Always Classic, Always New: Costume Jewelry, Part 1…Miriam Haskell

I have always been a huge fan of vintage jewelry…especially Victorian pieces but became interested in the beauty and uniqueness of Miriam Haskell’s creativity many years ago and, in fact, owned many examples. Just in time for the Holidays a look at this easy to recognize brand. The iconic pieces are extremely varied and the photo above exemplifies, in my opinion, the Haskell look, pearls, gold and a few sparkles!

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

A bit of the history of the house of Haskell…

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

Miriam Haskell was born in Tell City, Indiana and attended the University of Chicago. She established her jewelry business in New York in 1926, following the lead of Gabrielle Chanel who spearheaded “faux bijoux” and was an instant success with the social set.

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

Miriam Haskell opened her first boutique in 1926, “le bijou de l’heure” in a New York City Hotel.

She was not a designer herself, the designs were done by Frank Hess from 1926-1960 when Robert F. Clark became head designer. The pieces were rarely signed and finding a piece from pre-1950’s is one you would want to add to your collection. The jewelry was thought to be the only American competition to Chanel and Schiaparelli.

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

It was highly collected by Joan Crawford, who owned a huge collection.

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

As well as Lucille Ball (who wore pieces on I Love Lucy!) and many other celebrities.

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

The forties and fifties pieces are the most desirable and not easy to find.

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

Michelle Obama wearing vintage Haskell earrings.

From a 2009 article in W Magazine:
“For the uninitiated, Miriam Haskell was a premier American fashion jewelry house for the better part of the 20th century; today it is a prized resource for vintage collectors, who snap up its baubles for upwards of $3,000. Which is to say that it has the kind of reputation and heritage prime for revival—though such wasn’t the case about 20 years ago, when the firm changed hands. “When we bought the company, it was virtually out of business,” says Gabrielle Fialkoff, chief operations officer of Miriam Haskell. Her father, Frank Fialkoff, purchased the label under the parent company Haskell Jewels in 1990, just in time for minimalism to send a hush over costume jewelry. “It wasn’t a jewelry moment, so we just got quiet, feeling that the time would be right in the future,” says Fialkoff. Buoyed by the hot trend in bold statement pieces that started with Lanvin in 2003—and continues today with Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and the Tom Binnses and Philip Crangis of the world—Miriam Haskell relaunched in fall 2007, and Henri Bendel was happy to re-engage the brand. As Bendel’s fashion director, Ann Watson, puts it, ‘Coco Chanel is the foremother of costume jewelry in Europe, and Miriam Haskell is the foremother of costume jewelry for Americans.’”

Charles James inspired collection…

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

Here are a few examples of the hundreds of pieces created…

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

The variety is endless and takes the form of necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets.

A couple of books for your reference…

Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market
Costume Jewelry Randolph Street Market

All photos found on Pinterest photo credits unknown.

FIRST APPEARED AS THE FASHION TREND REPORT EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BLOG REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION.

8 thoughts on “Always Classic, Always New: Costume Jewelry, Part 1…Miriam Haskell

  1. Marcia Buchanan November 4, 2020 / 1:51 pm

    I was sitting here still watching the votes come in and scanning my email when a wonderful diversion just appeared. Miriam Haskell jewelry has always been a favorite of mine. I remember Randolph Market having some beautiful pieces many years ago. Do they still get them anymore? Loved your pics! Every piece is a treasure….

    • nenasnotes November 4, 2020 / 2:01 pm

      Glad I could be a diversion. I’ve been up all night and either need more coffee or more wine!!!! Yes, RSM does have vendors who have Haskell. When the Market is up and running again, I’ll let you know. Part 2 will be Eisenberg…probably Friday!

      • Marcia Buchanan November 4, 2020 / 2:07 pm

        Thank you! Start with the coffee and then on to the wine…..

      • nenasnotes November 4, 2020 / 2:09 pm

        I just read a post recipe for red wine hot chocolate….could be yummy or vile! Worth a try! Enjoy your day.

  2. Sally Schwartz November 4, 2020 / 4:17 pm

    Love this post Nena and miss all the eye candy at Randolph and my monthly playdates with YOU!! Hoping we can leave 2020 in the dust and have some markets in 2021 and see sparkles galore ❤️❤️❤️

    • nenasnotes November 4, 2020 / 7:13 pm

      I’ll toast to that!!!!! 🥂❤️💍

  3. Dianne Erpenbach November 5, 2020 / 1:07 am

    Gorgeous!! Amazing designs! Thank you 😊

    • nenasnotes November 5, 2020 / 1:30 am

      ❤️🥂💎

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