Known since 1910, KIGU jewelry brand is derived from the first two letters of Kiaschek Gustav. Gustav Kiaschek (1869-1962) was the son of renowned Czech goldsmith Josef Kiaschek, inventor and creator of powder compact. He enthusiastically continued his father’s business in Budapest, Hungary. Gustav Kiaschek had three sons, Charles (1901-1985), Paul (1904-1976), and George (1906-1977).

Charles Kiaschek moved to the USA and settled in Brooklyn, Kings County, NY. In 1938 he founded the eponymous company at 20 West 47th Street, New York 19, N.Y. on manufacture of costume jewelry. Charles Kiaschek company also used Ki-Gu tradename. According to official guidebook, Kiaschek exhibited his creations at New York World’s Fair in 1939.

Meanwhile, George came to London in 1939 and began making compacts and cigarette cases, also under “Kigu of London” brand. Paul joined his brother’s business in 1947. The two brothers worked together until their deaths in 1976 and 1977. Noteworthy, upon moving to London, George changed the family name from Kiaschek to Kiashek.
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American jeweler of Italian origin, Arthur Micallef (1884 – 1975) founded A Micallef & Co in 1919. Located at 158 Pine Street, Providence, Rhode Island, the company manufactured gold filled ladies’ costume jewelry, specializing in cameos. Since 1935 the firm made jewelry under AMco and AMco Jewels brands.

Arthur Micallef headed the firm as its president and Charles Marinari was vice-president. The firm also had offices in New York headed by Charles J. Tonry and John M. Tonry, and J.V. Merrill in San Francisco. In addition, A. Micallef & Co representatives made extensive trips through the country calling on the wholesale trade.
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