David Lisner (November 19, 1835 – May 6, 1923) was one of the oldest men in the business, still at his office five days a week at age 87. He died suddenly at his home at 313 W. 90th St., New York, according to an obituary in the Jewelers’ Circular on May 9, 1923.

German-born David Lisner came to the United States in 1864. He began his career as a buyer for Hecht Bros., importers of novelty jewelry, where he worked for many years. However, in 1887 he established his own business at 12 E. 17th St., New York. In 1900, his nephew Saul Gans joined David Lisner, and the concern became known as David Lisner & Co.

Sidney Lisner (1886-1958), David’s son, became a member of the firm in 1907, and soon after the office moved to Fifth Avenue. In 1916, the David Lisner Company became a corporation. Saul Gans became president, and Sidney and David Lisner became joint owners.

According to The Jewelers’ Circular, Urie F. Mandle joined the firm of D. Lisner & Co., 303 Fifth Av. in 1925. From then on, Lisner company began manufacturing jewelry, and the Lisner mark appeared on the jewelry products.

David Lisner Jewelry Company History

After the death of Saul Gans in 1953, his son Victor Gans (1913-1987) became president of Lisner, while Sidney Lisner served as chairman of the board of directors. In the late 1970s D. Lisner & Co. merged with Richelieu, and in 1979 Lisner-Richelieu became part of Victoria & Co.

Noteworthy, Victor Gans became better known as a collector of paintings, and in particular, works by Pablo Picasso. After Victor’s death, some of the paintings from his art collection were sold at Sotheby’s for $44 million. And in 1997, after the death of Victor’s wife, Sally, several works were sold at Christie’s for a record price for one owner from the sale – $206,500,000.

Unlike many competitors, Lisner jewelry from the 1950s and 1960s looks timeless and very modern. The pieces feature abstract geometry, and at the same time, sensuality coming from nature, including leaves, fruits, and flowers. David Lisner could be proud that his descendants produced such classic jewelry that can be admired and admired after so many years.

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