Miriam Haskell

Bearing the imprint of perfectionism and creativity, Miriam Haskell jewelry remains some of the loveliest costume jewelry of the 20th century defined by gold filigree work, colorful set stones, and intricate seed pearls. Created by the designer along with her creative partner Frank Hess, Miriam Haskell jewelry for sale at online auction on Bidsquare remains a perennial favorite among collectors who wait for the Miriam Haskell jewelry auction, with the more elaborate styles bringing top dollar.  

About Miriam Haskell Jewelry

Born into a Russian-German family in Indiana on July 1, 1899, Miriam Haskell, seeing the appreciation for the jewelry she created in her early years, moved to New York and opened a little jewelry store. The same year Miriam was joined by Frank Hess as a principal jewelry designer, who actually designed most of her jewelry line. It was their collaborative work that led to the creation of some of the most original but affordable hand-made costume jewelry ever made. 

Miriam Haskell was a modern and avant-garde woman, and her work showed her disposition to act against the current trend. In the mid-20th century, modern minimalist and machine aesthetic jewelry pieces were in vogue, and Miriam Haskell’s handmade creation of glass jewelry with a naturalistic theme, but delicate and feminine, was highly appreciated by the high-society ladies of the time. Miriam Haskell’s jewelry business was a runaway success with an impressive clientele with society women such as Gloria Vanderbilt and Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, and screen stars Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball, and Florenz Ziegfeld. 

 These famous names aside, the company's success was built on its attention to detail, quality, workmanship, and price of each piece created, whether they be Beaded Lariats, Egyptomania, or Art Deco. After the piece was designed, it was left to her workshop of craftsmen to “sew” intricate multi-layer motifs, each stone painstakingly hand-wired with a Rose Montee onto filigree backings, a technique similar to embroidery. Miriam Haskell's pieces are easily recognized by their maker's mark and the use of high-quality materials. 

Interesting Facts about Miriam Haskell

• Miriam Haskell jewelry pieces between the late 1920s and the late 1940s were unsigned, and the correct mark appeared only after 1947.  
•  Miriam Haskell in a circle was the earliest mark used. 
• Since 1948, the “horseshoe” mark was used for some time before the more familiar Miriam Haskell oval cartouche mark appeared on the pieces.