Capri Jewelry - Collecting Costume Jewelry 101

The historical information online for Capri Jewelry, Inc. varies almost as widely as the designs of the jewelry. Most sources agree that Capri Jewelry was founded in 1949 by Sol Smith. The company then merged with DeNicola in 1973. At this time the jewelry from both companies was signed Capri with the copyright symbol. By 1977, Capri Jewelry, Inc. was no longer selling jewelry and officially closed sometime between 1993 and 1996.

The source of the Capri designs and subsequent manufacture is less clear. Many knowledgeable collectors believe the Capri brand consisted of jewelry designed and manufactured by others with the Capri cartouche added to the selected designs. However, the 1960 Jewelers’ Buyers Guide lists Capri Jewelry as both a manufacturer and a wholesaler.

There is a wonderful, well-researched article online tracing the history of Capri Jewelry at www.estatesintime.com. This article provides details of the lawsuits lodged against Capri Jewelry for design infringements naming other jewelry manufacturers as code-defendants. I highly recommend reading this fascinating article.

The Capri jewelry in my personal collection is all very beautiful but varies greatly in design and manufacturing supporting the idea that Capri Jewelry was designed and produced by different manufacturers. One of my sets, clearly signed Capri with the copyright symbol, is so similar to a signed Schreiner design, I believe it is a “pirated” copy of the Schreiner design!

This is the first Capri set I purchased many, many years ago and one of the most easily found Capri designs. The flower measures 2 1/2″ with matching 1″ clip earrings. I love the idea of Capri blue rhinestones in a set signed Capri! The design of the earrings mirrors the design of the pin.

Measuring 2 1/2″ in diameter this Capri cross-motif pin and 1 1/8″ clip earrings feature eye-catching golden topaz stones, crystal stones, small turquoise seed beads and rare comma-shaped dark topaz cabochon stones that simulate the look of amber.

Both of these sets include average to small size pins with eye-catching stones. The clip earrings mirror the design of the pin. All of the stones are pasted-in rather than prong set.

Some sources credit Florenza for the design and manufacture of a portion of Capi jewelry. The following Capri pendant and earrings set has the “look” of a set that may have been designed and manufactured by Florenza but, of course, I do not know.

The pendant measures 2 3/4″ in diameter and is suspended from a 24″ chain. Each 1 3/4″ clip earring mirrors the design of the necklace. The eye-catching stones are pasted in.

Not all pieces in a Capri set are signed. The pendant in this set is unsigned but a clear match for the signed earrings.

Capri signatures can be difficult to read but are in script and usually includes the copyright symbol.

The following Capri set is a source of mystery today. The large three-dimensional brooch is a design match for a known, signed Schreiner brooch. (At the time of this writing, the signed Schreiner brooch is for sale on eBay.) Although, well made, the Capri brooch is clearly not a Schreiner piece. The construction of the brooch does NOT match the hand-made touches found in Schreiner jewelry. Did Capri copy a Schreiner piece? Did Capri unwittingly buy the brooch from a manufacturer without knowing it was a copy? It is a mystery.

The bracelet fits an average size wrist. The brooch is 2 1/2″ X 2″X1″. Each clip earring is 1″. All pieces are signed Capri with the copyright symbol.

The construction, although not Schreiner in quality, is very nice.

The brooch can also be worn as a pendant.

Front view of the bracelet showing the same central design as the brooch.

The most collectible Capri jewelry is beautiful, wearable, affordable, and well-made. Look for colorful, eye-catching designs with eye-catching colors.

Happy Collecting,

Love,

Julie