Saturday, August 29, 2009

The Napier Co. Jewelry Componets


Misinformation: "The Napier Co. avoided using more expensive materials like aurora borealis rhinestones to keep costs down." Accuracy: FALSE with clarification.

Correct Information: The Napier Co. used only the finest in rhinestones, cabochons, beads, stampings and findings to produce a superior quality product. In fact it  probably spent more on findings, crystals and beads than most companies. The company didn't just do "metals." It used the finest the market had to offer including Swarovski rhinestones.

The company did not use "aurora borealis" crystals or beads per se but used a superior product it called the "iridescent" crystal bead or rhinestone.  However,  it is untrue to say that The Napier Co. avoided the use of certain stones due to the expense of said stone.   The use or non-use of any stone was determined by nature of the design and if used, it was that of superior quality--such as the use of the  "iridescent" crystal or rhinestone vs the typical "aurora borealis" crystal or rhinestone.  It worked closely with the Swarovski Co. to develop special "iridescent" crystals  and beads that Napier used exclusively in its designs.

If Mr. Napier were to read this statement which has proliferated over the Internet he would have been appalled. The employees who are still living from the Golden Years of Napier find this an insult to the beauty and quality of the product.  Every piece that left the factory was made to the highest standards.  It was one of the few companies that actually produced spectacular "Museum" pieces to promote the line.  These pieces  were expensive and labor intensive to produce.

Special note about the terminology of "aurora borealis" vs "iridescent crystal."  The term aurora borealis has come to be a generic term for a particular coating that was applied to rhinestones and beads whether is was made by Swarovski (known for its outstanding stones) or other companies.

According to a leading authority on the history of The Napier Co., the company never used the term "aurora borealis" to describe its stones.  "Napier did not use the cheap and oily looking glass beads or crystal rhinestones called 'aurora borealis.'  Napier used 'iridescent crystals.' Napier was never associated with the term 'aurora borealis' because it looked like 'dime store' jewelry."

The Mamie Eisenhower Bracelet



The Mamie Eisenhower Bracelet
Misinformation: The Mamie Eisenhower bracelet is a charm bracelet made with green glass elephant charms. Accuracy: UNTRUE
FACT: The Mamie Eisenhower bracelet was not a charm bracelet but rather a four panel sterling silver bracelet with each section depicting an elephant in a jungle. Currently the bracelet once owned by former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower is housed at the Smithsonian.