The history of Heintz Bros jewelry manufacturing business began in 1875 founded by Charles F. Heintz (1845 – 1916) in Buffalo, N.Y. Born in Buffalo, Heintz received his training at the jewelry store of Conrad Lutz. He started a repairing and ring manufacturing firm at the corner of Seneca and Washington Streets.

Shortly afterward Louis J. Heintz joined his brother Charles Heintz, and the concern became Heintz Bros. They moved into larger quarters at 48-50 Seneca St. Later the concern moved to S. Division and Ellicott Streets, and finally to 86 Ellicott St., where it occupied two floors in a large building.

In 1901, Edwin A. Heintz, son of Charles Heintz and Otto Heintz, son of Louis Heintz, joined their fathers’ business. Edwin A. Heintz took over the Heintz Bros following his father’s death.

Heintz Art Metal Works
Mastering the art of jewelry and metalworking technology Otto J. Heintz (1877 – 1918) demonstrated high skill and talent. He later founded Heintz Art Metal Works at 15 Maiden Lane. Otto Heintz patented “A New Method of Ornamenting Metal Articles with Silver” in 1913. Unfortunately, heart trouble became the cause of the death of 41 year-old Otto Heintz. Charles W. White (1857 – 1924) took over the Heintz Art Metal Works in 1918.

A launching pad for future jewelers

Noteworthy, some well nown in future jewelers began their careers as apprentices in the firm of Heintz Brothers. For example, Edward J. Hoefler (1881 – 1926), head of the Hoefler Jewelry Mfg. Also, Charles Mauerman, John O’Dea, Edward F. Stettenbenz, and others.

Not just rings

According to the ads of 1890-1910s, the Heinz Brothers were best known as diamond importers and ring makers. However, they also created brooches, pendants, necklaces and earrings. Traditionally, the company’s craftsmen used 14-18 karat gold, sterling silver, precious stones, enamel, carved bone, cultured and imitation pearls and mother-of-pearl.

The marking on the jewelry includes the combined capital letters HB, almost the same marking as the Heyman Brothers’. However, it is impossible to confuse these markings, since the Heyman Brothers HB marking is enclosed in a circle.
The last mention of the Heintz brothers’ company dates back to 1924.

Heintz Bros Jewelry Company History