The Start
The Napier Company began in North Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1878, under the name of The E. A. Bliss Co., manufacturing men’s watch chains. In 1890, after rapid growth in the previous decade, the company moved to Meriden, Connecticut, and continued to grow and produce jewelry.
James H. Napier became president of the company in 1920, and the company was renamed, The Napier-Bliss Co. In 1922, the company again changed its name to The Napier Co. James Napier work for the company from 1914 to his death in 1960.
The Jewelry
Napier jewelry is known for its simple, modern, geometric and floral designs. However, the company also produced boutique and high-end jewelry. The company made Egyptian Revival necklaces, earrings, and other pieces during the 1920s excelling in metalwork accented by faux stones. Napier was known for its rose gold brooches and necklaces set off by clear and colored rhinestones, as well as its bold charms and bracelets.
Napier jewelry was known to be affordable, available for purchase by the average woman. Yet, Napier fashion jewelry has graced the arms, necks, fingers, and ears of many starlets and fashionable women.
The Designs
The company was known for its ability to be on the forefront of fashion and design and had a history of sending its designers to Europe. In 1925, James Napier attended the World’s Fair Exposition Internationale des Artes Decoratifs et Industries Modernes in Paris, and brought back with him business ideas, including designs influenced by Parisian and European fashion.
The Napier Co. had a very skilled tool department and with great skill could rework dies used decades ago. It was one of the advantages Napier had to bring unique designs to the market. The design department worked as a team, and more than one designer could be assigned to a specific collection. A necklace could be designed by one person while earrings were designed by another.
Today
In 1999, the company was bought by Victoria & Company. The plant in Meriden, Connecticut was closed by Victoria & Company on October 15, 1999. As of 2016, Napier jewelry is still produced overseas as part of the Jones Apparel Group.
Napier made some incredible vintage jewelry, of which many pieces are collected and treasured. Find your Vintage Napier and you might be the Campus Smarty!
WOW! i’ve seen pieces like this and had no idea what they were called. Very stylish and trendy! They really could go with anything. I feel so informed now!
Glad this was helpful
Beautiful jewelry! The Roaring 20s were a great decade, with very cool clothing and accessories to show for it!
Love the roaring 20s! Great inspiration from that decade!
My favorite brand 🙂
I love Napier as well!
I love jewelry and really enjoyed learning about the history of this brand. I love the idea of handmade jewelry that was carefully constructed with thoughtfulness. It’s rare to find it these days! It’s disappointing though not surprising that the company was purchased and the jewelry manufacturing moved out of the US. Older things were made so much better!
Yes, older is better! They just don’t make jewelry like they once did.
I’ve bought so many pieces from Napier over the years, but I’ve never really thought about their history! Thank you for the lesson!
You are most welcome, and glad you enjoy Napier. It is a great old brand.
Love the look of vintage jewelry and now having the history makes it even more valuable. Most of my clothing is black and white and love your style!
Thanks for the kind comments. Black and white makes a great canvas for jewelry.
So trendy!!! Love all of the graphics!
Thanks! Polyvore is my graphics friend.
I remember Napier jewelry, always nice, classic stuff. Wondered why I hadn’t seen it lately. Now I know.
Yes, much jewelry is no longer USA made, and that is why the vintage pieces are selling so well. Quality is just so much better.
Great history of this iconic brand. Too bad they are manufactured overseas now. Love the clunky bracelet with pearls but it would be hard to wear while working
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, it is no longer USA made, but glad we have craftsman like you who still make quality pieces for us to enjoy.
Love this story. The jewelries made really look fantastic. They are very feminine and looks royal to me. I am glad that they have kept the tradition alive for many years.
Thanks for the kind words. And, I agree it is neat that a business has lived for so long.