Jenny Stevens of "Aurora Bijoux" has collected LN jewelry for years, and her collection is varied and fascinating. Probably manufactured in the first half of the 20th century, it shows a wide range of style, design and color. I find this maker in my issues of Keystone for the years 1915, 1922, 1931 and 1934 under the name Brier Manufacturing Company.
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Jenny has been kind enough to share her collection, and it demonstrates the variety and originality of this productive company.

 
Ann M. Pittman's article in "Antique Week" explains more about this jewelry manufacturer:

"Regardless of the manufacturer, it is clear from viewing part of Stephens’ collection that the LN company produced jewelry as far back as the 1930s as well as before and after WWII.  This is evidenced by the “sweetheart” and “victory” pieces marked with one or more of the LN signatures."

LN used several marks: LN, L/N, LN25, LN50, and LN in a diamond.

 
Again, from Ann M. Pittman's article in "Antique Week", Jenny says:

"I tend to believe a specific company produced pieces marked with just the LN signature.  Pieces with just the initials LN as a signature appear to be the oldest for the most part.  How the slash fits into the picture is the big mystery.  Does this evidence a new partner in the company, the division of the company, or a different company entirely?  Were the numbers 25 and 50 product specific, used to indicate years of production, amount of inventory produced, different factory locations or something else?

"There is absolutely no rhyme or reason for how these pieces were marked.  For instance, were all the clear rhinestone pieces marked a specific way?  No. Were all the enameled pieces marked with one signature?  No. Perhaps all clips were signed identically?  No. The pieces, even among the war era pins, were marked with different signatures.

"Every time I think I have something definite pinned down, along comes another piece to destroys my current theory,” said Stephens.

"Although costume jewelry sleuths have long pursued finding out just who LN is, Stephens says she hopes it remains a mystery.  'Not knowing….well, that’s all part of the fun”.

Thanks to Connie Swaim of Antique Week and Ann Pittman for allowing us to reprint parts of this article.

NOTE: For a complimentary copy of AntiqueWeek email connie@antiqueweek.com.

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