Miriam Haskell, born 1899 in Tell City, Indiana, began designing jewelry
about 1924.
In
1926 she opened her own shop, 'Le Bijou de l'Heure' in New York City in the McAlpin Hotel, eventually moving to Fifth
Avenue with Boutiques at SAKS and other stores here and abroad.
Her innovative, and now legendary, pieces were hand made and sought after by many famous patrons
of the time.
The first
signature stamp appeared on her jewelry about 1947 or 1948, in the shape of a horseshoe rainbow.
In the 1950's the oval stamp was designed.
To the trained
eye, her vintage designs are easily recognized and widely sought after.
Ms. Haskell was known for using all kinds of medium, combining unlikely
elements. She loved and made intricate wired designs, one of the trademarks of her famous jewelry.
Some of the famous people who bought and wore her unique jewelry
were Lucille Ball, Gloria Vanderbilt and Joan Crawford.
