Monet has evolved as one of the most recognized fashion jewelry brands in the world.
Monet Jewelry was made by Monocraft Products Company, a Providence, Rhode Island, company founded in 1927 by two brothers, Michael and Jay Chernow . At first, this company created handbags with gold-plated appliques and monograms. The metalwork used on their handbags distinguished them from other companies because they used intricate designs on their products.
In 1929, the Monocraft Products Co., under the name Monet, began creating costume jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings and ornamental clips. However, it did not market its jewelry pieces as Monet until 1937.
Much of the 1940’s jewelry used silver as the base metal. Monet was also responsible for several technological advancements in jewelry, such as the development of the friction ear clip which adjusted so it could firmly fit the ear with out causing undue and painful pressure; and the barrel clutch for pierced earrings which replaced the butterfly clutch. I call them screwback clipbacks…because the clip can be adjusted by turning the knob to tighten or loosen.
Monet Jewelry has managed to maintain its unique designs and change with the times. Various companies have held the rights to create these trademark designs. J.C. Penney has held the rights since 2011.
Monet might be the perfect jewelry to complete your ensemble!
I’ve had numerous pieces of Money jewelry throughout the years. I never realized they started as a handbag company! How interesting!
I found that interesting as well. Just never know the story behind a company until one digs.
Interesting fun facts about jewelry. Thanks for the history as knowing makes wearing just that much spicier. 🙂
You are most welcome, and thanks for stopping by!
I remember Monet jewelry but haven’t seen it much lately. Guess I need to shop a Penney’s!
The really fun stuff is sold on places like eBay and etsy – vintage, one of a kind pieces that aren’t made any more.
Such pretty jewellery it is too. I must admit my jewellery is rather boring, I wear the same things daily.
Aim for one fun piece a week; that is what I did and have fallen in love with vintage jewelry!
I didn’t know the history of Monet jewelry. I remember my first piece was given to me by my dad. Like Sonya, I generally wear the same things most days but I have a TON of jewelry to spice things up.
Time to get spicier? Love the vintage stuff; just one piece will do the job!
I have loved Monet jewelry for years. Finding it at Penney’s is so easy! Thanks for a fun write up!
You are most welcome, and thanks for stopping by!
You are really expanding my sense of jewelry. The pieces I wear are usually very simple. I’ll have to check out the Monet.
Vintage stuff is way more fun than the modern stuff!
Wow! I didn’t know that it started as a handbag company. Thanks for sharing.
I was surprised as well. Love studying the history of these great companies!
So fascinating. I used to own lots of Monet jewelry. It was my favorite for sure.
Just love the consistent quality of Monet – love the vintage chunky stuff!
Monet was my moms favorite brand for a long time. Interesting history!
You mom had good taste, and there may be some treasures in her old jewelry box.
I do love the white tshirt with jeans look but I usually stay away from wearing white, gets dingy fast and spills stick out like a sore thumb. Cute pieces to doll it up.
I wear the white, just put a shirt over it until i get where I need to be:)
Never knew it started as handbag company but Chanel started as a hat company so I shouldn’t be surprised!
It is interesting to learn the histories of all the companies.
This is interesting as this brand is the world over. There are many information available out there and considering the busyness in many things, I wouldn’t even know about this history until you brought it up.
Glad you learned something, and thanks for stopping by.
I worked at Monet Jewelry, Providence. Was one of the best jewelry companies to work for.
What fun that must have been. Monet made some gorgeous pieces!