Born in Australia and educated in England, Victor Salomon Silson (1895 – 1979) went into the diamond business in Paris with his brother Jack. In the early 1930s, he moved to the United States and married Mala Kolin (Helena Rubinstein’s niece).

While remaining in the jewelry business, Silson turned to creative work, particularly the design of costume jewelry. His artistic designs included figural brooches and fur clips, for which he filed patents mainly in the 1940s.

Working during World War II, Silson Inc of New York created jewelry with uplifting patriotic and military designs, including symbols of the American flag, the bald eagle, and brooches with Air Force, Navy, and Army symbols.

Silson and Spratling

In the mid-1940s, Silson met renowned Mexican silversmith William Spratling, who was visiting New York. The result of this meeting was a five-year collaboration between the two jewelers and a collection of unique silver jewelry marked Silson and Spratling.

Silson joined Helena Rubinstein

Victor Silson’s wife, Mala served as executive vice president of her aunt’s company for many years. In the late 1940s, Victor Silson also joined Helena Rubinstein’s company as a designer. Silson continued to create jewelry, as well as powder compacts, lipstick cases, and perfume bottles for Helena Rubinstein.

Incorporated in 1937 Silson Inc of New York ceased to exist in about 1950. Perhaps not a single reputable jewelry guide to vintage costume jewelry has ignored Victor Silson’s jewelry, which today has high collectible value.

Victor Silson Jewelry, patents and ads