Born in New Jersey on July 1, 1828 Andrew Jackson Hedges (1828-1902) attended a public schools at Madison until he was 16 years old. Then he came to Newark alone and entered the employ of Aaron Cartier. After a few years with Cartier he went with Field & Keep, and in 1859 he became a co-owner of the firm. Seven years later Andrew Hedges left the firm of Field & Keep and formed the Dodd & Hedges company, with David C. Dodd Jr., in 1866.

In January 1877, Andrew J Hedges obtained control of the business, as a result of a friendly dissolution of this firm. So, Mr. Hedges went into business by himself under the style of A J Hedges & Co. His factory was at Lawrence and Mechanic Streets, Newark, and his New York office and salesrooms at 14 John St.

Andrew J Hedges worked in partnership with his brother Wallace M. Hedges and John Obrig. The firm of A. J. Hedges moved to 6 Maiden Lane, New York about 1880. John Obrig retired from the firm in 1900 and two years later Andrew Hedges died.

Following the death of his father A. J. Hedges Jr came into the firm and associated with him W. M. Kaas, who was formerly employed by the old concern. Kaas died in 1916 and since that time A. J. Hedges Jr. ran the business alone. The company’s address since that time was 12 to 16 John Street, New York.

Although Andrew Hedges Jr ran the business successfully and passed it to the third generation, the company ceased to exist in the 1950s.

A. J. Hedges Jewelry Brand History (1877-1950)

The house A. J. Hedges made a line of fine gold jewelry, as well as black mourning goods. Some really big jewelry achievements became two revolutionary innovations put out in 1913 by A. J. Hedges & Co. First, claspless, catchless patented safety brooch that “does away—with solder, with fabric tearing clasps, with ill-fitting, sagging and slovenly appearance”.

“This one achievement would be glory enough for one firm. But A. J. Hedges & Co. have added another “feather in their cap” – Hedges Veil Pin (Patented). It was also much more than a “novelty.” It was a radical innovation that has proved its merit – no clasp, no catch that tears the fabric. According to the ad, “It opens and shuts with a spring like a pocket knife”.

Antique Jewelry by A. J. Hedges