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Vintage Pennino Dangling Earrings

About the Item

Vintage Pennino Dangling Earrings. Baguette, Pear, and Pave. Not Real, but look close! Screw back to close. .25" w- 1" w It was in that first small New York goldsmith shop in 1908 that Pasquale first used the Pennino signature on jewelry, marking the beginning of the family legacy in exquisite works of jewelry art. However, the brothers formally founded Pennino Brothers in 1926. Their factory was located on East 49th St., and their sales office was on 47th Street. Otto was the jewelry designer, with Frank the jeweler and master craftsman. Jack was the salesman and handled all relationships with their significant accounts, including Spaulding’s of Chicago and Saks 5th Ave. Their jewelry was sold through many other high-end department and jewelry stores. The Pennino brothers’ reputation and pride in work were evident in their jewelry and their approach to life. Pennino jewelry is crafted with high-grade rhinestones set in gold, sterling, vermeil, or rhodium-plated base metal. Although much of their jewelry is classic in design, they also tried to stay current with fashion and events. When gold and base metals were no longer available during World War II, they used Sterling to create bold, flowing designs with florals and bows. On these, they combined tiny, sparkling clear rhinestones with larger stones of intense color for a distinctive look. Many of their designs echoed those of fine jewelry and were often hard to distinguish from karat gold set with real gems. The Penninos excelled during the cocktail-style jewelry movement of the late 1930s into the 1940s. The glitz and glamour of that time were perfect for the “real” look that much of their jewelry exhibited. Like other well-known costume jewelry designers of that era, their jewelry was featured in Hollywood productions and worn by many leading ladies. Expert craftsmanship using top-quality materials was very important to the brothers, who were actively involved in ensuring that only jewelry they approved left their factory. Frank was less concerned with selling jewelry than he was with someone stealing their designs and copying their look. Pennino became well known for that “look.” Due to their high standards, Pennino jewelry was always in high demand and is now somewhat rare and highly collectible. When found, it is often in excellent condition, even after years of wear. Although almost all Pennino jewelry was marked, a very few pieces were not. These included special commemorative items like the moonstone “Crown Pin” and the “Golden Leave Suites,” which Pennino Brothers created in honor of the visit to the United States by King George and Queen Elizabeth in 1939. Unmarked items were always very limited in production so that they will be seldom found. Thus, many items attributed to Pennino today were not made by them. They would occasionally cast one of their molds in 14K or 18K gold as unique gifts to friends and relatives. Their jewelry was marked in block print: “Pennino”, “Pennino Sterling,” or “Pennino Pat. Pend.” A script Pennino signature, previously believed to be used only in ads and other print items, has also been found on metal hang tags, along with a tall letter P on its own (see RCJ Marks Guide for examples). Items marked “ORESTO” are currently being attributed to Pennino, but the company never used that mark. Pennino never made jewelry for other companies. The brothers worked as a team until illness and Frank’s failing eyesight caused them to close the business in 1966. At that time, almost all the Pennino molds were broken. A few, which are in poor condition, were retained by the family as keepsakes. Otto and Frank agonized over what to do with the molds for some time. They decided to destroy them because, at the time, there was no one from the family whom they had personally trained to continue the business and protect the purity of their workmanship.
  • Creator:
  • Metal:
  • Weight:
    26.1 g
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.25 in (57.15 mm)Width: 1 in (25.4 mm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)Diameter: 1 in (25.4 mm)Length: 2.25 in (57.15 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1960
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very Good Condition!
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: E16-381stDibs: LU2565214829472

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