History of vintage jewelry brand JJ (USA, 1935-2006)
The company Jonette Jewelry was founded in 1935 in the birthplace of American fashion jewelry, in Providence, Rhode Island. Company founder Abraham Lisker. It is known that before starting his own business, Abraham successfully worked as a doctor. But he abandoned his career and connected his life with jewelry.
In 1937, Abraham’s brother Nathan joins the company and the name of the company changes to “Lisker & Lisker”. Silver, copper, brass, tin, enamels and jewelry resins were used to make jewelry. In addition to jewelry, photo frames, watches, belt buckles, bookmarks, candlesticks and much more were also produced. During the Second World War, the company stops the production of jewelry due to government restrictions and lack of materials.
After the end of the war in 1944, it again launches the production of jewelry and again changes its name – “Jonette Jewelry Co” or simply “JJ”. In 1972, Abraham left the family business due to deteriorating health, his son took his place. In 1986, the company changes its name to Artifacts.
Jonette Jewelry Co ceased to exist due to high competition and difficult market conditions.
Features and design of Jonette Jewelry
Jewelry of this brand is impossible not to recognize. They have their own zest and charisma! The design of the famous JJ brooches is dominated by animals (cats, dogs, mice, etc.), scenes from life and fantasy improvisations, but the main distinguishing feature is the humor with which the jewelry is made. “JJ” is a jewelry brand that is well known to all collectors and lovers of themed jewelry. Jewelry “JJ” is primarily recognizable brooches that cause a smile and good mood at the first glance at them. Among the fans of this brand is Madame Madeleine Albright who mentions “JJ” in her book “Read My Pins”.
Vintage jewelry marking
Until 1970 Since 1970, every piece of jewelry produced by Jonette Jewelry Co has been marked with the copyright mark – “©JJ”. Since 1986, Roman numerals MCMLXXXV1 have appeared on branded substrates, however, the markings on the jewelry remain the same.
Collectible jewelry
Absolutely all jewelry from JJ was in demand among buyers. After in 2006 Jonette Jewelry Co. closed its doors and withdrew from the market, their charming figurative brooches and fine Art Nouveau jewelry are becoming more desirable to collectors every year.
