Alexander Wolf (1877-1947) and Jacob Klar (1884 – 1937) whose parents were immigrants from Russia and Germany, formed partnership under the name of Wolf and Klar in 1900. Initially, the young men were engaged in the jewelry trade, then opened their own store and pawn shop at 1505 Main Street in Fort Worth, Texas.

Despite the difficult times of the Great Depression of the 1920s, Wolf & Klar’s business was quite successful. It was during this time that the company became a leading supplier of firearms to Texas law enforcement agencies. This not only involved selling guns, but also creating collectible and unique models, thanks to their fine craftsmanship.
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The history of the Hingeco company, also known under the Trueart brand, began in January 1924 in Providence. Its founders were Christopher L. Migliaccio (1897 – 1985) and Fritz R. Robinson. Located at 220 Eddy Street, the factory started manufacturing a general line of plated and sterling silver jewelry and novelties.

In March 1925 the Hingeco Mfg Co moved to larger premises at 73 Atwells Avenue, Providence, which increased its force and facilities with new machinery and other equipment. Moreover, the business expanded thanks to the newly organized jewelry company A. Shehan & Co. Christopher Migliaccio, Fritz Johnson, and Aram Shehan established A Shehan & Co at 9 Calender Street in November 1925.
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Robert De Mario, of Italian descent, came to New York City as a child. After graduating from school, he began as an apprentice, and then as jeweler in local jewelry workshops. Having accumulated some initial capital, he founded his own company for manufacturing costume jewelry, importing, and retailing.

His company, Robert De Mario & Co., founded in the mid-1940s, was originally located at 392 Fifth Ave, New York City. Significant changes occurred in 1951, when the firm became a corporation with Robert De Mario as president. The company moved to larger premises at 435 Fifth Avenue, New York City, NY.
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Benjamin S Katz (1892 – 1969), P B Katz and William B Ogush (1896 – 1956) organized the firm of Katz & Ogush, Inc., on January 17, 1921. Katz was president of the firm, William Ogush was vice-president, and Benjamin Ogush was treasurer. The company’s offices and factory were located at 33 West 60th Street, Manhattan, New York City.

According to the official gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Katz & Ogush registered the K&O trademark for the production of various platinum and precious metal jewelry. The jewelry line included Pins, Bracelets, Watch Chains, Gem Settings, Mesh Bags, Vanity Cases, Barrettes, Brooches, Belt Buckles, Earrings, Fobs, Medals, Cuff Buttons, Veil Pins, etc.
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The iconic American jewelry designer and diamond cutter, Erwin Pearl (1925 – 2023) was born in Austria and came to the United States at the age of 20. For several years, Pearl worked in New York City jewelry firms, honing his skills as a diamond cutter and jeweler.

Pearl founded his own company, Erwin Pearl, at 10 West 47th Street, New York, in 1952, which soon became renowned not only in New York and the United States, but also in Europe. In 1960 the firm moved to larger premises at 5 East 47th Street.
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The history of the Curtman company, manufacturer of costume jewelry, began in Providence in 1941. Its founders were Galliano Manzotti (1904-1984), president and treasurer, and his wife, Carmelia Manzotti, vice president. Other partners and executives included Alvin N. Beiner, secretary, Giuseppe DeCurtis, and Giselle DeCurtis.

Originally located at 235 Eddy Street in Providence, the company soon moved to 144 Pine Street. Business was successful from the start, leading to the opening of offices in other cities and expansion of production. In early 1946, the Curtman Company became a corporation. Curtman Co Inc purchased a 12,960-square-foot plot of land in Providence with the intention of building a jewelry factory.
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