~
Napier ~ |
| Napier Co. was named for
its president, James H. Napier, who led the firm from 1920-1960, yet the
company's origins go back to 1875 when it was founded as Whitney & Rice.
After a succession of names (Carpenter & Bliss, E. A. Bliss), it became the
Napier Co. who's costume jewelry we're familiar with. Successive
mergers have occurred over the years, but Napier jewelry is still produced.
Napier is known for sterling pieces of lovely quality, with many having been
produced in the 1950's. It should be noted that silver plated pieces
had especially heavy plating. While the grape theme was used
throughout the company's history, the most stunning pieces were the very
large grape bunches produced in the 1950's. |
Just
click on the image to see the larger view. |
|
Napier Basket Weave Fur Clip
 |
From the 1940s, this splendid sterling piece combines simplicity with
intricate execution. The gold plated basket weave ribbons end in a
knot. Condition is exceptional in this dimensional fur clip.
Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
1½ by 1¼",
½" deep |
|
SN014 |
$84 |
|
Faux Pearl and Emerald Cabochon
Set
|
Elegance with élan best describes this
fabulous necklace and clip earring set. The triple stranded
necklace has alternating faux pearls and rhinestone rondels. The
central focus and clasp, like the earrings, contain large 'flawed
emerald' cabochons. Slight aging to the navette rhinestones,
otherwise excellent condition. Ca. 1955. Marked: Napier |
|
Necklace:
17" long, 1½" wide; Earrings: 1¼ by 1 1/16" |
|
SN023 |
$260 |
|
Napier Sterling Hyacinth Brooch
 |
This rare beauty appears to be a stylized hyacinth,
just springing forth in bloom. With it's Art Nouveau influence,
this graceful piece is a delight. Marked: Napier
Sterling |
|
4 by 1½" |
|
SN010 |
$110 |
|
Napier Modernist Sterling
Bracelet
|
From the 1940s, this sleek modernist
sterling bracelet uses an interplay of curves and angles for a stunning
effect. The squares in the center of each oval link are domed for
dimension. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
7¼ by 7/8" |
|
SN022 |
$120 |
|
Napier Retro Modern Rose Brooch
 |
In
exceptional condition, this Napier brooch has the swirling ribbons
typical of the 1940s Retro Modern style. The flower and leaves
lend grace and romance to this beautiful piece. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
2½ by 2½" |
|
SN009 |
$98 |
|
Napier Grape Bunches Parure
 |
Classic and bold, this
rare grapes parure includes the large panel bracelet, brooch/pendant,
chain and clip earrings. All are silvertone metal which is
oxidized to give depth and interest to the dimensional design.
Gorgeous! Marked: Napier |
|
Reference:
Rezazadeh,
Costume Jewelry, p. 120
[similar pieces] |
|
Brooch/pendant: 3 by 2¼"; Chain: adjusts to 22½"; Bracelet: 7½ by 2";
Earrings: 1¼" diam. |
|
SN019 |
$345 |
|
Napier Sterling Vine Brooch
 |
Cascading its way along a lapel, this sizable piece features leaves and
fruits or berries. Blueberries, perhaps? Very fun for day
wear. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
4 by 1¾" |
|
SN004 |
$92 |
|
Napier Green Apple Brooch
|
The peridot green molded apple stone
actually glows in this enticing brooch. Like its Austrian cousins,
the stone has a satin finish and lovely detail. Goldtone settings,
excellent condition, ca. 1960s. Marked: Napier © |
|
Reference:
Brown,
Rhinestone Jewelry - Figurals, p.
272
[similar brooch] |
|
1 5/8 by
1¼" |
|
SN020 |
$52 |
Silver Leaf Bracelet
 |
Reminiscent of Art Nouveau pieces, the
links of this alluring bracelet have a graceful leaf curled over each
domed panel. Like many quality pieces from Napier, the bracelet
has a thick silver plating, appearing to be a sterling piece. Marked: Napier
Pat. Pend.
[clasp] |
|
7 by 7/8" |
|
SN024 |
$120 |
|
Napier Sterling Bow Brooch
 |
Deliciously dimensional, this 1940s piece is sterling with a rose gold
plating. Representative of the Retro Moderne jewelry, this
graceful brooch is in exceptionally good condition. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
4 by 1½" |
|
SN008 |
$90 |
Napier Double Pleated Swirl Brooch
 |
Interlocking and complementary, the two
swirls of this brooch look like pleated ribbons with curled under ends.
