniques could at first glance look like real gold and gemstones. Mazer Bros. jewelry is high quality and was priced affordably for the times. A series of rhinestone encrusted masks were made and are highly collectible as is all Mazer jewelry. In 1947 Joseph Mazer started his own company and manufactured until 1981. Earlier pieces were signed Mazer Bros. Joseph Mazer pieces were signed Mazer or more commonly Jomaz.

I have included some photos of the Mazer Bros. and Jomaz jewelry I have or had. I love the diversity and even the newer pieces are extremely well made using beautiful rhinestones.

References taken from “Costume Jewelry a Practical Handbook and Value Guide” by Fred Rezazadeh as well as today’s recommended book.

Costume Jewelry Designer Albert Weiss

Since I put on my lovely Green Weiss leaf for St. Patrick's Day I thought I would give you some information about this creative designer.

Albert Weiss learned his craft working at the huge Coro Company. He opened his own company in New York City in 1942. He is well known for the use of high quality Austrian rhinestones with excellent clarity. He started using rhinestones that looked like the German Smokey quartz and it was termed “Black Diamond”. Many of his designs are wonderful insects and butterflies that are actively sought after by collectors. Some of his Aurora Borealis jewelry is truly stunning and innovative. You will find jewelry marked WEISS, WEISS Co. hang tags and boxes might have A.W. Co with the “W” in the shape of a crown. After about 1955 you will see the © symbol. Both Fred Rezazadeh and Judith Miller believe that Weiss jewelry is underrated and under appreciated.

I always look for his earlier pieces, an unusual design and anything with really beautiful rhinestones.

Here are photos of some the marks you will find on his jewelry.

References taken from “Costume Jewelry a Practical Handbook and Value Guide” by Fred Rezazadeh.

In the last few years there have been fakes being sold so be sure to look at the piece carefully. Here is a great article with photos helping you determine if the piece you like might be a fake.
http://vintagecostumejewels.com/Info/How_to_Spot_Fake_Weiss_Jewelry.htm

If you are not familiar with Fred Rezazadeh's book, I have used it frequently for reference. There are some designers you will not find in other books. The are lots of photos and additional sections showing Unmarked Costume Jewelry, Imported Costume Jewelry, Gold Filled & Silver Jewelry, Other Metals, Plastic Jewelry and Bead & Simulated Pearl Jewelry.
I only used prices found in books as a guide to value not a definitive price. The market is changing daily.

Wishing you a wonderful day.