In the late 19th Century, Rhode Island was the leading jewelry manufacturing state in the US. Of the state’s 147 jewelry companies, 142 were located in Providence’s Jewelry District, a cross section located in downtown Providence. As the leading jewelry manufacturing state, each company had their own niche, from precious metal jewelry to costume jewelry. Before Nicholas DeCristofaro Sr. started Carla Corporation, he was a prominent member in silver jewelry manufacturing as a cofounder of Beaucraft. A hard working toolmaker and craftsmen by trade, Nicholas wanted to start a gold jewelry company that offered high quality products with the best service to both large and small retailers. He believed it was important that small businesses were afforded the same quality service and opportunities as large retailers. It is with this belief that Carla Corporation was founded. In January of 1965 Nicholas established Carla Corporation with his son in law Ralph Fleming joining him shortly after in 1968. The company started buying and selling finished product as well as making its own findings and finished jewelry to distribute to the small independent retail Jewelers. The company grew rapidly and soon became one of the leading earring manufacturing companies in ...