The history of Art costume jewelry brand began in 1946 in New York and lasted over three decades. Initially the company was known as the Mode Art Jewelry Co., founded by Arthur Pepper (1889 – 1976). Noteworthy, the first mention of the Mode Art Jewelry Co. dates back to 1948. Thus, The New York Times published an advertisement for an assistant bookkeeper at Mode Art jewelry company at 874 Broadway, New York.
Arthur Pepper was a talented and recognized jeweler and his company had a good reputation. He was among five founders of the Costume Jewelry Manufacturers Association of New York, according to the 1950s Jewelers’ Circular Keystone. The president of the Association was Murray Friedman (president of Hallmark Creations), Leo Bernstein (New England Plastics Co.), vice president; Arthur Pepper (Mode Art Jewelry Co.), financial secretary, and Robert Coleman (Active Novelty Co.), recording secretary.
According to the available records, Arthur Pepper acquired Har (owned by Hargo Creations of New York City) after 1956 and renamed the company to Art. Since that time all jewelry pieces included maker’s mark on the reverse – Art with a copyright sign. Located at East 72nd Street (Manhattan) New York City, Art produced beautifully handcrafted costume jewelry. Art original designs included Renaissance-Revival, Victorian and Art Deco styles, as well as Asian or figural motifs.
