Rare Mid-Century Mod STAR ART Sterling Silver Circle Pin Brooch signed Prov RI

Description

View Rare Mid-Century Mod STAR ART Sterling Silver Circle Pin Brooch signed Prov RI with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. This classic circle pin was crafted by the prestigious Star Art Jewelry Co., founded in 1945 by the visionary and artistically gifted designer Gilda S. (DiPalma) Vitulli in the historic global jewelry capital of Providence, Rhode Island. Rare Mid-Century Star Art Jewelry Co. Solid Sterling Silver Minimalist Circle Pin Complete with Micro-Stamped Maker's Mark & Historic Jeweler Inventory Provenance An exceptional acquisition opportunity for the serious collector of Mid-Century Modern Americana and historic Rhode Island silversmithing. This elegant sterling silver ring brooch beautifully encapsulates the clean, sophisticated minimalism of the post-WWII preppy Ivy League aesthetic, originating directly from a premium private estate in Eastern Tennessee. ARCHIVAL HISTORY & MAKER PROVENANCE This classic circle pin was crafted by the prestigious Star Art Jewelry Co., founded in 1945 by the visionary and artistically gifted designer Gilda S. (DiPalma) Vitulli in the historic global jewelry capital of Providence, Rhode Island. Renowned among elite collectors for refusing to cut corners on material purity, Star Art pieces are highly celebrated for their weight, structural durability, and timeless architectural elegance. REVEALING MARKINGS & BENCH HISTORY •The Authentic Star Logo: Micro-stamped directly adjacent to the block "STERLING" purity mark, the microscopic, crisp five-pointed star frame clearly displays the word "ART" nested within its center—the official signature configuration of the Providence factory. •The Hand-Etched Double Ledger Markings: Gently hand-scratched upside down beneath the primary stamps by a mid-century bench jeweler or high-end pawn master, the piece displays the rare cross-referenced ledger tracking code: "137 137-17". This fascinating archival marking indicates the brooch was cataloged decades ago as Item #17 within Estate Lot/Client Account #137. It adds a wonderful layer of unpolished, trace historic storytelling to the artifact. SPECIFICATIONS & CONDITION •Composition: Solid .925 Sterling Silver •Weight: 4.57 Grams (verified on professional scale) •Dimensions: Exactly 1.25 inches (1-1/4") in diameter •Hardware: Period-correct rolling safety catch mechanism in perfect, secure operating condition. •Aesthetic Condition: Beautiful vintage condition with an honest, unpolished atmospheric patina. The structural silver body remains perfectly round, free of deep gouges or structural warping. Ready to wear on a lapel, blazer, or cardigan scarf, or proudly display in a collection. SHIPPING & HANDLING Your historical artifact will be meticulously packaged in a jewelry gift box and shipped securely via insured, tracked mail to preserve its condition. Combined shipping is available if you are bidding on our other estate collection offerings. 🏛️ The Provenance & Origins •The Founder: Star Art Jewelry Co. was founded by an enterprising, artistically talented woman named Gilda S. (DiPalma) Vitulli. Growing up during the Great Depression, she utilized her natural business acumen and design skill to launch the company alongside her family. •The Jewelry Capital: The company was headquartered at 795 Eddy Street in Providence, Rhode Island. During the 20th century, Providence was known globally as the "Jewelry Capital of the World," housing a dense network of elite master silversmiths, toolmakers, and metal-stamping houses. •The Sister Brands: As the company grew, Star Art manufactured jewelry under a few localized brand names, most notably "Tradition" and "Jewels by Helene". ⏳ Historical Timeline •1944–1945 (The Launch): Gilda Vitulli officially establishes the company. In the post-WWII economy, fine metals like sterling silver and high-quality gold-filling became highly sought after as war-time manufacturing restrictions lifted. •1950s (The Golden Era): The company hits its peak popularity, heavily advertising in major fashion magazines and trade journals like the Jewelers' Circular. They introduce their highly successful "Jewels by Helene" line, which dominated mid-century fashion with delicate filigree work, Austrian crystals, and cultured pearls. This lines up perfectly with the era of your classic preppy circle pin. •1963: The Jewelers' Circular officially honors the company's sub-brand as a "Fashion leader for over 19 years in the production of fine gold filled and Sterling Silver Jewelry." •1971 (The Corporate Shift): To scale operations, Star Art merges with or becomes part of Dansal Corporation, though they continued producing under the original branding and factory. •1990 (The Finale): The last active trademark and historical mention of Star Art operating under Dansal Corp is recorded, bringing a highly successful 45+ year run to a close. 🎨 Material & Design Characteristics Star Art pieces are highly collectible today because they refused to cut corners on material composition. Condition: Pre-owned - Good. Category: Jewelry & Watches › Vintage & Antique Jewelry › Brooches & Pins. Brand: Star Art Jewelry Co..

Shape

Circle

Signed

Yes

Color

Silver

Main Stone Color

No Stone

Material

Metal

Year Manufactured

1960-1969

Metal

Silver

Item Length

1.25”

Jewelry Department

Fine

Main Stone

No Stone

Vintage

Yes

Brand

Star Art Jewelry Co.

Department

Unisex Adults

Type

Brooch / Pin

Metal Purity

925

Era

Mid-Century (circa 1950s - 1960s)

Base Metal

Silver

Theme

Art, Beauty, Geometry, Signs & Symbols, Retro, Music & Dance, Love, Letters, Numbers & Words

Original/Reproduction

Original

Features

Full Maker's Mark & Historical Ledger Scratches, Engraved

Country of Origin

United States

Handmade

Yes