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Lisner Jewellery

15/05/2018 2299 0 3

Lisner

Lisner jewellery has only become popular with collectors over recent years, as the focus has been on  bigger names. However the company's skilfull an attractive designs together with relatively low prices have led to a  resurgence in their popularity with collectors.

Lisner Company Beginnings

The company was established in New York in 1904 where it made its own good quality unsigned jewellery and also distributed pieces for others. In the 1920's it focused on well made jewellery marked "Lanvin's Violet".

Before the outbreak of the second world war Lisner became the US agent for Elsa Schiaparelli importing and selling the designers French made jewellery. In addition it had a license to make her jewellery and accessories in the United States.

Introduction of Lisner Signature and  the Firm's Success in the 1950's

After the "Lisner" signature was introduced in the 1930's it became more well known in its own right. It used the many jewellery manufacturers based in Rhode Island to make its pieces including Whiting and Davis, known for its metal mesh purses.

Lisner was at its peak int the 1950's with it  coloured plastic and Lucite jewellery aimed at the  cheaper to mid point end of the market. Lucite was an acrylic type of plastic that could be coloured shaped or moulded. Several costume jewellers adopted the material and Lisner used it extensively with great results.

Lisner's cololour combinations and attractive results were a success at the time and are now popular again with collectors.

Below examples of Lisner's lucite necklaces:
  

Use of Lucite, Enamel, and Aurora Borealis Crystals

Working with plastic or Lucite, Lisner designed jewellery around geometric or abstract organic shapes such as flowers.

On more expensive items these crisply moulded pieces were combined with coloured or clear crystal rhinestones, often using the popular "aurora borealis" rhinestones, or exotic lava stones.

Designs were set on silver chromed or plated bases, on in the 1960's on black japanned metal. Enamelling of metalwork was also used to great effect. 

Not all of Lisner's pieces were of the highest quality but they refleted the design trends of the high end brands.

Their 1950's rhinestone sets are an example of this. While not comparable to the calibre of those made by Kramer and Weiss they are still better made than comparable modern pieces.

Lisner's "leaves" are not of thestandard of Schiaparelli, but they are affordable and attractive.

Below: Rare Faux pearl Richeliue necklace by Lisner and Lisner brooch
   

In the late 1950's and into the 60's  Lisner produced a range marked "Richelieu" which was more expensive and of better quality. These pieces are harder to find today and attract higher prices.

Lisner Signature Marks

The firm used the "Lisner" mark in block capitals on its own items for the first time in 1935. In 1938 the Lisner mark in script was introduced.

"Lisner" in block capitals with an elongated "L" was used. In 1978 the company became "Lisner- Richelieu Corporation and production finished in 1979.