(This is the first in a series on costume jewelry manufacturers.)

Eisenberg Manufacturing Company, a Chicago firm, is considered by collectors to be one of the premier makers of costume jewelry. It is noted for the fine quality of its designs and their large, brilliant Swarovski Austrian crystal rhinestones.

The firm started in 1914 as a maker of dresses. To help sell the dresses, it attached costume jewelry broaches or clips. Production of the jewelry was contracted to other firms. The jewelry was of such high quality and desirability that it was often removed from garments on store racks.

By 1930, Eisenberg responded to this situation by focusing on its own production of costume jewelry. These first pieces of jewelry were identified on the back as simply "STERLING" without any indication of the maker.

Later items were marked in various ways including "EISENBERG" like the necklace ($300) and broach in its original box ($250) above, "Eisenberg Original," a capital script "E", a capital block "E" and "EISENBERG ICE" like the earrings ($200 shown here at left. Jewelry marked with the manufacturer name is considered by collectors to be "signed" and is usually more valuable. Some Eisenberg jewelry from1975 and later was not signed and instead had a removable hanging tag.

Eisenberg has produced a great variety of clips, rings, pins/broaches, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, plus Christmas tree pins since the 1950s.

The Eisenberg firm continues today, still headquartered in Chicago, under the third generation of the family since its founding. Its jewelry has been sold in various upscale store venues, as well as the Art Institute of Chicago.

Whether you buy old or new, Eisenberg costume jewelry is a joy to own and can be a valuable collectible.

Printed with permission. West Suburban Living magazine November/December 2006

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