Ralph DeRosa was born in Italy in 1889. In 1935 he founded Ralph DeRosa Jewelry in New York. He was joined in the business by his wife Virgina and their two daughters Elvira and Teresa. They managed the business after Ralph’s death in 1942.
It is unclear when DeRosa closed. The company is listed in the 1954 Jewelers’ Buyers Guide at 404 4th Ave. New York, but no longer listed in the 1960 guide. There are non-sterling DeRosa designs in the collectible market; however, today most collectors agree that the 1940s DeRosa sterling designs are the most collectible.
Floral designs often feature intricate details like the multiple intertwining vines in example.
The back shows multiple stems, holding the berries, carefully affixed inside each bloom.
Pearls are often included in DeRosa designs. In the 1940s, including three large, high-quality stones is an indication of a quality piece. Stones were expensive and scarce.
Open-back settings and gold plating showcase the topaz rhinestones.
DeRosa produced some of the highest quality enameled designs in the 1940s. Both of these designs are from their red rose collection. Note the distinctive translucent enameling on the leaves. This is a well-known trait of some DeRosa designs.
This red rose pin is signed R DeRosa Sterling stamped into the back of one leaf.
The best reference for further information and examples of 1940s era DeRosa jewelry is found at www.morninggloryantiques.com. I highly recommend any collector who is intrigued by the DeRosa designs shown here take the time to read the information on this site.
Happy Collecting,
Love,
Julie