The history of Lisner Jewelry is one that dates back to the early 1920’s. The company was founded by talented designer David Lisner in 1941 and was located in Washington DC. His designs featured bold, glamorous and shapely pieces utilizing a combination of bright enamel colors and intricate motifs.
He utilized many of his designs, which featured a variety of semi-precious stones, pave settings and abstract shapes for his creations. During the mid-1940s, Lisner’ made the transition from creating custom jewelry to manufacturing its own lines of costume jewelry as his business grew with an ever-increasing demand for his products during this period.
Designs of LIsner Jewelry When it came to design, there were no limits as to how far Lisner could take it. Despite coming out with new lines each year, he concentrated on simplifying existing pieces while still managing to capture a unique style expression.
He used pearls and rhinestones in dynamic proportions which gave an exquisite aesthetic appeal to every piece he created.
Another signature feature he adopted was the open work or cutout designs which quickly became popular among celebrities at the time such as actress Marilyn Monroe who wore some of his pieces while filming her classic 1953 movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” as well as entertainer Rose Marie who also sported some incredible Lisner jewelry pieces designed by him personally for her performances on theater stages all around New York city during the 20th century’s golden era.
Transitioning into 1950’s Although most consider that notable time frame as a “Golden Age” for LIsner Jewelry it did not last long due increase competition from other companies such as Coro although Mr LIsner held strong throughout those years but towards the late 50’s economic sales started declining which eventually led him transferring ownership in 1955 where Coro Inc bought controlling interest but production remained unchanged until 1960 when production shifted from Washington Dc factory over overseas since at that time The US economy no longer had enough capacity to support further growth within the heartland however despite this setback The Artisitic quality continued until 1972 when Circa Acquired control what is now known globally as Classic Lisners.
Origins and Early Design Influences of Lisner Jewelry
Lisner Jewelry originated in the mid-1940s, when it began producing costume jewelry specifically for department stores in the United States. It was founded by David Lisner, a Russian immigrant who had come to New York as a child with his family. After completing his degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University, he bought a five and dime store which eventually helped him get into the world of jewelry design and manufacturing.
One of the earliest influences on Lisner’s works was its close proximity to New York City’s famous pearl industry. Influenced by styles emerging from other influential sources like Post-War Europe and Hollywood film stars such as Joan Crawford, the brand created unique and stylish pieces that resonated with glamourous designs to reach mass audiences.
The brand specialized in designs that had semi-precious stones such as simulated pearls or colorful rhinestones enameled into metal settings that were either gold, rhodium, silver or golden tone plated base metals such as brass or pot metal depending on each individual design.
The popularity of their pieces soared quickly due to their attractive yet affordable prices. Noted for high quality workmanship and attention to detail, Lisner consistently produced quality creations in its diverse product range ranging from bracelets, necklaces or pendants popularly known as “dainty sets” consisting of both necklace and earring pairs down to brooches featuring lovely floral motifs.
Although it was best known for production of classic crystal pendant sets complemented by simulated bead strands which often featured interesting glass cabochons loaded with rhinestones set into goldtone rings around them.
Notable Milestones in the History of Lisner Jewelry
First established in 1904, Lisner Jewelry has over a century of experience in crafting jewelry and keepsakes with innovative designs that last generations to come. While the name itself is no longer part of the current landscape of jewelry brands, many people still remember its distinctive tastes in fashion.
Their first store opened on 712 Seventh Street NW across from the old convention center and was highly successful shortly after opening. The quality pieces the brand offered attracted buyers from all parts of Washington D.C, Maryland, and Virginia, driven mainly by word of mouth. Their products ranged from rings to pins to bracelets, all crafted with immaculate care and skill.
