How to Identify Destino Jewelry

In 1958 Ralph Destino Sr. and his son Ralph Destino Jr. established Ralph Destino Ltd. jewelry company. Ralph Jr. designed the jewelry and his father marketed it to luxury department stores such as Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue, reports the New York Times. Ralph Jr. sold the company In 1971 and went to work for Cartier, where he became president of the U.S. division of Cartier Inc., about five years later. He currently serves as Cartier's Chairman Emeritus.

Things You'll Need

• Photos of vintage Destino jewelry

Instructions

1. Consult an antique jewelry dealer, an antique jewelry guidebook and photos of vintage Destino jewelry to get an idea for the characteristics of Ralph Destino jewelry. A few pointers: Ralph Destino often used sterling silver in his jewelry. Also, his jewelry was made roughly between 1958 and 1971, according to the New York Times. Therefore, jewelry claiming to be made before or after those years is questionable.

2. Check for the "Destino" trademark. It should be imprinted somewhere on the jewelry.

3. Ask for the jewelry's certification papers. If it's an expensive piece of jewelry, it should have some kind of certificate of authenticity. Ask the seller to meet you at an antique jewelry store to have an expert inspect the piece before buying it.

References

• New York Times: Jeweler Delights in Multi-Faceted Life
• The Legacy Group: Ralph Destino

Resources

• Destino Trademark: Photo