Krementz & Co., the Newark, New Jersey, jewelry manufacturer, made costume jewelry and upscale gold jewelry for stores, including Tiffany & Co. Much was unmarked. They also made “gold overlay” costume jewelry from the early 1900s to 1969. Most of that was marked. The great-grandson of the founder gave designs, cost books and photographs from 1864 to 1969 to the Newark Museum archives. Another donor added 40 scrapbooks of ads from the 1890s to 1970s, patents, trade catalogs, pamphlets, photographs and books. The archives is available for researchers. The ability to identify pieces by Krementz should add to today’s prices for both costume and upscale pins, bracelets, necklaces, gold mesh purses, cufflinks and other accessories.
As the previous commentator stated, is there a way to access this information? I went to the Newark Library and tried to find it in the archives. You must have to be a member to get this information. I would very much like to get more information on these pieces.
In reference to your article, is there a way to access any of the mentioned catalogues or scrapbooks via a website? I have a beautiful circle pin marked Krementz from 1963 and have tried to find it on line. I have seen many of their circle pins but none like mine. I know this is only costume jewelry but it was quite pricey for the time in comparison to other jewelry. Thanks, Carol