This pin says We're Pregnant! and do not know the gender, OR just New Baby and ask me about the gender. This JJ (Jonette Jewelry) Enameled Train with dangling BABY blocks Pin Brooch on original card - Measures about 1½" wide x 1½" tall. This delightful pin is Unisex and in excellent vintage condition, possibly used for display. Acquired New Old Stock from a pewter store that closed in the 2000s. No other materials or packaging.

Please view photographs as integral to the description of this vintage item and to evaluate its condition for yourself. You get the exact item shown, no other packaging or materials. All vintage and preowned items are sold as is.

History of Jonette Jewelry: JJ is the Hallmark abbreviation for Jonette Jewelry.

Inception:  After training as a physician, Abraham Lisker entered the jewelry industry in Rhode Island, until starting  his own jewelry enterprise in 1935. His brother Nathan joined in 1937. Popularity and sales success of their ballerina and mother-of-pearl pins inspired them to specialize in novelty figures.

World War II caused a brief closure; but at the end of the War, the brothers renamed their company combining their parent's names, John and Etta - thus “Jonette Jewelry Co.,” established 1944, incorporated in Rhode Island.

Production:  1970 marked the start of the “© JJ” mark, signed on all pieces from then on.

Abraham's son, B. Gordon Lisker, headed the company when his father retired; and outsourced some production to other companies. In 1986, they registered the name "Artifacts", using Roman numerals MCMLXXXVI on jewelry cards; and next launched their Southwestern line with the "Santa Fe" mark, signed “JJ 1988”.

The company used different metals and finishes (including brass, pewter, base metal, sterling silver, enameling and resin) and manufactured thousands of figural and whimsical novelty designs, to date. Best known for their pins, Jonette Jewelry Co. also manufactured jewelry, letter openers, photograph frames, watch straps or bands or bracelets, bookmarks, candle holders and more.

Closure:  After 62 years as a family owned private company, Jonette Jewelry Co. ended production in September, 2006, due to global competition and market conditions. 2008 Reports show employed staff of approximately 78 in a single location facility and estimated annual revenue of $5,300,000. (by L. Silver 121409)