After the death of his father Israel Oleet (1877-1934), New York diamond dealer, 49 Maiden Lane and 15 John Street, his sons continued the jewelry business. Thus, Bronx native Harold Oleet (1914-1970) together with his twin brothers William (1916-1985) and Irving Oleet (1916-1985) founded Harold K. Oleet & Bros. Among the partners and sales representatives was also Gerald Sears.

Established in 1936 at 10 W. 47th St., New York, Oleet jewelry manufacturing company was quite successful. Already in 1937, the Jewelers’ Circular mentioned Oleet watch bracelets, medallions, chains, crosses, watch cases, etc. According to the 1940-50s Jewelers’ Circular Keystone, Olit participated in various jewelry exhibitions and shows. Among them, in particular, were the annual ANRJA (American National Retail Jewelers Association) exhibitions.

The Oleet company produced several lines of jewelry in sterling silver and gold, including bracelets with various charms. Perhaps the most famous was the religious charm known as the Mustard Seed Charm.

The unique dangle charm contained a gold plated rule, a gold plated heart, a rock, a grain of salt, a mustard and a wheat seed. The charm itself was crystal clear, so the objects inside were visible. It was this charm that led to accusations of plagiarism and a lawsuit by the Flint Company in 1955.

Oleet Jewelry Manufacturing Company History

Noteworthy, the largest line of jewelry was politically themed, specifically the presidential election campaign. Accordingly, the jewelry design included both an elephant, the symbol of the Republican Party, and a donkey, meaning the Democrats. The jewelry line also included badges in support of presidential candidates. Mostly, they were in support of such Republicans as US Presidents Dwight David Eisenhower (1953-1961) and Richard Nixon (1969-1974).

Harold Oleet headed the company until his death in 1970. Listed as active for a time, Olit ceased to exist in 1979.