Miriam Haskell Turquoise Necklace, Glass & Gold Beads

Who Was Miriam Haskell

Miriam Haskell was one of the most important American costume companies of the 20^th Century. Haskell, along with Coco Chanel, were rare women at the top of the jewelry industry.  Born in 1899 to Russian immigrant parents, in Tell City, Indiana.  Haskell studied for several years at the University of Chicago. 

Moving to New York City in 1924 with $500 in her pocket, Haskell opened a jewelry boutique in 1926 in the McAlpin Hotel, in Herald Square.  A second outlet opened within the year at West 57th Street. In the 1930s, the company moved to 392 Fifth Avenue.  The principal designer, Frank Hess, created the company’s signature look of intricate, beaded necklaces and earrings.  All handmade, including elaborate tapestry beading.  

Miriam Haskell was highly popular with Hollywood stars such as Lucille Ball as well as other celebrities including Gloria Vanderbilt, and the Duchess of Windsor. Joan Crawford  reportedly owned almost every Haskell piece produced, from the 1920s through the 1960s.   

Haskell became ill in 1950 and lost control of her company to her brothers. In increasingly ill health, Miriam Haskell died in 1981.  Frank Hess retired in 1960.  The company has gone through several owners and still produces jewelry today.  Designers after Hess include Peter Raines, Larry Vrba, and Millie Petronzio.

Collectors highly price vintage Miriam Haskell jewelry.  In addition, watercolor prints originally used for advertising, showing models wearing large Haskell pieces are also very collectible^.  Unfortunately, Haskell Jewelry was unsigned until the 1950s.  As a result, many unsigned beaded items are misidentified as Haskell.  Jewelry is still made under this mark but is of much lesser quality.