Weiss Jewelry: Great to Wear or Collect

(This is the second in a series on costume jewelry manufacturers. Please note, the Albert Weiss in this story is no relation to the columnist.)

Weiss costume jewelry, made from 1942 into the 1970s, is known for its innovative designs and

often colorful rhinestones. Considering the relatively modest price it commands, Weiss jewelry is usually of high quality and thus is popular with both collectors and those simply desiring a great piece to wear.

Formally named Albert Weiss & Co., Inc., and located in New York City, the company was an early design leader in the niche of Christmas jewelry. One of Weiss’ Christmas tree pin designs is still very popular with collectors. It came in various sizes, with either three, five or six candles. The six-candle pin (left) is valued at around $150.

While the tree pins are the most popular Christmas jewelry, sleds, wreaths, ornaments, stockings and poinsettias were also well crafted, colorful and stylish.

Weiss & Co. also produced necklaces, bracelets, pins, earrings, tiaras, pendants and brooches. Mixtures of various sizes and shapes of rhinestones plus interesting shapes characterized much Weiss jewelry and were a welcome relief from previous generally circular shaped designs. For example, the illustrated brooch combines rectangular-, circular- and pear-shaped rhinestones into a five-pointed star (value $75).

Weiss jewelry often combined several elements popular in 1950s jewelry – fruit, animal or other nature themes, enameling and a black japanned finish. Other designs were more classic, such as the bracelet illustrated here featuring clear and blue rhinestones and valued at $150).

Identifying marks include "Albert Weiss" first used in 1951, "Weiss" in script lettering, and "WEISS" in all capital block letters in an oval. Some Weiss jewelry is unsigned and may be recognized by the design being the same as signed jewelry. Collectors generally are interested only in the signed pieces, so those have far greater value.

Signed or unsigned, Weiss provides a true value in costume jewelry for the serious or casual collector. And it looks great, too!

Printed with permission. West Suburban Living magazine January/February 2007.

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