New York based designer Battani began making costume jewelry pieces for the House of Treasures in 1944. Headed by S. Friedman, The House of Treasures was located at 114 East 32nd Street, New York 16, N. Y. The firm advertised Battani’s creations through fashion magazines and the Jeweler’s Circular from 1944 to 1947.

The “Ocean Treasures” motif dominated this firm’s production which included chatelaines, spray and scatter pins, earrings, barrettes, bracelets, and necklaces. In addition to jewelry Battani created cigarette cases and compacts with tops of mother-of-pearl. Noteworthy, one versatile piece, such as chatelaine or parure, could be used in eight different ways to accent the dress.

According to the 1944-46 ads, Battani imported genuine mother of pearl from Australia and the South Pacific to create the “Ocean Treasure” jewelry line. Exquisite flower spray and leaf pins and earrings were hand cut, carved, polished and set in frame of 1/20 of 12K gold filled on sterling silver.

The noted designer, Battani used mother-of pearl instead of stones to give life and color to the flowers, butterflies, etc. Battani succeeded in tinting mother-of pearl with pastel colors, giving it natural look. Also, the designer used the nacreous material set in gold on sterling sterling silver. Innovated Battani pieces appealed to the customer who wanted something “different.” The pieces were priced to retail at from $25 to $50 per set.

Besides the mother-of-pearl pieces, the firm for the first time created items in sterling silver and semi-precious stones in 1946. “Out of This World” chatelaine and earring set was one of such lines, made in gold plated sterling with sparkling rhinestones.

Battani Ocean Treasures Pearl Jewelry

Battani’s collaboration with the House of Treasures lasted no more than five years. Since the early 1950s, Battani created jewelry for Murray Simon who started his business with the production of costume jewelry and shoe clips. However, since 1963 he began producing shoes, bags, belts, etc., under the brand Musi (MUrray SImon). In 1961 he opened a branch of Musi – Battani Ltd keeping the designer’s name in the title.