Barclay (1911-1957)

Barclay Jewelry Inc., of Providence, RI, originated as the New England Glasswork Co. in 1911. It became Rice-Weiner Co. in 1938 with Alvin and Robert Rice as owners. The jewelry pieces were hand-set, glued in, using multicolor pastel rhinestones of various shapes and sizes to gold plated and silver filigree metals. The company split in 1946 and was named Barclay Jewelers Inc. with the designer Louis Mark using the Mark: "Barclay", on a pallet, "Barclay/Art in Jewelry" used since 1948, and "Peltanium" since 1953. Most pieces of jewelry were signed but they were not marked the last few years of existence to 1957. The architectural structure and workmanship of the earlier jewelry pieces was superior to the latter ones. Earlier jewelry had heavier weight, glued without overflow, and thicker metal plating, The jewelry is classified as of average quality compared to Coro and Lisner and similar to Hollycraft in workmanship. Note: Rice-Weiner Co. was also relaunched in 1946 introducing 2 new lines, Jeray and American Beauty Pearls. The company ceased operations in 1957. The multicolor rhinestone sets are a favorite with collectors