Vintage Jewelry

Goodman & Company Fine Jewelry Since 1903

Goodman & Company Fine Jewelry Since 1903
Eastern Star earrings, May 1955. Goodman & Company Fine Jewelry Since 1903

A Brooklyn native, Benjamin Goodman (1871 – 1941) founded his own jewelry house Benjamin Goodman, Inc., in 1903. His elder brother Jacob Goodman (1869 – 1942) joined the firm. The company’s headquarters and factory were located at 71 Fifth Avenue in New York City and 42 Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It is noteworthy that the company’s advertisements indicate different dates of foundation – 1903 or 1904. Jacob Goodman’s son, Morris Goodman, joined his father’s business in 1914, upon graduation from the Shortridge High School, and became a traveling salesman. He sold products to retail stores across the country. From that time on, the firm changed its name to Goodman & Company.
(more…)

Jeanne Costume Jewelry Brand History

Jeanne Costume Jewelry Brand History
Caterpillar Traveler gold plated sterling silver rhinestones brooch pin. Jeanne Costume Jewelry Brand History

The history of costume jewelry branded Jeanne lasted two decades, from 1960 to 1980. The originator of Boutique Jewelry by Jeanne, located at 295 Madison Avenue in New York City, was Jeanne Gans. Incorporated in November 1961, Jeanne Gans Jewelry Inc created two lines of jewelry.

Although Jeanne fashion jewelry was not nationally advertised, sometimes it appeared on the pages of such fashion magazines as Vogue. Its second line of costume jewelry included handcrafted whimsical designs and truly artistic pieces, for which the company received patents from 1963 to 1967.
(more…)

Kimler & Daniel Jewelry Manufacturing Company

Kimler & Daniel Jewelry Manufacturing Company (1936 - 1970)
November 1952 catalog marcasite jewelry. Kimler & Daniel Jewelry Manufacturing Company (1936 – 1970)

The history of the Kimler & Daniel jewelry company began in 1936, founded by partners Irving Kimler and Daniel in New York City. In 1937, the company became a corporation headed by Irving Kimler as president. Other company executives included members of the Kimler family: Seymour Kimler became secretary, and his brother Alvin Kimler served as treasurer.

Originally located at 34-36 Eldridge Street, the company soon moved to larger premises at 83 Canal St., New York 2, N.Y. The company remained there for over thirty years, until its closure in December 1969.
(more…)

Wolf and Klar Wholesale Jewelry Company

Wolf and Klar Wholesale Jewelry Company
March 1947 ad. Wolf and Klar Wholesale Jewelry Company

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.
(more…)

Hingeco Jewelry Manufacturing Company History

Hingeco Jewelry Manufacturing Company History
Smart new compacts, September 1946. Hingeco Jewelry Manufacturing Company History

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.
(more…)

Robert De Mario Jewelry History

Robert De Mario Jewelry History
Earrings by De Mario, Vogue September 1963. Robert De Mario Jewelry History

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.
(more…)

Katz & Ogush Jewelry Company History

Katz & Ogush Jewelry Company History
Iridium platinum diamond jewelry, Harper’s Bazaar December 1930 ad. Katz & Ogush Jewelry Company History (1921 – 1952)

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.
(more…)