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Adrian Scannavino~Adrian Classic

 

Cover Image From the Adrian Classic Archive Handout   Marvella Unicorn From Adrian Classic Archive Handout

The Jewelry History~

Adrian  Classic

The costume jewelry industry is full of amazing stories of determination, creative business partnerships. The story of Adrian Scannavino as one of the premiere masters of costume jewelry design and manufacturing is intriguing and impressive. 

Adrian Scannavino as a young man in the 20’s & 30’s worked for various manufacturers.  His first trade was established at Bulova Watch Co. in Woodside N.Y. where he learned engraving skills and watch building.  Soon thereafter, his early training broadened using the techniques of old school costume jewelry production; where each piece was totally hand crafted from start to finish.  Moving on from Bulova to Pennino Bros and then Trifari, Adrian set stones, worked models and sculptured designs from white metal. 

In 1939 “Mr..Adrian”  formed  his own manufacturing company called Adrian Classic.  Adrian Classic was located at 26 W. 26^th St. New York City.   His company produced designs for their own line,  which  from 1941 to 1945 were only marked “sterling.” In the 10 year business span, Adrian Classic manufactured for various designers and companies including:  Nettie Rosenstein, Natacha Brooks, Walter Lampl, and Pennino.  The “By Adrian” hallmark was seldom used as most of the line was created for wholesalers and other companies.    

In 1949 Mr. Adrian close his business,   Adrian Classic. Together he and his son Robert, continued work from their home benches. Robert was still employed by Mazer Co. and in 1950 Mr. Adrian rejoined the team at Pennino.  Through the 1950’s the two men continued  to produce models, layouts and job piecework for the premiere New York costume jewelry companies (Mazer, Marvella, Pennino, Panetta, Pell.)  

By the mid 1960’s Mr. Adrian retired to Florida where he continued model work for NYC companies.  His son Robert,  was now engraving and setting stones in optical frames. In the last 1960’s the Scannavino’s held interest in the Milton Mfg. Co. in NYC, where Robert continued his skills in design work, stone setting and engraving, However, Robert moved out of costume jewelry manufacture in the early 1970’s. 

Mr. Adrian closed his bench in 1984 after 60 years as one of the most skilled and admired masters of costume jewelry.

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