Halbé jewelry company, 411 5th Ave., New York City, manufactured costume jewelry for just over a decade. Initially, it was a family business founded by Ruth F Halberstadt (1913-1961) and Arthur T Halberstadt (1909-1993) in 1947.

Located at 601 W 26th Street, New York, Halbe manufacturing plant employed approximately 110 people. According to the Industrial Directory of New York State of 1953, Gus La Rocca managed the plant, while Leon G Schneider was office manager. Also, Viola Shefer was responsible for public relations and advertising.

September 1934 The New York Times reported the engagement of Arthur Halberstadt and Ruth Steineler, both New York natives. In 1938, the couple welcomed a daughter, Judith Babette Halberstadt, followed by a son, Arthur Halberstadt Jr. Unfortunately, Ruth died too early, at the age of 48, and the company ceased to exist in 1961.

Incorporation of Halbe

The popularity of Halbe jewelry led to business expansion, with the opening of new offices and showrooms. After becoming a corporation in 1950, Halbe Inc also opened a branch in Canada, registered in May 1951. Noteworthy, Halbe firm regularly published job advertisements in the New York Times from 1948 to 1952.

Halbé’s exquisite Art Deco and old-fashion look jewelry became immediately popular. Gold-plate and rhinestone jewellery by Halbe regularly graced the pages of popular fashion magazines of the 1950s. Among them were Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Madmoiselle, and many others.

Halbe jewelry was sold through the retailers and largest stores, such as Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Halbe Vintage Costume Jewelry