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Miriam Haskell Vintage Costume Jewelry History
1924 - Present
Miriam Haskell opened a store in the McAlphine Hotel in New York City in 1924.
Her vintage jewelry was created to accessorize the high fashion clothing in her shop. This jewelry was always an expensive line and a favorite of the well-to-do as well as many celebrities.
Materials
Her original designs were detailed handmade 3 dimensional pieces of art that were appreciated and admired for their richness of detail and design, the value being derived from the expert craftsmanship rather than the elemental contents of the piece. The desire for this costume jewelry, among the most elite, seemed to be at par with the gold and precious gem jewelry.
Some Identifying Characteristics
- intricate hand wired designs
- glass beadwork
- baroque pearls (capped)
- glass rose montees
- filigree backings (used after 1940)
- stones were never glued
- early necklaces were strung on silk thread
- metal or seed bead spacers
Other Materials used:
During the war years when jewelry materials were
difficult to acquire she used several unusual materials such as
- pine
cone petals
- pods
- sea shells
- and wood.
Haskell Marks
Miriam Haskell did not start signing here jewelry until approximately 1947.
- first mark used was her name "Miriam Haskell" displayed in the shape of a horseshoe. This mark was used until the 1960's.
- 1960's to present - marked with her name on an oval plate.
Unsigned Haskell
Many early and similarly styled pieces are incorrectly identified as unsigned Haskell. Experienced collectors seem to be the only ones who are able to identify with any certainty these earlier pieces. It is helpful to know that these early unsigned pieces predate the use of the gold filigree backings that are so common in Haskell jewelry.
Designers
1926 - 1960's - Frank Hess came on board during Haskell's early years as lead artistic designer and remained until the 1960's . His designs were said to be unparalleled in unique design. 1958 - 1968 - Robert Clark brought with him his own style of elegance and continued the tradition of creating innovative quality design.
1968 - Peter Raines
1968 - 1980 - Larry Vrba
1980 - ? Millie Petronzio
Frank Fialkoff purchased the business in 1990 and continues to produce fine handset jewelry pieces "in the tradition of Haskell". Haskell Prices
The prices paid for Haskell jewelry have escalated significantly over the last few years with some or her most prized parures selling for many thousand dollars.
Vintage and Antique Jewelry Research Information
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