Vintage Signed Curtis DCE 120th 14 Karat Gold Filled Pin Brooch Tiger Eye 🤎
This lovely signed DCE brooch is in good preowned condition. Minimal wear if any. The pin is straight and the closure is in good working condition. Add a touch of mid-century elegance to your collection with this stunning vintage brooch from Curtis Jewelry Manufacturing Co. Crafted in a graceful feather or leaf motif, the piece features a textured gold-tone blade wrapped in delicate twisted rope chain links for a dynamic, layered look. At the top sits a polished tiger’s eye bead, showcasing rich honey-brown hues with natural chatoyancy that catches the light beautifully.
This authentic 1950s costume jewelry item is signed “DCE” on the back, along with “1/20 12KT G.F.” indicating high-quality gold-filled construction. In excellent vintage condition with no missing parts, significant wear, or damage—ready to wear or display. Perfect for collectors of retro accessories, boho styles, or anyone seeking a unique statement pin for scarves, lapels, or hats.
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We combine shipping on all jewelry.
Condition: good
Condition Issues: minimal wear from age and use. See pictures
Dimensions: 1 3/4” long, 1” tall
Age: vintage 50s
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History of DCE Curtis Jewelry Manufacturing Co.
Curtis Jewelry Manufacturing Co. was a Providence, Rhode Island-based producer of high-quality costume jewelry, often featuring gold-filled or sterling silver designs with semiprecious stones, rhinestones, and cabochons. The company became known around 1936 and was incorporated into the larger Uncas Manufacturing Company that same year. Their pieces, such as brooches and pendants, were marked with “DCE” starting in 1950, which specifically referred to Curtis creations.
The roots of Curtis tie closely to Uncas, which originated in 1911 as Vincent Sorrentino Inc., founded by Italian immigrant Vincent Sorrentino in Providence with an initial focus on gold and silver jewelry production. By 1913, it was rebranded as Uncas Jewelry Manufacturing Company, overcoming early challenges like a 1914 bankruptcy and expanding significantly in the 1920s and 1930s, including a move to a larger facility in 1929 that employed around 800 people. Uncas absorbed several other jewelry firms, notably Curtman Co. Inc. (active from around 1941) prior to 1950, further consolidating its operations in the costume jewelry sector. Vincent Sorrentino retired in 1960, passing leadership to his son Stanley, who helmed the company until 1991, transforming it into the largest U.S. ring producer by absorbing over a dozen firms.
Under subsequent family leadership, including John Corsini and his son Christopher, Uncas celebrated its centennial in 2011 and expanded globally, distributing jewelry across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The Sorrentino family continues the business today, maintaining Providence as a hub for vintage-style pieces. Curtis’ integration helped Uncas diversify its trademarks, which included “Curtis Creations” alongside others like “Uncas,” “Kiddiegem,” and “Personality.” Overall, Curtis contributed to the mid-20th-century boom in affordable, elegant costume jewelry from Rhode Island’s renowned manufacturing district.
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Swag’s Rating Chart
Excellent - NOS new old stock
Great Condition - excellent used condition
Good Condition - good used condition, may have wear from use but no flaws
Fair Condition - Has one or more flaws
Poor Condition - For parts or repair. Not functional
Antique - 100 years or older
Vintage - 25 years or older
Retro - less than 25 years old
Modern - less than 10 years
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Bin: C5