The history of the iconic jewelry brand Kramer began in 1940 and lasted for about four decades.
A family of jewelers of Jewish origin, Max Kramer, his wife Sarah Kramer and their four children moved from Poland to the United States in 1935. Their children – eldest daughter Helen, 19-year-old Louis, 18-year-old Morris, and 13-year-old Harry settled at 124 Cannon Street in New York.

A hereditary jeweler, 24-year-old Louis Kramer began producing costume jewelry in a small workshop, and already in 1940 founded his own company for the production of costume jewelry. Louis Kramer was president, Morris vice president, and their younger brother Harry, joined them later as secretary-treasurer.

Kramer Jewelry Company set a new pace in high fashion with its luxurious gemstone and pearl creations that women in the post-war era were in great need of. The company executives conducted a large-scale coordination campaign to sell, promote, and advertise their jewelry brands. Among them, in particular, Kramer (1943), The Diamond Look (1948), Kramer Jewelry Creations (1955), Perles De Lune (1962), Amourelle (1963), KJC (1977), Dura-Gold, and The Golden Look.

Advertizing on TV

One of the most popular jewelry lines was the Diamond Bow collection. It was with this collection that Louis Kramer appeared as a guest on the ABC-TV show Market Melodies in 1949. Kramer was interviewed by Miss Ann Russell about the importance of rhinestone jewelry. He demonstrated the steps involved in making jewelry and several examples of finished products, including bib necklaces and chandelier earrings.

On another television show of 1949, CBS’ Vanity Fair, Kramer used the Diamond-Look jewelry to demonstrate unique ways to wear jewelry. Kramer has shown other examples of “glamorizing” women.

‘Christian Dior’ Jewelry by Kramer

The company’s offices and representatives worked not only in New York City, but also in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and other cities. Already in 1948, Kramer’s products began to successfully conquer the European market. In 1950 Louis Kramer began collaborating with Christian Dior, visiting him annually for consultations.

In 1951 Kramer appointed Norman Parker to represent ‘Diamond Look’ jewelry line and the Christian Dior creations by Kramer. The next year he Louis Kramer announced the appointment of Miss Jonni L. Walker to the post of fashion and promotion director. Henry A. Ash became sales director of the firm’s Christian Dior jewelry program. Ash served previously as Southern regional sales manager for Kramer. Prior to that he acted as New England regional manager for the firm.

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