- 1914: Lisner opens a new plant located at Eleventh & D Streets NW in Washington
- 1922: Moves their factory into larger quarters at Seventh and E streets NW
- 1940 – 1945: During wartime their production focused on pins for the American Red Cross while also providing money clips & brushes for soldiers overseas
- 1966: Receives honor as one of 10 leading American manufacturers
- 1970s Creates “Americana” line with designs that depicted images associated with America such as stars and stripes or bald eagle motifs
- 1980 – 1985 :celebrated 80th anniversary by introducing celebrating an anniversary smoky quartz collection which featured many topaz stones
- 1999 :Closure of their flagship store Washington DC after facing difficulties in meeting changing fashion trends ; last pieces are taken off shelves ; auctions off remaining inventory
Revolutionary Design Concepts of Lisner Jewelry
The history of Lisner jewelry dates back to the earlier part of the 20th century. It was founded by David Lisner and his brother-in-law Abraham Lisker in New York City. The two family members developed a unique blend of contemporary, cutting edge design concepts that revolutionized the jewelry industry. As a result, the firm quickly gained recognition due to its revolutionary take on traditional jewelry design. Here are some important breakthroughs attributed to Lisner Jewelry:
- Pioneered elaborate thermoplastic stamping processes
- Created artificial diamond simulants using petrified wood
- Synthesized paste settings and pave prongs
- Incorporated metal injection molded clasps, coloring and engineered details
Lisner Jewelry quickly made a name for itself in the U.S., becoming renowned for their innovative new techniques and bold use of materials. They moved away from classical styles and embraced modernity with their designs.
This led them towards experimentation with newer materials such as plastics, lucite, glass and acrylics along with classic metals such as copper, bronze, brass and silver. This risk-taking attitude helped attract a new generation of customers who appreciated unique pieces that were created through advanced methods.
The duo channeled their creative impulses into creating intricate necklaces using multiple strands of pearls or striking cameo bracelets featuring baroque figurines. One particular stand out piece was a gold-plated necklace embedded with sparkly genuine Austrian crystal stones which became an instant hit for fashionista’s everywhere. Their daring approach also resulted in outlandish creations like animal shaped necklaces or mixtures of precious gemstones paired with bohemian style pendants adding charm to every wearer’s ensemble.
Apart from earrings, pins, necklaces and brooches; Lisner Jewelry extended its product line into rings, cufflinks and vanity items such as hair combs or powder boxes studded with crystals & embellishments for an opulent appeal. These remarkably glamorous items all had one thing in common – they featured amazing details that spanned from intricate etchings to spectacular pearl settings adding an unparalleled quality to each item crafted by David & Abraham Lisker at Lisner Jewelry.
Popular Collections and Symbols of Lisner Jewelry
Lisner jewelry has been a legendary jewelry line for over 100 years. During the 1930s and 1940s, Lisner Jewelry was one of America’s leading costume jewelry manufacturers. From colorful rhinestone sets to items featuring faux pearls, sapphires, opals, amethysts, and more – Lisner created an impressive range of products from fashionable necklaces and earrings to cute brooches.
Many famous stars like Elvis Presley wore Lisner Jewelry during performances, making it an iconic brand associated with glamor and style. One of the most iconic pieces of Lisner Jewelry is the ‘Pink Ribbon’ pin worn by women to raise awareness for breast cancer charities since 1991.
The Rhinestone Collection
Lisner’s unique collection of costume jewelry consists of several popular lines that have become classic pieces in their own right. The ‘Rhinestone’ collection popularized costume jewelry with its distinctive sparkling stones set into gold-tone or silver-tone metal backings in a variety of floral or circular decorative designs.
This collection included everything from rings to pendants made with different colors of rhinestones. These vintage pieces were typically short-lived and often featured clip earrings as they were popular at the time.
The Pearl Collection
In addition to metal backings set with beautiful stones, there are many pieces with faux pearls available in freshwater or saltwater varieties. Necklaces have long been a staple piece for this collection as well as earrings, bracelets and brooches also feature lush pearl accents on intricate settings made from base metals such as copper or brass that give an antique finish for added charm.
Other simulated gems including opals, rubies and sapphires offer a stunning variation on traditional white pearls for adornment purposes.
Designers: Irving Morris & Sam Lisner
Lisner’s founder Irving Morris started producing costume jewelry in 1929 and managed the company until his death in 1944 when his son Sam Lisner took over operations until 1968 when he retired due to ill health.
Although there were various designers who influenced collections throughout the years here at Lisner they can largely be attributed to Irving and Sam whose experimental approach helped shape the style into what it is today – recognizable worldwide for its high quality craftsmanship combined with timeless designs that transcend time periods effortlessly maintaining their own distinction in fashion history.
The Enduring Legacy of Lisner Jewelry
Lisner jewelry has a long and iconic history. As one of the most popular brands in their industry, Lisner has provided designs that have been sought after by celebrities, customers, and collectors alike for over 80 years. Founded by designer Gus Lisner in 1937, the jewelry-crafting company quickly gained popularity with its affordable and modern designs. Through the use of inexpensive metals and high-quality jewels, their pieces were an immediate hit with fashion-forward individuals.
