Miriam Haskell occupies a special place among all the famous Costume Jewelry designers. She was born in America in a small town in Indiana on July 1, 1899. The family had many children, they lived very modestly, their parents had a small shop. Since childhood, Miriam had to acquire skills for work, which later helped her become one of the first women to build her own business.

In 1924, she traveled to New York to make her dreams come true. Here in 1926 she opened a small souvenir shop selling jewelry she created. Its name was "Le Bijou de L heure", or "Jewels of the time".



This is how the history of costume jewelry began - jewelry that was destined for a long life. Jewelry made of non-precious stones and metals, steel timeless jewels... In terms of importance, they have become on a par with jewelry.



Miriam created gorgeous jewelry that attracted women from all walks of life. The items were of unusual design, decorated with pearls, turquoise, corals, rhinestones, shells, bakelite, with a metal base of copper and brass.

It is important that she managed to create a team of enthusiastic creative people with great artistic talents. Frank Hess, a jewelry designer, has worked with her over the years. It was he who created the corporate identity of the Miriam Haskell brand, in which each piece is a reflection of the designer's skill. All jewelry compositions are quite complex, every detail is thought out.



Each collection had three directions - evening, cocktail and daytime jewelry. The most expensive were, of course, evening, followed by cocktail and afternoon.

Miriam Haskell had an entrepreneurial talent and the burden of business relationships and responsibilities. Undoubtedly, she has some creative work in creating gorgeous jewelry, but it is thanks to the talent of Frank Hess, this extraordinary designer, that we can continue to admire the stunning jewelry of that time today.

Hess created stylish products, used glass, rhinestones, artificial pearls, Murano glass, Czech beads, enamel, gilded products, and during the Second World War - plastic and wood. Bracelets, necklaces and earrings were sometimes made in a heraldic style, one could even read Latin phrases on them.



The firm enjoyed success with the public, opening boutiques in large shopping centers and in different cities of the states, and then in other countries. Jewelry was made by hand, and therefore they are still unique examples of jewelry art today.

In the 30s, many celebrities knew about Miriam Haskell, she was successful with the most high-ranking persons who, over time, accumulated priceless collections of her products. Many Hollywood actresses and women of high society during these years constantly flashed in photographs, films, magazines and newspapers in her jewelry.

Thanks to the talent of Frank Hess and the business qualities of Miriam Haskell, since the 30s, the brand has become widely known among high-class clients not only in America, but also in Europe. In addition, the economic crisis that seized many countries in those years contributed to the development of the brand, because many beauties could not buy real diamonds, but you can decorate yourself with "stones and glass", which are so similar to royal stones.



In 1950, Miriam's health deteriorated so much that she had to sell the company to her brother Joseph Haskell. Then many talked about the mental deviation of Miriam.She lived under the care of her relatives for almost 30 years, and died at the age of 82.

The company was not long under the control of brother Miriam, soon he also sold it. And Frank Hess remained the main designer in it until 1960. Owners and designers of the company changed, but today Miriam Haskell jewelry remains at a high level, especially the products of the 40s - 50s - vintage jewelry that are very expensive - are highly valued.



It should be noted that Miriam Haskell's jewelry from the time she owned the company herself were rarely signed. Some of them still manage to prove their authenticity through reference books, advertisements or other technical documents. After the 1950s, Joseph Haskell introduced markings into products.

Miriam Haskell still exists today. Since the 1920s, the products of this brand have been synonymous with the highest taste and style. Each new piece of jewelry created today continues to prove the company's brilliant reputation and, as before, the pieces are handcrafted.