1950s Mazer Brothers Brooch | A Rare Find

About Mazer Brothers

Mazer Brothers jewelry is a fascinating chapter in the history of 20th-century costume jewelry. Founded by Joseph and Louis Mazer in New York City in 1927, the company specialized in high-quality, fashionable costume jewelry that appealed to women seeking affordable glamour during the economic challenges of the Great Depression. The brothers combined creative design with meticulous craftsmanship, making their pieces enduringly popular and collectible.

1927–1946: Early Success and Distinctive Style

• Founding: The Mazer Brothers launched their jewelry line, focusing on affordable luxury. Their designs often featured intricate metalwork, prong-set rhinestones, and colorful glass stones.
• Materials: The company used materials like pot metal, sterling silver, and later, base metals with gold-tone or rhodium plating.
• Aesthetic: Early pieces reflected Art Deco influences, characterized by geometric patterns, elegant symmetry, and vibrant stones.

1946: Marcel Boucher’s Influence

• Separation of Marcel Boucher: Marcel Boucher, a key designer for the company, left to establish his own brand in 1937. However, his tenure at Mazer significantly influenced their early designs.
• Post-Boucher Evolution: After Boucher’s departure, Mazer’s designs leaned into the trends of the 1940s, embracing floral motifs, naturalistic themes, and glamorous Hollywood-inspired pieces.

1946–1951: Transition to Jomaz

• Rebranding: In 1946, Joseph Mazer left to establish Joseph Mazer & Company (commonly known as Jomaz), leaving Louis Mazer to continue running the original Mazer Brothers brand.
• Parallel Legacy: Both Mazer Brothers and Jomaz created high-quality jewelry with overlapping aesthetics, but Jomaz became known for even more opulent, bold designs.

1950s–1970s: The Glamorous Golden Years

• Expansion: Mazer Brothers jewelry flourished in the mid-century, creating pieces with pave-set rhinestones, simulated pearls, and striking enamel work.
• Costume Jewelry Popularity: As costume jewelry became a staple in women’s wardrobes, Mazer remained a trusted name, offering pieces that mimicked fine jewelry styles of the era.

Closure

The original Mazer Brothers company ceased production in the late 1950s, while Jomaz continued under Joseph Mazer’s leadership until the 1970s.

Collectible Significance

Mazer Brothers jewelry is highly prized by collectors for its exceptional quality, innovative designs, and timeless elegance. Pieces are often signed “Mazer” or “Mazer Bros,” making them easily identifiable. Key collectible items include their elaborate brooches, necklaces, and earrings, particularly those showcasing signature rhinestone work or Art Deco styling.