Florenza Vintage Jewelry

Florenza Vintage Jewelry began in New York with a designer by the name of Daniel Kasoff. Apparently in his younger years Daniel worked in a New York restaurant. One night his coat was stolen and he didn’t have the money at that moment to replace it. A generous customer, who also happened to own the well-regarded Speier Jewelry Company pitched in with sufficient funds to get Kasoff a new coat that night.

Daniel wanted to make sure he repaid that debt immediately. He showed up the next day and presented Speier with the money. Mr. Speier was very impressed with Kasoff’s honesty and integrity so he immediately offered Kasoff a position at Speier where he remained for a decade. This allowed Mr. Kasoff to learn every aspect of the jewelry industry from an expert.

Being a frugal person, Kasoff managed to save from his earnings quite well. By 1948 he was ready to set out on his own and open a jewelry business. This company was aptly named The Dan Kassof Company, and it was used as a hub from which Kasoff could sell his pieces worldwide.

Business grew steadily and in 1950 Kasoff’s son joined him in the business. This was also the time during which we first hear of the Florenza line, named after Kasoff’s wife (Florence). The designs for Florenza were inspired greatly by Victorian Renaissance Revival pieces. They whispered of the old world, having an antique feel and glass stones in settings that, while affordable, appeared to be high-end jewelry.

Florenza was a huge hit and the next 6 years the line continued to help grow the company and bring it notable attention. So much was the case that customers like Carnegie, Revlon, and Weiss purchased custom pieces from him.

Up until the closing of the company in 1980 you could find the Florenza line at some of the most upscale stores including Lord and Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Recognizing Florenza Vintage Jewelry:

You can recognize Florenza pieces by looking for the word “Florenza” on the jewelry. Typically the word is in script and may be part of a block, cartouche, foil tag or imprinted into the metal. The copyright sign is also sometimes part of the marking.

Other distinguishing features of Florenza Vintage Jewelry include antiqued gold-tone metals, highly decorative and romantic designs, and high quality rhinestones often in rainbow hues.

Since the company only recently closed, the prices for Florenza remain reasonable for a new Vintage Costume Jewelry collector. Your best bet is trying to find full sets, particularly anything with cameos. Other highly collectible items include pill boxes, pin cushions, jewelry boxes and pendants.

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