The life of renowned New York jeweler Edmond E. Frisch (1889-1971), creator of fine jewelry and jeweled watches, was quite vibrant. A native of Montreux, Switzerland, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence at the outbreak of World War I.

Returning to New York, Edmond E Frisch entered the jewelry business, opening a store at 576 Fifth Avenue. The jewelry business of Edmond Frisch was quite successful, and he soon opened a branch in the affluent Palm Beach, Florida, area.

Initially, Frisch created exquisite Art Deco jewelry for the elite, celebrities, high society, and Hollywood stars. Traditionally, Frisch used precious metals and stones—gold, platinum, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and natural pearls. Frisch was also an importer of diamonds and precious stones, in which he specialized.

He was a member of the New York Gemologists’ Guild, and in 1944 he was elected vice president and then president of the guild.

Moving to 336 Park Avenue

After 25 years of operation on Fifth Avenue, in 1938, Edmond E. Frisch and E. Gubelin Watch Company, Inc., moved to a new, beautiful building at 336 Park Avenue. There, Frisch managed the business and created jewelry for over ten years, until 1949.

According to a publication in Jewelry Circular, Edmond Frisch closed his shop at 336 Park Avenue in June 1949. Another well-known jeweler, Walter Eitelbach, moved his business into Edmond Frisch’s former office.

In the early 1950s, Edmond Frisch moved to Florida, where he continued to run his store in Palm Beach for a time. He died in 1971 at the age of 82. He had a son, Robert Frisch (1917–1982), who was born in New York.

Active Social Life

It’s worth noting that Edmond E. Frisch (President) served as Mayor of Lake Success, Nassau County, Long Island, from 1927 to 1932. Edmond Frisch was a famous jeweler with a high reputation and an active social life.

He contributed to several charitable funds, and was a member of various societies and associations. Among them were The National Jewelers Publicity Association, the Merchants Association of New York, The Fifth Avenue Association, and more.

Interestingly, well-known American jewelry designer Paul Flato began his career as a salesman for Edmond E. Frisch.

The most popular magazines advertised Frisch’s jewelry from the 1920s to the 1950s. In particular, Life, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, The New Yorker, and others. Noteworthy, his jewelry also appeared on the cover of Jewelers’ Circular three times: in October and November 1940, and in March 1941.

Edmond E Frisch Jewelry in ads