Napier Ephemera

Questions About Napier Ephemera

• What is Napier?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024

  Napier is a brand of fashion jewelry founded in 1878 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, as the E. A. Bliss Co. In 1922, the company changed its name to the Napier Company after then-president James H. Napier. Today, collectors still covet the Art Deco jewelry produced during the early days of the Napier brand. Shop an assortment of antique and vintage Napier jewelry on 1stDibs.

• How do I identify Napier jewelry?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024

  To identify Napier jewelry, seek out the brand's hallmark by checking inconspicuous areas, such as reverse sides and clasps. Every piece that Napier produced from 1915 displayed the name "NAPIER" in either block letters or script. Additional symbols and markings were used for certain collections and during specific periods. As a result, you can also compare the hallmarks on your jewelry to information shared on trusted online resources to learn more about your jewelry. For example, a copyright symbol inside a circle often indicates that a piece dates back to the 1960s or ’70s. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also help you with the identification process. Explore a selection of Napier jewelry on 1stDibs.

• What is Napier jewelry made of?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024

  What Napier jewelry is made of varies. Many of the American jewelry maker's pieces are sterling silver or base metal plated with gold. A small number of Napier earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches are solid 14- or 18-karat gold. Explore a diverse assortment of Napier jewelry on 1stDibs.

• Is Napier jewelry real?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024

  Whether Napier jewelry is real or not varies. The majority of Napier jewelry consists of non-precious metals that resemble silver and gold. However, Napier did produce a small number of genuine sterling silver pieces. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Napier jewelry from some of the world's top dealers.

• Are Napier necklaces real gold?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  No, most Napier necklaces are gold-plated brass. Gold-plated brass is often favored for being more budget-friendly and durable, but it is not hypoallergenic and should be avoided by those who have sensitive skin. Browse a selection of Napier jewelry on 1stDibs.

• Is Napier jewelry nickel-free?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024

  Whether Napier jewelry is nickel-free varies from piece to piece. Contemporary Napier jewelry is mostly free of nickel, but vintage pieces may or may not be. If you're sensitive to nickel, you can purchase a nickel testing kit to detect the metal in jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Napier jewelry.

• Is Napier jewelry real silver?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024

  Whether Napier jewelry is real silver depends on the piece. The American jewelry maker is best known for producing costume jewelry and using plating to give base metals the look of precious metals like sterling silver and gold. However, Napier did make an assortment of genuine sterling silver jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Napier jewelry.

• Did Napier make real gold?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024

  Yes, Napier did make real gold jewelry. The American jewelry brand produced a limited number of pieces in 14-karat and 18-karat gold. However, the vast majority of Napier jewelry features gold plating over a base metal or is crafted entirely out of base metals and then finished to resemble gold. Find an assortment of Napier jewelry on 1stDibs.

• Does Napier use real gold?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024

  Whether Napier uses real gold varies. The vast majority of the American jewelry maker's earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches don't feature real gold and instead are inexpensive metals with finishes that resemble the precious material. However, Napier has produced a small number of genuine gold pieces. Find a range of Napier jewelry on 1stDibs.

• Did Napier use real pearls?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024

  No, Napier typically didn't use real pearls. The American jewelry maker usually adorned its necklaces, earrings, pins, bracelets and rings with artificial pearls made of plastic and other materials. During the 1980s, Napier became especially well-known for its line of faux pearl pieces. On 1stDibs, find a range of Napier jewelry.