Swoboda Jewelry

Swoboda Tree Brooch

One of the lines of jewelry that I have thoroughly fallen in love with lately is jewelry that is marked "Swoboda" or "SWO." I absolutely adore the artistry in each piece.  There is true personality and warmth in each design. The natural feel of the pearls and the tumbled stones actually gives each piece more personality.  The hand carved leaves also add a more "human touch" to the pieces. These weren't pieces of jewelry that came out of a machine. 

Swoboda jewelry is actually termed "cross-over" jewelry because Swoboda used genuine gem stones in their designs such as: turquoise, garnet, peridot, lapis, amethyst, jade, and pearls.  I have seen some pieces that were accented with rhinestones, but those were very rare. The majority of the pieces I've seen have included jade stones, pearls, and some other gem stone.  For example, the brooch to the left features carved jade leaves, pearls, and a chunk of amethyst as the base.

"Coral" Brooch and Earring Set

Swoboda, Inc. was founded in Los Angeles, CA in 1956 by a gentleman named Edward Swoboda.  He created a "new" look in costume jewelry by using tumbled stones in his designs instead of cut and faceted gemstones or rhinestones.  His jewelry quickly became a favorite of many people, including Nancy Reagan.  In fact, Ronald Reagan commissioned Swoboda to create gemstone trees to be given away at a Governor's Conference in 1966. (I have not yet gotten a famous Swoboda Tree into my own possession yet. I keep hoping to find one at an estate sale or flea market!)

Most pieces of Swoboda were marked in two ways. ©SWOBODA, INC or ©SWO.  However, pieces made before 1966 were unsigned.  Swoboda was sneaky at where signatures were put. I've found pieces where the seller stated that the pieces were unsigned Swobodas, but I've been able to find the signature on the side of the piece in a curve of a branch or some other obscured place.

The founder, Edward Swoboda retired from the company in 1979, but a partner, Nate Waxman continued the company until 1985.  He recently re-opened a jewelry company issuing new designs and re-issuing vintage Swoboda designs.  He is very careful to indicate that these pieces are re-issues.  I have not seen a re-issued piece personally, so I do not know if the construction on the back is any different or if there is some other additional marking on the reverse of the jewelry to differentiate it from true vintage pieces.  This is something to keep aware of.

As far as I am aware, all of the Swoboda pieces that I have in my shop are true vintage, having been purchased from Estate Sales in the Chicagoland Area.  Unfortunately, I have only ever come across brooches and earrings. I can't wait until I can get my sweaty little mitts on one of their stunning necklaces or bracelets!

Additional Swoboda pieces currently for sale in my shop: (Click picture to be taken to listing)

Additional Swoboda pieces that have been SOLD already. I am including pictures and links to the Transaction for informational purposes.

Websites and References used in writing this blog post:

Book:
Carroll, Julia C. (2010). Collecting Costume Jewelry 303: The Flip Side Exploring Costume Jewelry from the Back. Paducha, KY. Collector Books (Buy it here!)

Websites:
Morning Glory Jewelry & Antiques
Aged and Opulent Jewelry
RockTumbler.com
Jewelcollect.org