history
Although the Regency is extremely popular among collectors, most of its details remain shrouded in mystery.
Regency, founded by the Regina Novelty Company of New York, doesn't even have a precise headquarters address.
It is said to be 36th or 37th Street in New York.
The Polowits family-run company was founded in the 1950s and went out of business in the late 1970s.
This date seems accurate based on the style of jewelry.
The family's son, Morty Plolwitz, later moved to California and continued working in jewelry sales, but even AT&T, America's largest telephone company, is unable to locate him, and little else is known about Regency.
Regency jewelry was sold directly to department stores in major cities such as New York and Chicago.
style
Regency jewelry was of very high quality and had a wide variety of designs.
The quality of the rhinestones used is also good, and a metal called Japaned is often seen in the pieces.
The darker hue of the metal, in contrast to the original color of the loose stone, adds depth to the color of the rhinestones, resulting in a very beautiful finish.
Ruby colour has increased in depth
Regency pieces that use a lot of rhinestones can vary in price depending on the rhinestones and pearls used, even for the same design. The price seems to be based on how beautiful and rare the stones are.
Signature Piece
Regency pieces feature butterfly motifs in various patterns.
Butterfly-motif jewelry is a classic that other companies often use, but Regency's is in a class of its own.
It is available in a variety of colors with beautiful rhinestones and is extremely popular.
There are a great many different colour variations available.
Engraving
Most pieces are engraved with "REGENCY" in capital letters.
Many of the brooches and earrings sold at Miparure and other stores have engravings only on the brooches.
Set engraving is only on the brooch.