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Réja ~
Originated by Soloman Finkelstein,
this company was renamed from the founder's name to Déja Costume Jewelry
in 1939. The use of this name and mark were short-lived however,
since a lawsuit filed by Du Jay resulted in an injunction from using the
name as being too similar to Du Jay. Early in 1941, the name and
jewelry mark was changed to Réja. For collectors this creates a
rare situation where pieces can be dated to a very short time span.
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Deja enamel
rose brooch |
Deja cream enamel brooch |
Deja pink floral
fur clip |
Deja floral spray brooch |
One of the most charming Reja
figural designs was the Jack-in-the-box from 1946. This adorable
fellow was produced with both the "rose opal" and emerald cabochons, and
one can't help but smile to see his joyous face. Additional pieces
using these rosy colored cabochons include the rocking horse, sea
shells, an abstract swirl and a circle brooch. 'Rose Opal'
was one of the trademarks registered by the company.
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Reja Jack in the Box earrings |
Jack in the Box ad 1946 |
Retro Moderne Rose Opal Cabochon
Brooch |
"Rose Opal" ad 1946 |
Reja Swirl or shell brooch |
In the mid-1940s, like other
costume jewelry companies, Réja produced pieces with a large stone as
the focus and fewer small rhinestones. Most of these were
figurals, some fanciful and graceful, like the 'Lyre Bird' and
'Peacock', while others such as 'Geese' and 'Men from Mars' were
whimsical. Most often, these pieces incorporated a huge pear
shaped or oval stone.
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Reja Sterling Scroll Pin |
Reja Green Cab Shell Brooch & Earrings |
Reja
Sterling Faux Moonstone Fur Clip |
Reja Sterling Aqua Butterfly Brooch,
ca 1944 |
In 1947, Réja produced the 'Gardenesque'
floral pieces which depicted marvelously detailed flower
arrangements in vases or urns. The pieces combined enameling
and rhinestones, often with both silvertone and goldtone metal
finishes. The designs are complex and beautifully executed.
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Reja Sterling Amethyst Butterfly Brooch
[smaller version] |
Reja Sterling Ruby Arrow Brooch |
1947 Gardenesque Ad |
Reja Emerald
Green Arrow Brooch |
Reja Emerald
Art Deco Set |
Later
pieces show the influence of nature and a continuing commitment to wonderfully
detailed figurals along with less representational 'real look' pieces.
The company closed in 1952.
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Reja Court Jester's Scepter Brooch |
Reja Sterling Knight's Winged Helmet Brooch
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Reja Aqua Pinecone Brooch
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Reja Knight Brooch
with faux pearl torso |
Reja Pinecone Brooch |
Click here to see
Reja and Deja pieces for sale at
Emerald
City. |
