| If you've been collecting vintage charms for any | | | | produced some of the most intricate and high quality |
| length of time you've probably run across old sterling | | | | sterling silver charms, bracelets, necklaces, earrings |
| charms with a Danecraft hallmark. The mark is very | | | | and pendants in the industry. As more modern |
| common on vintage charm bracelets and charms, as | | | | machines were developed, Danecraft began creating |
| well as other pieces of jewelry. Danecraft sterling | | | | 24K gold over sterling silver jewelry called Vermeil. |
| silver charms were some of the best manufactured | | | | Danecraft was especially instrumental in the 1960s in |
| during the post war years in terms of design quality | | | | bridging the gap from costume jewelry to fine |
| and craftsmanship. Many have survived the decades | | | | jewelry in department stores by introducing the |
| and are available at reasonable prices, making them | | | | Sterling and Vermeil jewelry line. It's relatively easy to |
| easy and fun to collect. | | | | date many vintage Danecraft jewelry pieces as their |
| Danecraft, Inc. is currently privately owned by the | | | | advertisements ran in national magazines and were |
| Primavera family, who began designing custom | | | | featured in department store catalogs. |
| jewelry for royalty and wealthy families in the | | | | Danecraft expanded its line in more recent years to |
| Pescara region of Italy in the 1600s. In 1910 Victor | | | | include 14K gold jewelry and several collections |
| Primavera, Sr. and his brother Thomas Primavera, Jr. | | | | devoted to specific tastes. The "Vittorio by |
| immigrated from Italy to the United States, bringing | | | | Danecraft", "Primavera", and "Whimsical and Novelty |
| with them the art of design and jewelry making they | | | | Pins" are examples. |
| had learned at their father's knee. They formed the | | | | Danecraft jewelry is still sold in fine department |
| Primavera Bothers Jewelry Company and were | | | | stores and still made by skilled craftsmen. The |
| pioneers in producing fine quality costume jewelry. | | | | company requires the same high quality standards |
| Upon the death of Thomas Jr. in 1934, Victor | | | | the family has been known for throughout its history, |
| founded the Danecraft Corporation in Providence | | | | enabling it to outlast many of its industry |
| Rhode Island and began manufacturing sterling silver | | | | competitors. But the vintage charms and charm |
| jewelry and beads. The company name was chosen | | | | bracelets made during the 1940s and 50s are some |
| because of Mr. Primavera's appreciation for the fine | | | | of my favorites and are becoming increasingly |
| skill and craftsmanship of the Danish artisans in the | | | | desirable. Whether you're a seasoned charm collector, |
| industry. | | | | or a newly converted enthusiast, vintage Danecraft |
| During the period from 1934 to1960 the company | | | | charms are worth watching for. |