Forgotten Jewelers

Renowned New York Jeweler Edmond Frisch

Renowned New York Jeweler Edmond Frisch
Rose spray brooch, with small diamonds, bracelet, and ring with diamond — all combining pink and natural gold. Pink gold watch with bird ornament and black dial, diamond and platinum engagement ring and diamond baguette wedding band. Jeweler’s Circular October 1940 cover. Renowned New York Jeweler Edmond Frisch

The life of renowned New York jeweler Edmond E. Frisch (1889-1971), creator of fine jewelry and jeweled watches, was quite vibrant. A native of Montreux, Switzerland, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence at the outbreak of World War I.

Returning to New York, Edmond E Frisch entered the jewelry business, opening a store at 576 Fifth Avenue. The jewelry business of Edmond Frisch was quite successful, and he soon opened a branch in the affluent Palm Beach, Florida, area.

(more…)

James Felch – Founder of Danecraft Jewelry Brand

James Felch - Founder of Danecraft Jewelry Brand
Garden flowers oval sterling silver brooch pin. James Felch – Founder of Danecraft Jewelry Brand

According to most publications and web sources, Victor Primavera was the owner and founder of the Danecraft jewelry company. Moreover, some sources even don’t mention the name of James Felch, an undeservedly forgotten jeweler and founder of the world-famous brand.

Before founding his company, James P. Felch (1904-1982) already had extensive experience in the jewelry business as a manager, designer, and jeweler. Born in Ohio, 20-year-old James Felch began his career at R. H. Kimball, Inc., jewelry company in Providence.
(more…)

New York Jewelry Artist Marianne Ostier

New York Jewelry Artist Marianne Ostier
Amoeba design 18 K gold diamond brooch and earrings. New York Jewelry Artist Marianne Ostier

Diamonds were the best friend of Marianne Ostier (1902-1976), the only woman to receive the Diamonds U.S.A. award for outstanding design achievements in consecutive years. She also received repeated recognition for her work at the Diamonds International competition.

Born and trained as an artist in Vienna, Marianne married third-generation court jeweler Olivier Ostier (1901 – 1967). A trained sculptor, she devoted her considerable artistic talent to jewelry design.
(more…)

Chicago Jewelry Designer Leonide Cecilia Lavaron

She was known metal worker, painter and writer, Chicago Jewelry Designer Leonide Cecilia Lavaron (1866 - 1931)
Once well known metal worker, painter and writer, Chicago Jewelry Designer Leonide Cecilia Lavaron (1866 – 1931)

Her jewelry and copper works were renowned throughout the world, but recognition only came at the turn of the 20th century. In the 1880s, Leonide Lavaron began earning a living for herself and her mother through watercolor painting. Years passed before materials for jewelry making and the necessary chemical firings became available.

Lavaron had to conduct numerous experiments before she stumbled upon the secret of “Lavaron copper” pieces. From then on, every penny she could earn she spent on achieving the desired shine and play of color. Then one day, she held an exhibition, where visitors bought up all her works. Moreover, art firms came with proposals as to the exclusive handling of her copper.
(more…)

Renowned American Jewelry Designer Sol P. Kaufman

Renowned American Jewelry Designer Sol P. Kaufman
Star sapphires jewelry, May 1960 ad. Renowned American Jewelry Designer Sol P. Kaufman

Soloman Kaufman, aka Sol P. Kaufman (1902 – 2010), was the leading New York jewelry designer and creator of original jewelry. Remarkably, Sol Kaufman enjoyed a long creative and family life, worthy of a Guinness World Record. Sol married Molly (1919 – 2019) in 1938 and lived with her for nearly 72 years, until his death in 2010. They had three children—two daughters and a son.

He studied at the National Academy of Design and Cooper Union. Then, in the early 1920s, he became affiliated with the jewelry industry and launched out for himself with Gem Creations, a design service which others continued for the jewelry trade.
(more…)

New York Jeweler Olga Tritt

New York Jeweler Olga Tritt
Fifth Avenue Russian Antique Jewelry. New York Jeweler Olga Tritt

Born May 10, 1886 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Olga Tritt received her academic education in Gymnasium for girls. Then followed professional education and the professional training in the shops and factories of St. Petersburg. Noteworthy, she also studied painting or sculpting.

However, she felt that she might be happy and successful in the role of a designer of beautiful jewelry. According to one of her interviews, “jewels having always had for me a particularly strong appeal.”
(more…)