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Article: DeMario Jewelry – The Boldness And Brilliance Of Costume Jewels

DeMario Jewelry – The Boldness And Brilliance Of Costume Jewels - DSF Antique Jewelry
Costume Jewels

DeMario Jewelry – The Boldness And Brilliance Of Costume Jewels

The DeMario jewelry pieces are just brilliant! It is one of the brands that made a name for itself in the costume jewelry industry of the 1940s-1960s and delighted the eyes of jewelry lovers and collectors.

DeMario jewelry is multilayered and unique in the combinations of materials and techniques used by the company’s founder.

DeMario Jewelry - The Beginning


Robert DeMario emigrated from Italy to America in the 1920s, and became a successful designer of costume jewelry.

He founded his company - Robert DeMario Jewelry, Inc - in 1945 in New York and produced high-quality costume jewelry with a careful study of details.

One of the things jewelry historians cannot agree on is whether or not Robert DeMario started out designing for Miriam Haskell, a famous American jewelry designer, and costume jewelry pioneer.

According to historians, at first glance, some of Robert’s beadwork and pearl designs look much like he may have learned them under Miriam Haskell’s tutelage. Still, there is no actual evidence to support this theory.

However, those historians agreed on one thing - namely that Robert DeMario started his career working for other jewelry designers. Be it Haskell or any of the myriad others.

Unfortunately, Robert DeMario Jewelry, Inc. ceased to exist in 1965, and Robert retired to Florida.
demario-glass-beads-flower-tassel-necklace
Why Is DeMario Jewelry So Desirable?

Among the DeMario jewelry pieces, we find necklaces, necklace parures, brooches, and pins. Robert DeMario is primarily known for his necklaces and bold works of art with unique clusters of glass beads.

Also, DeMario is known for his faux pearls, and rhinestones wired onto a base of gilt filigree.

The famous jewelry designer used faceted Austrian crystal beads and rhinestones delivering superior craftsmanship and design.

It should be mentioned that the DeMario jewelry has distinguished itself by glamour and boldness, which makes Robert's creations still highly desirable.

By using natural wood, intricate details in mother of pearl, and innovative techniques using gold foil, rock crystal, and beads, DeMario's works are unique, and bold, and convey a pleasant and warm vibe.

The beautifully designed and meticulously crafted DeMario jewelry arrived on the scene at exactly the right time.
In the 1950s, after the restraints imposed during the war years, costume jewelry offered ladies of all socio-economic strata the ability to luxuriously accessorize the more feminine fashions that had come into style.

In an age that glorified mass production, DeMario was one of the few jewelry brands on the market that held fast to traditional methods.

Also, one of the things that brought success to Robert DeMario was the fact that he was hand making or hand finishing the jewelry he produced in limited editions.   demario jewelry

DeMario Jewelry Designers

One of the interesting things about Robert DeMario is the fact that he designed his own jewelry.

However, for a short time, the design was also handled by Stanley Hagler, about whom it is also unclear whether or not he worked for Miriam Haskell.

Stanley Hagler was an established designer with socialites and celebrities as clients, which has definitely helped DeMario to grow its position in a jewelry market full of competitors.
Robert DeMario and Stanley collaborated on a few pieces and planned on going into a partnership in the 1960s, but those plans didn't materialize in the end.

Another interesting aspect is that, at one point, Stanley was a guest designer for Robert and Robert was for Stanley.

Also in 1959, Robert DeMario briefly collaborated with another designer, Mimi di N.

DeMario Jewelry Marks

Every brand has its own marks, and Robert DeMario's jewelry is no exception.

Therefore, DeMario jewelry's marks are as follows:

    “DeMARIO” with or without a copyright symbol
    “DeMARIO Y.” with or without a copyright symbol
    “DeMario”
    “DeMario” in an oval
    “ROBERT deMARIO N.Y.C.”
    “Hagler for De Mario” and “Hagler/De Mario”

Materials Used In DeMario Jewelry

In his creative process, Robert DeMario used, among other things, colored rhinestones, cabochons, art glass, opal-foiled art glass, and rock crystal.

DeMario jewelry also included beads, like glass, faceted opaque, dotted satin, Venetian clear with copper flecks or coralline.

Other materials used by the famous jeweler were faux pearls, baroque pearls, mother of pearl, faux turquoise, citrine, emerald, garnet, lucite, wood, silver- and gold-toned metallic, gold plate, gilded filigree, and memory wire.

Vintage DeMario Jewelry

One of Robert DeMario's creations that have aroused admiration among collectors and jewelry lovers is the Pancake Pearl Necklace.

These pieces of DeMario jewelry are rare today and were likely very unusual in their day.

Specifically, the glass pancake pearls in champagne mocha with gold-tone filigree bead caps and channel-set rhinestone rondelles are evidence of Robert DeMario’s limitless creativity.

Another piece that stirs emotions and would make any jewelry lover turn their head is the Three Strand Baroque Pearl Necklace.

The color of the pearls is exquisite, and the different sizes and shapes result in a perfect and ingenious DeMario jewelry design.

Another one of Robert's creations that is worth looking for in a specialty store or at jewelry collectors is the Faux Pearl Parure (necklace, bracelet, and earrings).
The elaborate design includes gold-tone leaves surrounded by pearls and multi-colored rhinestones and the large earrings are an additional rarity.

You don't find at every corner a full parure DeMario in excellent condition and its value increases all the more when it retains a freshness that speaks of springtime and youth.

Vintage DeMario Jewelry - Always A Good Choice


Unfortunately, Robert's company life wasn't very long, and the comparatively brief production period (1945-1965) and his preference for limited editions make DeMario jewelry rarer today than that of some of his contemporaries.

This, and the fact that Robert’s creations were distinguished by glamour and boldness, is another reason why DeMario jewelry are in big demand among collectors.

And not to mention, some of Robert DeMario’s jewelry are quite expensive. But the price is certainly justified.
The charm, uniqueness and special beauty of DeMario jewelry have made these pieces to reach in catalogs of rare and collectible vintage brands.

There are many situations and occasions when you can turn to Robert's creations: a gala, a dinner with your girlfriend or wife, a play attended by selected people, maybe an invitation to the Oscars, or a wedding anniversary.

Whatever the reason, you won't regret buying DeMario jewelry pieces, whose beauty and uniqueness will further highlight a person's natural charm.
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