At the beginning of the last century, the name Jack J. Felsenfeld (1890 – 1982), a leading expert in cultured pearls, was known not only in New York but throughout the country. Famous pearl authority, Jack Felsenfeld was an importer and manufacturer of cultured pearl jewelry, operating under the Felco brand.

“Felco” consists of the first three letters of the founder’s last name plus an abbreviation of the word “company.” Opening his business at 15 Maiden Lane, New York City, in 1917, Felsenfeld partnered with renowned engraver Herbert M. Kohn. The company’s operations began during World War I, when wounded soldiers were returning from the front.

At this time, Eugene Tanke of Buffalo, New York, announced his plan to establish an engraving school for disabled soldiers at a convention of the New York Association of Craftsmen. Felsenfeld immediately offered to donate engraving tools to this school and employ disabled soldiers in his company.

Herbert M. Kohn, president of The Nataline Pearl Co

In May 1918, Jack Felsenfeld & Co moved from Room 1105, 15 Maiden Lane, to larger and more commodious quarters in Room 1607, in the same building. The same year, he sold his interest in Jack J. Felsenfeld & Co., 15 Maiden Lane, to his partner, Herbert M. Kohn. Herbert M. Kohn, as the sole owner of the firm, changed the company’s name to The Nataline Pearl Co.

Re-starting the pearl business and marriage

Jack Felsenfeld went on a trip for several months, fascinated by the search for new ideas and materials for his pearl business. Honorably discharged from the service, Felsenfeld re-started the pearl business Jack J. Felsenfeld & Co, at his former address, 15 Maiden Lane, in January 1919.

Jack Felsenfeld and Clara Pascal (1897 – 1994) got married in April 1924, and immediately after the wedding they went on a trip to Europe. Clara was Jack’s like-minded person and subsequently accompanied him on all his business trips to Japan.

Felsenfeld’s pearl business was quite successful, which led to the company expanding, hiring employees, and opening offices in other states. In January 1929 Jack Felsenfeld moved from 15 Maiden Lane to more beautiful and spacious offices at 22 W. 48th Street.

Famous pearl authority

A recognized authority on pearls, Felsenfeld frequently lectured before various organizations in many cities, and published articles in professional journals. He gradually withdrew from the business, and exactly 50 years after the company’s founding, he sold his interest and retired.

Morton A. Lippman

The new elected president of Felco Pearls Mort Lippman was the same passionate person, who made extensive trips through Japan, where he visited the leading pearl farms. He even joined Japanese workers for a try at implanting a “nucleus” into an oyster.

Felco Cultured Pearls Vintage ads