Founded by Jacques Hobe in 1887 in Paris, the history of Hobe jewelry brand ended in 1995. The company produced jewelry from precious metals and stones. A hereditary jewelry designer, William W. Hobe (1881 – 1961), Jacques Hobe’s son, founded the American branch of Hobé Cie, Ltd, in 1910. In addition, he was a president of the Hobby Guild of America.

Born in Germany, William W. Hobé and his wife Sylvia came to the U.S. in the early 1900s and settled in New York City. In 1907, he became the only American ever to win the Florence International Design Award. He was president of Hobe Cie, Ltd., Hobé Jewelry and Pearl Co, and Hobé Button Co, Inc, New York.

Noteworthy, Hobe was truly a family business, with all members of the family taking part. William’s wife created unique designs inspired by masterpieces of European jewelry from past centuries.

Hobe craftsmen made jewelry by hand, using sterling silver, 14K gold, semi-precious stones and high-quality pastes. It is important to note that the Hobe were not only manufacturers of jewelry, but also of women’s clothing, accessories, buttons and even cosmetics.

Among the designers who made jewelry for Hobe were Serillo (1909-1920), Ralph Demassa (1924-1944), Solomon (1937-1950), Zoltan Imirshaw (1934-1935), and Lou Vice (1948-1969). Traditionally, each of them added his initials on jewelry pieces. Thus, Serillo marked jewelry with letter S, Lou Vice added V to the stamp, etc.

Called “Choice of Hollywood”, Hobe jewelry graced the pages of fashion magazines. Among his clients were Ava Gardner, Theda Bara, Alice Faye, Loretta Young, Betty Grable, Jean Harlow, Irene Dunne and Carole Lombard.

Hobé Jewelry Brand History

After the death of William W. Hobe in 1961, his sons Robert and Donald (1924 – 2011) took over the company. James, Robert’s son, ran the family business from the 1980s to 1995.

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