A timelessly classic piece, solidly made and in superb condition. Marked:
Napier, Sterling |
|
1¾ by 1½" |
|
SN018 |
$75 |
|
Napier Sterling Berry & Leaves Brooch
 |
These berries have wonderful dimension in this lovely old sterling
brooch. Blueberries, perhaps? There is a small ding on the
top leaf (more noticeable in the image than in person) with the
condition being otherwise excellent. The finish is a pale gold
plating. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
3 by 2" |
|
SN011 |
$94 |
|
Napier Grape Panel Bracelet
 |
Bold and beautiful! This link bracelet is made of large panels
with dimensional bunches of grapes. At first glance it appears to
be silver, but the back panel is lighter, more like aluminum. A
stunning piece with push clasp and safety chain. Marked: Napier |
|
7½ by 2" |
|
SN003 |
$175 |
|
Napier Sterling Ribbons Fur Clip
 |
The depth of this piece is incredible and hard to
capture. The sterling base is gold plated. The ribbon like
strands curl and swirl like bouncing tresses or ocean waves.
Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
2 by 2¾", 1" deep |
|
SN005 |
$95 |
Napier Sterling Fan Earrings
 |
Delicate bows and flowers create the
intricate design on these realistic sterling fan clip earrings.
See item SN007 for the matching brooch. Marked: Napier Sterling
© |
|
Reference:
Click here
to see the patent from 1955. |
|
1¾ by 1
3/8" |
|
SN021 |
$75 |
|
Napier Scroll Link Choker
|
Each link of this lovely necklace is a
flared, folded scroll with nice dimension. It lays nicely on the
neck in a sinuous curve. An extender can be easily added to adjust
the length. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
14½ by 5/8" |
|
SN025 |
$130 |
|
Napier Pleated Ribbon Sterling
Fur Clip
 |
A circle of ribbon
ends in three vivacious streamers in this 1940s sterling two-prong fur
clip. As with all Napier pieces of this time frame, it's well
built and of nice weight. A lovely tailored look for daytime.
Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
3¼ by 1 5/8" |
|
SN017 |
$98 |
|
Napier Blueberry Vine Brooch
 |
Sterling with a rose-gold finish, this brooch gracefully wends it's way,
just like a real vine. These 1940s pieces are charming and hard to
find. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
3½
by 2½" |
|
SN015 |
$94 |
|
Napier Crescent Moon Bracelet
 |
Reminiscent of crescent moons, this fun piece is a rose gold vermeil
bracelet with a rarely seen clasp type. This is one of those
special, well-made Napier pieces from the mid-1940's. Marked:
Napier, Sterling |
|
7½ by 1 1/8" |
|
SN013 |
$90 |
|
Napier Sterling Fan Brooch
 |
Feminine and lacy, this pretty fan piece has an
intricate bow and ribbon design on it. Matching pieces to
this brooch included earrings (see item SN021) and a charm style bracelet. Marked:
Napier Sterling |
|
Click here
to see the patent from 1955. |
|
2 by 1½" |
|
SN007 |
$68 |
|
Napier Golden Grapes Brooch & Earrings
 |
A
popular motif, these vintage pieces depict bunches of ripe grapes with
their leaves. This line is less commonly found in the rich
goldtone and these are in exceptional condition. The shiny and
satin portions of the goldtone finish give it depth. Earrings are clip
style. Marked: Napier |
|
Reference: Judith Miller, Costume Jewelry,
p. 185 |
|
Brooch:
2½ by 2¼"; Earrings: 1¼ by 1" |
|
SN016 |
$130 |
|
Napier
Retro Moderne Sterling Fur Clip
 |
Sleek
and oh-so-1940s, this pieces has both linear and curvaceous
elements. The image fails to show it's true beauty as the
overlaid rods nestle into the folds of the "draped"
backdrop. Sterling with a rose-gold plating, and in exceptional
condition. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
3½
by 2" |
|
SN001 |
$85 |
|
Napier Sterling Doves Brooch
 |
These
sweet birds are all lovey-dovey as they sit together on their branch.
Their bodies are simulated jade cabochons and the detail in this older
Napier piece is remarkable. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
1¾
by 1 5/8" |
|
SN002 |
$82 |
|
Napier Sterling Gift Bow Fur Clip
 |
Delightful Retro Moderne piece with cinched up ribbons, as if it's ready
to adorn a special gift package. Deep dimension with a rose gold
plating over silver. Marked: Napier Sterling |
|
3 by 2¾" |
|
SN006 |
$90 |
|
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