Richelieu Jewelry

-By Lori Lake
Richelieu signature jewelry fascinated me when I first saw the mod era styling in the earrings, so indicative of that era!

Richelieu earrings from the retro mod era

Richelieu pieces come in vibrant colors such as lime green, hot pink and lemon yellow, just to mention a few.

Retro style Richelieu earrings - note the bright neon colors

I'm also fascinated by all of the typical "moonglow" that can be seen on earlier wire-coiled bracelets, cascading bead necklaces, and earrings. For some great examples, visit these moonglow earrings and moonglow bracelet and necklace from other collectors on Etsy.

When admiring Richelieu jewelry, it can take us on a journey through the changing eras of the time. Yet, the pieces can still be worn today, from the classic designs of the 1940s and 50s to the bright mod fashions of the 1960s and 70s.

Mod style Richelieu earrings, Lori Lake Treasures on Etsy

The Richelieu Story
Richelieu has a long and interesting history. The original company was founded by Joseph H. Meyer & Bros. in Brooklyn, New York, in 1911. Richelieu, Inc., was a cultured pearl manufacturer that formed in January 1933 when the Heller-Deltah Company and Joseph H. Meyer & Bros. merged.

Richelieu was well known in its earlier years for their simulated pearls and lucite moonglow beads, which were particularly popular during the 1940s and 50s. The manufacturing process of the simulated pearls is fascinating. "Richelieu pearls were made by the Japanese who placed bits of mother of pearl in oysters. The oysters covered the bits of pearl with layers of nacre. The pearls grew to maturity within five to eight years. The pearls are perfect on one side, the lower side being coated with mother of pearl. Their cost was about one tenth the cost of genuine pearls." (ref: Wikipedia)

Richelieu earrings & brooch with characteristic simulated pearls

Many of the jewelry pieces would be made using rhinestones with spaces between the stones and rhinestones on the clasp. The jewelry was of high quality and style, using gold plating, silver plating and platinum as the base metal.

For more great examples of Richelieu jewelry from this era, see a wonderful simulated pearl necklace with gold tone leaves, a multi-strand faux pearl necklace with interesting clasp, and a triple strand choker with pearls and clasp from other collectors on Etsy.

Identifying Marks
There are many different identifying marks when searching for Richelieu jewelry pieces. I found the  site Illusion Jewels to be quite helpful. Look for "Researching Costume Jewelry Marks - J," then scroll down to "Joseph H. Meyer & Bros., Brooklyn, NY -- 1911-present(?)."

The current day company, Lisner-Richelieu Corporation, still uses the hallmark Richelieu. Saul Ganz Became president of Lisner in 1916. Saul's older son, Paul, ran the company until the late 1940s. Saul's younger son, Victor Ganz, became president of Lisner in 1953. In the mid-1970s, Victor Ganz purchased the Richelieu Pearl Company from Joseph H. Meyers & Bros., and the company was renamed the Lisner-Richelieu Corporation. (Ref: Collectible Jewels)

Lori Lake is the captain of The Retro Circle Team on Etsy, and owner of two Etsy shops: Lori Lake Treasures, and Lori Lake Collectibles.