Where Vintage Never Gets Old...
Napier Jewelry Author Melinda Lewis
Hello Everyone!
I would like to introduce you to the author of
The Napier Co., Book
Jewelry historian Melinda Lewis spent 11 years researching the history of a single American jewelry manufacturer—The Napier Co.
Determined to bring the first book about this company to the public, she interviewed over fifty former employees from around the country spanning multiple generations. Those interviewed included the great-grandson of William Rettenmeyer, the designer who started in 1891; to designers who worked for Napier from 1941 to the close of the plant; as well as executive management, including the former CEO, Ron Meoni; and traveling salesmen, whose careers were no less than 30-plus years with the company.
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Melinda has graciously offered to chat with us in this thread about Napier Jewelry and to tell you a little about her book.
Melinda has also agreed to randomly help a few folks here and there as time permits her to do so. You can post pictures of one piece of Napier Jewelry to either show it off to the Village or to ask a question. Not all questions will be answered as the point of the book of course is to be the ultimate guide to Napier Jewelry.
Join me in welcoming Melinda to The Vintage Village... :)
Here is a snippet from her website
The Napier Co.: Defining 20th Century American Costume Jewelry
This book tells the heretofore untold and phenomenal story of The Napier Co.’s inception, development, flowering, and ultimate success. It chronicles the history of its management, manufacturing, marketing, and most importantly, the unparalleled beauty of its jewelry. With approximately 4000 pictures and over 250,000 words of text and descriptions, you will be taken step-by-step, decade by decade, through the development of the Napier style. As a collector, you will learn to recognize the findings, materials, and designs to appropriately circa-date the Napier jewelry in which you are investing. As a lover of jewelry, you will enjoy the drama and excitement of the trials, tribulations, and breakthroughs at each stage of the Napier journey. In the end, you will have a deep and lasting appreciation of the romantic story infused into the metal, gemstones, crystals, cabochons, and elegance of each piece of Napier jewelry that you own or are considering owning.
Tags: Henry J. Swen, Melinda Lewis, Napier Jewelry, Napier vintage jewelry, The Napier Co., Book
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on -
Welcome to The Vintage Village Melinda :)
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Lewis on -
Thank you Cheri! I'm excited to discuss my favorite topic, "The Napier Co."
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Lewis on
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One challenge with a collectible can often be establishing circa date. This was especially true when the actual trademarked word, and the physical appearance of the trademark remained the same for many years. The block word, “NAPIER” was used for giftware, barware, tobacciana, and jewelry; but Napier was in the jewelry business far earlier than it was producing some of its other products.
Below is a list of the products as associated with the filings of the Trademark NAPIER according to when the company first used the mark with the respective product.
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napier-handout_Page_2-RGB.jpg, 1.4 MB
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Permalink Reply by DLSpecialties on -
Welcome Melinda... Here is one of my Napier treasures... with the trend toward digital readers will your wonderful book be availble in digital format... than those of us who do the circuit can take it with us on the readers for reference... thank you again
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Lewis on
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We may go digital as some point. The challenge is that every e-reader has its own format. The layout has to become "fluid" to accommodate the different vertical and horizontal layouts. That can be an expensive proposition. But, if I sell enough hard copies we will be considering doing an e-version.
Do you have a picture of the back of your piece? This brooch looks more contemporary to me. I have not seen this actual pin before.
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Permalink Reply by DLSpecialties on
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Yes, here is the back... along with my fav errings... the earrings are spring screw backs
I hope you do ... I like carrying my library in my purse... lol
Melinda Lewis said:We may go digital as some point. The challenge is that every e-reader has its own format. The layout has to become "fluid" to accommodate the different vertical and horizontal layouts. That can be an expensive proposition. But, if I sell enough hard copies we will be considering doing an e-version.
Do you have a picture of the back of your piece? This brooch looks more contemporary to me. I have not seen this actual pin before.
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Permalink Reply by DLSpecialties on
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the attachment was fussy for me I could not read the bullet points.
Melinda Lewis said:One challenge with a collectible can often be establishing circa date. This was especially true when the actual trademarked word, and the physical appearance of the trademark remained the same for many years. The block word, “NAPIER” was used for giftware, barware, tobacciana, and jewelry; but Napier was in the jewelry business far earlier than it was producing some of its other products.
Below is a list of the products as associated with the filings of the Trademark NAPIER according to when the company first used the mark with the respective product.
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Permalink Reply by DLSpecialties on
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I first saw the release in a pre release sale add. Is it on the market now for arrival by the holidays?
DLSpecialties said:
Yes, here is the back... along with my fav errings... the earrings are spring screw backsI hope you do ... I like carrying my library in my purse... lol
Melinda Lewis said:We may go digital as some point. The challenge is that every e-reader has its own format. The layout has to become "fluid" to accommodate the different vertical and horizontal layouts. That can be an expensive proposition. But, if I sell enough hard copies we will be considering doing an e-version.
Do you have a picture of the back of your piece? This brooch looks more contemporary to me. I have not seen this actual pin before.
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Permalink Reply by POP goes my Vintage on -
Welcome to Vintage Village Melinda! How nice of you to do this chat. I look forward to owning your book...
You helped me identify a Napier brooch two years ago: the mark was almost invisible and I had mistaken it for a Boucher because of the "fan" style. I would love to know from what decade it is and if you have seen matching earrings.
Thank you and congratulations on finishing "the book of your lifetime"...
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napierbrooch1.jpg, 162 KB
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Permalink Reply by DLSpecialties on
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A beauty..
POP goes my Vintage said:Welcome to Vintage Village Melinda! How nice of you to do this chat. I look forward to owning your book...
You helped me identify a Napier brooch two years ago: the mark was almost invisible and I had mistaken it for a Boucher because of the "fan" style. I would love to know from what decade it is and if you have seen matching earrings.
Thank you and congratulations on finishing "the book of your lifetime"...
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Permalink Reply by Lisa Bartlett on -
Wonderful! Welcome Melinda!!! I grew up in Meriden Connecticut where the napier factory was--i have had some wonderful pieces--i will try to get a picture of one bracelet and earring set in particular--was my mom's--lovely Napier sterling vintage pieces :)
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napiergreen3.jpg.JPG, 263 KB
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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on -
Welcome Melinda. That looks like a great book. I cannot imagine that much time on one project. Kudos to you. I remember as a young bride going into the local Foleys. Napier and Monet jewelry were the ultimate to receive as gifts.
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