Bergere Costume Jewelry Company History
Born in Vienna, Austria, Paul Bardach (1885 – 1956), was founder and president of Bergere Inc, Providence jewelry manufacturing concern. Noteworthy, Paul Bardach had a wealth of experience in the manufacture of jewelry in his native Vienna. He had worked for 30 years in the famous Austrian jewelry firm – Turiet & Bardach.
Before World War II broke out in Europe, the Turiet & Bardach concern had been a leader in the production of Viennese jewelry for 75 years. Noteworthy, the concern employed 500 persons.
In August 1940, Joseph F. Rioux, president of Bliss Brothers Co, Attleboro manufacturer of quality jewelry, announced the establishment of a new manufacturing division in Providence. The new division began operating as Turiet & Bardach, and Paul Bardach became its president and plant manager.
Incorporation
Paul Bardach launched Bergére trademark on manufacture of high fashion costume jewelry in 1946. In July 1948 he operated under the name of Bergere Inc, (manufacturer to wholesalers), 33 Bassett, Providence, Rhode Island. The incorporators were Paul Bardach (president), his son Peter H Bardach (treasurer), Jack Pohs (vice-president), and Bert Herbert (secretary).
Noteworthy, since 1946 the firm also used Bergè trademark.
Showroom in New York
Herbert, Pohs & Bardach Inc, doing business as Bergere, opened their office and showroom in New York in 1948. According to the publications, their modernized showrooms and offices at 392 Fifth Ave, New York, became a sensation.
Glass table tops, inserted into the partitions and supported at the other end by one leg, created an illusion of spaciousness. Another unusual feature was the use of wooden blinds with vertical slats as sliding doors on wall cases. The color scheme in the reception room and general showroom was gray and strawberry red.
Peter H Bardach (1920 – 2011) – new president
After the death of Paul Bardach in 1956, his son Peter H Bardach (1920 – 2011) took over the business as president and treasurer. Jack Pohs continued as vice-president, and Bert Herbert as secretary. Bergere Inc, 7 Beverly street, Providence 3, employed about 200 people.
Bergere Jewelry and ads
