Made in America

Below is an article from National Jeweler. I am disappointed to see that they could not find striking silver and gold plated jewelry right here in the US. Remember to support your local jewelry artists. American made never goes out of style!

Pictured here is a sterling silver reclaimed mink ring by Washington DC artist Gayle Friedman. Simply irresistable.

Empoli, Italy--Rebecca, the Italian jewelry brand known for its gold-plated bronze and sterling silver jewelry as well as its recession-friendly price points, saw its sales double for the first half of 2009, the company has announced.

"This is an exciting time for Rebecca in the United States," U.S. president of the brand Agostino Magni said in a media release. "Our new sterling silver line and our stainless and gold-plated bronze jewelry are so innovative that celebrities love it, and retailers and their customers can buy great fashions at truly affordable prices."

Manufactured in Empoli, Italy, by Testi S.p.A., a company founded by Alessandro Testi in 1998, the brand is distributed in the United States by Testi USA.

The brand is sold at U.S. jewelers such as Fred Segal, based in Hollywood, Calif.; Mednikow in Memphis, Tenn.; Polacheck's Jewelers in Calabasas, Calif.; James and Sons in Chicago; Tappers Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in West Bloomfield, Mich.; Kings Jewelers in Aventura, Fla.; and Orr's Jewelers in Pittsburgh, as well as Bloomingdales and other independent high-end retailers.

Rebecca changes collections seasonally. Most recently, the brand released several new collections, including "Lucky" (pendants, amulets and rings with Italian good-luck motifs engraved on them), "Cleopatra" (Egyptian-inspired cuffs, bracelets, necklaces and earrings with geometric detailing) and Griffe (large open-work hoops in steel and bronze). All the jewelry carries a two-year warranty.