Jacob Mehrlust (1877 – 1960) was a prominent manufacturer of fine jewelry, active in the namesake firm from 1900 until his death in 1960. Almost forgotten today, he was a trendsetter in jewelry design of the first half of the 20th century.

The Main Office and Factory of J Mehrlust firm was on 6 West 48th Street, and Downtown Office – 15 Maiden Lane, New York City. Notably, Jacob Mehrlust designed much of the beautiful diamond jewelry presented to Miss Alice Roosevelt, daughter of president Roosevelt, as wedding gifts. He also designed several pieces presented to Mrs. Woodrow Wilson.

Trade activities

New York native, Mehrlust was an active participant în trade activities for many years. Thus, in different years he was president of the 24 Karat Club of New York, a director of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Platinumsmiths Association of New York.

Raymond Mehrlust (1907 – 1965), the only son of the founder, joined the firm before the outbreak of World War II. He returned to the jewelry business after demobilization in 1945. like his father, Raymond Mehrlust was active both in the firm and in professional organizations and associations of jewelers.

In his designs Mehrlust traditionally used gold, platinum, diamonds and precious stones of every description. The accompanying illustrations give excellent examples of jewelry art created by Mehrlust.

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