Born in the village of Martonyi, northeastern Hungary, Sandor Goldberger (1893 – 1988) was the youngest of five children. In search of a better life his family moved to New York City in the 1910s. As a teenager, Sandor began working in jewelry workshops and stores in New York City.

A naturally talented young man was gaining invaluable experience and knowledge, from jewelry creation and sales to business management. In 1920, Sandor married Jane Solomon (1895 – 1979), a native New Yorker, also born into the family of Hungarian immigrants. They had a daughter, Janet Goldberger (1923 – 2014).

Before opening his own firm, Sandor Goldberg worked for several years at a jewelry store at 108 Wooster Street in SoHo. In 1938 Goldberger assumed full management of the store after his partner, the founder of the store, retired. Sandor and Jane Goldberger renamed their family business to Sandor Goldberger.

At the beginning of World War II, they launched the “Regimental Crests” trademark. They began producing emblematic and military badges, pins, and beads in the patriotic red, white, and blue colors. Under the brand name Regimental Crests, they also created cigarette cases, comb cases, belt buckles and jewelry initials.

On July 26, 1943, Sandor and Jane’s daughter, Janet Goldberg, married Lieutenant Albert G Aby, a World War II veteran. Immediately afterward, Albert became not only a family member but also a partner in the Goldberger jewelry business.

Incorporation of Sandor Goldberger in 1943

Sandor Goldberger Inc was located at 7 W 36th St, NYC. Sandor Goldberger took over the corporation as president, while his wife, Jane Goldberger, was secretary and treasurer. Their son-in-law, Albert G. Abby became vice president and general manager.

According to the 1953 Directory of Manufacturing Firms in New York State, the firm employed 37 people, including 15 men and 22 women.

Self-taught Designer

Goldberger not only ran the business, but also created unique jewelry, the designs of which were innovative and ahead of their time. He was among the first jewelers to use lucite, faience, and plastic in combination with sterling silver and gold plating. A characteristic feature of Sandor jewelry was also the use of multicolored light enamel engravings.

Sandor jewelry style varied, from floral and animal designs to geometric and runway pieces, widely advertised in renowned fashion magazines. Among them were Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue, Mademoiselle, Simplicity Fashion Magazine, and Harpers’ Bazaar.

Remarkably, Sandor Goldberger was in good physical shape, which allowed him to successfully manage the business until his 80th birthday, in 1973. Jane and Sandor Goldberger moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where they spent the last years of their lives.

Ads and Jewelry by Sandor