Danecraft Jewelry - History and Collecting

History

The Danecraft Jewelry story begins in the early 20^th century, brothers Victor and Thomas Primavera immigrated to Rhode Island from Pescara, Italy. At the time, Providence, Rhode Island was one of the main centers for the American jewelry industry. While in Italy, The Primavera brothers were trained as jewelry artisans. Their family had created jewelry under the Primavera name. They designed jewelry for wealthy and noble families. Once in America, they continued their jewelry work.

Thomas Primavera passed away in the 1930s. Victor Primavera founded Danecraft in 1934. Some sources indicate Victor had an interest in Danish jewelry and chose “Dane” for that reason. United States Patent and Trademark Office records indicate the Danecraft jewelry mark was registered in 1938.

In 1946 Providence, Rhode Island, Victor Primavera, James P. Felch and Agnes I. Bruno incorporation Felch & Co., Inc for the manufacture, sale and distribution of jewelry and associated supplies. In 1953, Felch & Co., filed an amendment to their articles of incorporation stating the company would be known as Danecraft, Inc.

Danecraft also operated under various fictitious names: Goodwin & Gregory, diVera Co, Dane-Eque, Dane-Man, Danecraft Service Co. and Alan Jewelry Company. Eventually all the fictitious names were merged with Danecraft.

Victor Primavera passed away in 1977. His son, Victor Primavera, Jr. took over the company. The Primavera family still operates the Danecraft company. Their pieces can be found in mid-range department stores.

Collecting Danecraft Jewelry

Originally, Danecraft pieces were manufactured by hand. Later, machinery was used for the most difficult aspects of production. Danecraft specializes in good quality sterling silver and gold-plated jewelry. They also produce quality pieces using other metals.

Danecraft jewelry pieces are elegant and unique. Even their humorous pieces are created with an eye toward quality and detail.

Prior to 1945, Danecraft jewelry was marked CFo or Danecraft CFo (with the C encapsulating the F). After 1945, the jewelry was marked Danecraft. United States Patent and Trademark Office records indicate the “PRIMAVERA ITALY A DANECRAFT COMPANY” mark was in use as of 2017.