The history of one of New York’s oldest jewelry companies, J.A. Deknatel & Son began in 1868. The company’s founder was John A Deknatel (1840–1906), a native of Amsterdam, whose original name was De Knatel. He began his business by producing jet buttons in a small workshop on Walker Street.

He then expanded into imitation pearls and gold and sterling silver jewelry – brooches, scarf pins, rings, studs, etc. About 1899 his son, Henry C Deknatel, joined the firm as a partner, and the business became known as J A Deknatel & Son. The business was quite successful, and the firm moved to larger premises at 22 Howard Street.

Unfortunately, the 1902 fire at 22-26 Howard Street caused significant damage to the merchandise of J A Deknatel & Son, amounted to approximately $20,000. However, in 1903 the firm of J A Deknatel & Son incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000. The incorporators and directors were J A Deknatel, H C Deknatel and A Chaffel, all of New York.

Death of the founder

The founder of the firm, John A Deknatel died at his home on Emmons Avenue, Brooklyn, on April 4th, 1906. His son Henry Deknatel took over the business. Thanks to his energy and business skills, the company continued to expand and seek new premises.

Company expansion

Thus, in January 1913 J A Deknatel & Son, Inc., 214 E. 23d Street, manufacturing jewelers, announced the opening of additional salesrooms in the Hotel McAlpin, 33d Street and Broadway. The next year they also announced the opening of a permanent salesroom at 303 Fifth Avenue.

Alexander Chaffel, new president

Unfortunately, Henry Deknatel’s health forced him to move to the coast, to California. Accordingly, at the annual meeting of the corporation, other officers were elected. Thus, Alexander Chaffel, who started his career with the company in 1890 as a as package boy, became president. Rufus C. Hynds became vice president and treasurer, and Henry Deknatel retained the symbolic position of Honorary President.

Despite his poor health, Henry led an active lifestyle, and from 1916 onwards his name was frequently mentioned in The Los Angeles Times. According to publications, Henry was the director of Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

According to 1922 New York Corporation Directory, JA Deknatel & Son Inc had Capital $50,000. A Choffel (in other sources Chaffel) was president, R. C. Hynds – Treasurer, and F. Kurtz – Secretary.

New showrooms

In 1950, Deknatel, manufacturers of simulated pearl necklaces at 96-20 222nd Street, Queens Village, N. Y., announced the opening of their new showroom in Metropolitan New York at 366 Fifth Ave. Deknatel, with a full and complete line of women’s exquisite simulated pearl jewelry, included dainty necklaces and matching bracelets for new-borns and children.

In 1951 the J A Deknatel exhibit made the front page with a picture of model Loretta Thomas adjusting a necklace for “Mrs. Ohio of 1951”. Mrs. Juanita Kerestesy of Cleveland also acted as a Deknatel model during the show. This was the last publication about the Deknatel company.

Moreover, advertisements for the sale of the company’s equipment appeared in New York newspapers in 1951. Noteworthy, the last jewelry advertisement in Vogue magazine was in 1952.

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