Gus Lisner took quality to a whole new level when he started working exclusively with Czechoslovakian glass in 1943. His attention to detail was definitely ahead of its time, as Czech crystals became instantly more desirable than their counterparts; this only added to Lisner’s high-end aesthetic that cultured people around the world could not resist.
In addition to the use of precious gemstones produced in Europe and India, this gave each piece an individual beauty that customers felt was unlike anything else they had ever seen before; their vibrant colors were certainly attention grabbing.
The success of ‘Lisner jewelry’ continued over the decades as demand rose for their signature styles; this included necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches made from rhodium plate or gold plate and featuring real semi-precious stones such as amethysts, rubies and sapphires. Most famously known for ‘The Glamour Necklace’ which is still coveted today by fashionistas, models influencers due to its classic beauty.
Celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe were spotted wearing various pieces in promotional materials which only added to its status even further.
Even though previous clients will be remembered for wearing these forms of fashionable adornment; modern fans can appreciate them just as much today due to how timeless they look and feel whenever worn. Overall, The iconic story of Lisner jewelry has been proving itself for years now through clever word – of – mouth promotions that speak on behalf of what many allude it stands for : quality merchandise punctuated with timeless style.
Celebrated Occasions Popularized by Lisner Jewelry
The importance and prestige of the Lisner jewelry brand goes back to the year 1904 when Samuel Lisner established a wholesale manufacturing company in New York City which later became renowned for producing stunningly beautiful pieces of fashionable fine jewelry. Initially, Sam Lisner created items such as buckles, pins, and charms as souvenirs for visitors to Coney Island.
He soon recognized that there was an opportunity to capitalize on the increasing demand for fashionable decorative jewelry that could create a lasting impression which would truly be remembered long after special occasions had gone by.
At first, Sam made precious metal costume and evening pieces with hi-end materials such as rhinestones imported from Austria. The pieces he crafted were often inspired by classic architecturefrom around the world or featured ornate abstract designs earned him the reputation of being one of America’s premier craftsmen.
Popularizing Wedding Charm Jewelry
His success eventually resulted in him pioneering a new product line: he introduced wedding charm bracelets during the 1930s. These charming bracelets were composed of three gold plates spaced evenly apart on curved links making them look almost like intertwined sugar strands from afar.
During this period, such chic and sophisticated designs that aimed to capture the spirit of individual brides intended on making their special day even more unique soon gained immense popularity among high society women in Europe and across America.
During World War II, Sam Lisner shifted his production towards creating patriotic insignia from solid brass because metals precious metals were reserved solely for military purposes resulting in these stunning patriotic pieces becoming instant collector’s items when they first hit stores in 1945 due to their intricate detailing and skillful execution.
His prolific career finally concluded when he retired at the venerable age of 90 leaving behind a legacy of innovative fashion costume jewelry that continues to delight generations upon generations new jewel lovers around the globe each day.
Conclusion
The history of Lisner jewelry extends back to 1916, when George Lisner first established the company in Washington, D.C. and opened a small workshop employing five local artisans, creating custom pieces as commissions for clients. Operating his namesake jewelry line out of his father’s main store, Lisner debuted many new designs that would become iconic throughout the rest of the century when he took part in the 1939 New York World Fair.
Designs such as aurora borealis rhinestones became sought-after symbols of high-end couture during the 1940s and 1950s, making Lisner an international success by the end of its years as an independent company (1916-1971).
In 1971, National Pacific Industries bought Lisner jewelry brand and continued to offer what had become timeless pieces influenced by midcentury modern style and composition techniques. From 1971-1980, old creations were reworked for a new era while introducing usage of silver metal material shells for earrings and necklaces. This move increased the appeal of these “costume” jewelry pieces by making them more affordable than their early gold counterparts.
Today, Lisner has regained influence within the fashion world. In 2016 it was reported that vintage interest had increase greatly on auction websites such as eBay with most purchasers being individuals based in Europe – even from those far away markets original designs remain in high demand and inspire designers around the world to acknowledge their inherent value of beauty and craftsmanship associated with each piece from this historic label.
With a new renewed appreciation driving interest – coupled with legions fashionista followers draped in vintage inspired costume designs – it is clear that decades later these antique metals still maintain considerable relevance and are likely to do so for generations to come.
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