Frank S Hartley, a renowned European jeweler of the 1930s, moved to the United States at the start of World War II. In 1939, he rented space for his jewelry store on East 57th Street in Manhattan, New York City. The luxurious store, bearing the sign “Frank S Hartley,” and the exquisite jewelry sold there immediately attracted the attention of wealthy customers.

Walking through Frank S. Hartley’s jewelry store, one could notice many highly original ideas in jewelry design. Miniature gold baskets, interwoven with platinum and adorned with rubies and diamonds, could be worn as brooches or earrings. Hartley had an original collection of jewelry featuring Ceylon sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

Frank S. Hartley’s jewelry salon featured luxurious necklaces with twenty-six deep blue Ceylon sapphires and diamonds, interspersed with small round brilliant diamonds in platinum settings. The necklace could be separated into two bracelets, allowing one to wear both.

Ceylon sapphires were very popular as an elegant accent for evening wear, and Hartley’s offered a beautiful collection of sapphires in a wide range of shades—from deep, pale blues to pinks and yellows.

Frank Hartley opened a salon on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1940. In 1941, his jewelry graced the pages of the elite Palm Beach Life magazine.

Ernest P. Pritchard

It’s important to note that from December 1940, another talented and equally renowned jewelry designer, Ernest P. Pritchard from London, worked alongside Frank Hartley at his jewelry store. Ernest P. Pritchard previously worked for such renowned New York companies as Marcus & Co., Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin, and Dreicer & Co. He also collaborated with leading jewelers in London, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro.

In May 1944, Hartley jewelry appeared on the cover of The Jeweler’s Circular magazine. This included an engagement ring with a square-cut diamond and two baguette-cut diamonds, as well as a wedding ring with two identical baguette-cut diamonds.

Incorporated in 1947, Frank S. Hartley continued to operate successfully until the death of its founder in 1953. For some time, the management of the company passed to his wife and his partner Curtis M. Oberlander. In December 1953, the entire property was sold as part of the estate settlement of the late jeweler Frank S. Hartley by order of the executors.

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