Miriam Haskell (1899–1981) was an iconic American jewelry stylist, interior decorator, and art collector. It is also a world-renowned brand of high-end costume jewelry. There’s probably not a single reference book on costume jewelry or encyclopedia of 20th-century fashion that doesn’t include information about Miriam Haskell.

For many years, she collaborated with jewelry designer Frank Hess (1889–1973). He created the Miriam Haskell brand’s signature style, in which each piece reflects the designer’s skill. Each piece is intricately composed, and every detail is meticulously crafted. Although Haskell jewelry’s history began in 1926, it achieved immense popularity in the 1940s, thanks to widespread advertising.

Nationally advertised brand

Thanks to the advertising campaign launched in 1945 the brand became widely known. It was the end of World War II, a time of Hollywood’s heyday, and a yearning for the high life. Beautiful models showcased Haskell’s multi-layered, vibrant necklaces, large earrings, and bracelets on the pages and covers of fashion magazines. Miriam Haskell jewelry ads appeared most frequently in Vogue magazine.

Haskell’s clients included both high society figures and ordinary women who wanted to be as flamboyant as movie stars. Moreover, these weren’t expensive diamonds, but affordable, exquisite costume jewelry. Miriam Haskell’s designer jewelry gained widespread popularity, first in the United States and then in Europe.

Advertising in jewelry identification

Another important aspect of Miriam Haskell jewelry advertising is that it helps identify pieces that were often unmarked. Furthermore, these advertisements provide other useful information, including the name of the collection, materials, price, and more. Today, when Miriam Haskell jewelry has high collection value, this information is extremely valuable.

Full page advertisements in Vogue (1940s)

1950-60s