Judy Lee History
Judy Lee Jewel’s promotional material stated that Blanche Viano began Judy Lee Jewels in 1949 Chicago, Illinois. Not being able to devote time to a full-time job, she began the business on a shoestring budget and quickly turned it into a thriving company. As the company picked up speed, her husband Aldo Viano came onboard as a general manager.
The company’s strategy was to use multi-level marketing and sell their pieces through home representatives. It proved profitable as it had for other companies like Emmons and Sarah Coventry. The Vianos also credited the success to their outstanding customer service.
Judy Lee Jewels was a division of Blanch-ette Inc. The consensus is that Viano named Judy Lee Jewels after her daughter. However, United Sates Patent and Trademark Office records state the name is fictitious. The records further indicate the name was first in use in 1958 therefore it is most likely that Blanch-ette Inc was organized in 1949 with Judy Lee Jewels following in 1958.
Judy Lee Jewels was active until approximately 1968 followed by Jud Lee Jewelry until about 1972. The Judy Lee brand merged into Con-Stan Industries in 1980. The Judy Lee Jewels trademark expired in 1987.
Collecting Judy Lee
Judy Lee jewelry was generally well made. The company used swedging to produce some pieces which gave it a higher end look.
Judy Lee pieces were presented in hot pink or black glossy jewelry boxes with the Judy Lee Jewels Logo on the top.
Not all Judy Lee jewelry was marked. Some pieces can be identified by finding the signed matching piece. For example, unmarked bracelets can be matched up to marked necklaces belonging to the same collection.
Judy Lee jewelry is not commonly found and, luckily, it is not highly sought after at present. Fans of the jewelry will likely be able to purchase it at lower prices than it should command. As with most things in the collector’s market, Judy Lee jewelry will eventually pique people’s interest and prices will rise to reflect that.
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