1970s Kramer Faux Pearl Earrings | Classic Curves

About Kramer Jewelry

History

Kramer Jewelry Creations, founded in 1943 by Louis Kramer in New York City, became known for its high-quality costume jewelry. The company specialized in intricate designs, often featuring Austrian crystals, rhinestones, and bold, elegant settings. Louis Kramer personally oversaw the design process, ensuring that each piece reflected the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and luxury.

Increased Success

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Kramer gained widespread recognition, collaborating with Christian Dior to create exclusive jewelry lines. These Dior-marked Kramer pieces remain highly sought after by collectors. The brand also produced dazzling brooches, necklaces, and earrings that mimicked the opulence of fine jewelry, making luxury accessible to a broader audience.

Kramer frequently used high-quality materials such as gold-plated or rhodium-plated metals, and their signature styles included floral motifs, abstract designs, and elaborate rhinestone arrangements. Many pieces featured the marks “Kramer,” “Kramer of New York,” or “Kramer Pat. Pending.”

Fading Glory

By the 1970s, as the demand for costume jewelry declined, Kramer struggled to compete with changing fashion trends and foreign manufacturers. By the early 1980s, Kramer pieces had largely disappeared from production. However, its legacy continues, with vintage Kramer jewelry still highly valued by collectors for its craftsmanship and iconic mid-century designs.