DeLizza & Elster

DeLizza & Elster was a prominent American costume jewelry manufacturer active during the mid-20th century, best known today for the collectible rhinestone jewelry marketed under the Juliana name. Founded in New York by William DeLizza and Harold Elster, the company produced jewelry for a wide range of department stores and private labels, with many pieces remaining unsigned.

Collectors identify DeLizza & Elster jewelry through distinctive construction techniques including wire-over stone settings, figure-eight puddling, riveted components, elaborate layered designs, and the use of unusually vibrant rhinestones and art glass stones. The company became especially known for dramatic brooches, bracelets, and matching sets produced during the 1950s through 1970s.

The name "Juliana" originally appeared only on paper hang tags rather than permanent signatures, which meant many examples circulated for decades simply as unsigned costume jewelry. Beginning in the early 2000s, collector research helped firmly attribute these pieces to DeLizza & Elster, greatly increasing collector awareness and demand.

Today, DeLizza & Elster jewelry remains highly collectible for its bold mid-century styling, exceptional stone combinations, and craftsmanship associated with the golden age of American costume jewelry manufacturing.