Prominent Chicago Jeweler Paul Lackritz
Paul Nettler Lackritz (1872 – 1941), a prominent and successful jeweler of Chicago, left Russia for the United States in 1892. He settled in Chicago, and for six years he worked at the bench. In 1898 he opened Lackritz Jewelers firm on Milwaukee Avenue, and quickly established himself as a skilled jeweller.
Paul Lackritz impressed with his well-timed and witty remarks. At one of the 24 Karat Club meetings, where he was president, he declared that his destiny was to make humanity happy. “The jeweler creates an engagement ring that inextricably binds hearts, and a baby ring that elevates a symbol of love to the brink of marital bliss”.
“Anyone can talk, but only a few can speak.” Naturally, he was referring to himself. Lackritz was actively involved in retail jewelry organizations. For many years, he served as treasurer of the Illinois Retail Jewelers’ Association and was president of The 24-Karat Club of Chicago.
Incorporation of Lackritz Jewelers
Paul Lackritz and his wife Bertha had three daughters Eleanor, Doris, Ruth, and son Harry. Harry Joseph Lackritz (1901 – 1961) joined his father’s business while still a student of the Chicago University. Lackritz Jewelers became corporation in 1919 with authorized capital stock of $10 000. Among the incorporators were Paul Lackritz and his son Harry.
The Illinois State Business Directory for 1920 lists Paul and Harry as the corporation’s president and secretary, respectively.
Purchase of E. V. Roddin & Co
In February 1924 Paul Lackritz purchased the stock and fixtures of E V Roddin & Co., on the 8th floor of the Heyworth building. Together with his son Harry, who recently graduated from the Chicago University, he was enlarging and remodeling these quarters.
In May 1924 Paul N Lackritz, located on the eighth floor of the Heyworth building, celebrated his 25 years in the jewelry business. Visitors crowded the store all day with extending their best wishes, and each of them received sterling silver pencil as a souvenir with Lackritz name engraved on it.
The victim of robberies
Ironically, Lackritz’s store was incredibly popular not only with customers but also with thieves. Paul Lackritz was the victim of robberies almost every year, losing thousands of dollars worth diamonds, sapphires, etc.
Even before his father’s death in 1941, his son Harry became the sole owner of the company. He made a significant contribution to its development, making it even more successful. Thus, he opened several branches of the company with headquarters in New York and Beverly Hills.
Lackritz of Beverly Hills
Opened in 1940, Lackritz of Beverly Hills was doing versatile and beautiful things in jewelry. One neckpiece with a blossom of silver, rubies and diamonds could turn into a single flower clip, or into two clips. This jewelry that broke up into various pieces gave a variety of jeweled accents to a woman’s wardrobe.
Lackritz Jewelry Shop in New York
Designed by Majeska new showroom for the Lackritz Jewelry Shop, East 57th Street, New York opened its doors in January 1945. The basic color for the walls as well as the damask draperies was pale egg shell, the ceiling – painted with gold leaf to complement the jewelry in the gold and crystal cases. The jewels occupied places to get the best possible advantage from the natural and indirect lighting.
A talented manager and jeweler, Harry Lackritz made his brand popular among Hollywood stars and celebrities of the time. He led the company for 20 years, until his death in 1961.
