Miriam Haskell Jewelry

Miriam Haskell Jewelry was the brain child of Miriam Haskell, as the name implies. Miriam was born in 1899 when Art Nouveau was the rage. Over time she teamed up with a design artist by the name of Frank Hess and worked with Coco Chanel to create a cooperative line of clothing and jewelry that customers could wear proudly.

Recognizing Miriam Haskell Jewelry

One of the things that sets her jewelry apart is its incredible detail. Every component in each piece of jewelry was hand picked and attached in such a way that you couldn't see the connecting pieces. This attention to minutia created a flow visually and an elegance that was truly unique and in high demand. Other identifying markers include:

• double backed filigree
• hand layered European findings
• signature Russian gold
• the finest quality glass beads and Australian crystals
• meticulous finishing touches

• stamped brass base
• spring ring clasp only on ropes
• consistency of color
• asymmetrical deign
• use of seed pearls
• no glue but for a few rhinestone pieces
• pressed glass leaves
• antiqued metal
• grey baroque pearls
• detailed clasps

Miriam Haskell Vintage Costume Jewelry Marks

Like a lot of vintage jewelry not every piece of Haskell Jewelry is signed (in fact the early pieces are very often without any mark). These pieces have to be identified using the qualifiers previously outlined in this article.

Pieces that do bear maker's mark may have any of these depending on time frame:

• a small hook (often with floral decoration and beads) reading “Mariam Haskell”
• Miriam Haskell on a half circle horseshoe style mark
• An oval cartouche

Popularity:

Coco Chanel wasn't the only person to notice Miriam Haskell's talent. Over the years we find celebrities like Lucille Ball and Joan Crawford clamoring for her designs. Miriam worked on her designs until becoming ill in 1952 at which point Joseph Haskell took over in her place. From that point forward there were other owners but the focus on excellence never changed.

Haskell's on-going marketing strategy was simple and sublime. Make a high quality fashion product, keep it cutting edge, and offer consumers a solid value. In keeping with this philosophy the company teamed up with various retailers like Kohl's, Macy's and Target and started producing branded items.

Modernly Miriam Haskell jewelry has launched several highly successful lines including one for Jennifer Lopez and Christopher Radko jewelry. In 2008 they partnered with Kenneth Cole jewelry and had a presence in 1200 stores. Even with these changes the Miriam Haskell line continues to be hand made!

Here are the current listings on eBay:

Go from Miriam Haskell to Vintage Costume Jewelry

Leave Miriam Haskell Jewelry Go to Vintage Bliss Vintage Collectibles Home