Haskell Jewels

About Haskell Jewels

In 1926, a visionary businesswoman named Miriam Haskell opened her first jewelry boutique in New York City's McAlpin Hotel. Recognizing her strengths were in business and style rather than hands-on design, she made a pivotal early decision: hiring Frank Hess, who would become the creative force behind the brand for decades. Together, they built a reputation for intricate, handcrafted costume jewelry that rivaled the quality of fine jewelry, using materials like high-quality glass beads and simulated pearls. The business flourished, expanding to a Fifth Avenue headquarters and securing placements in prestigious department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue. The brand's designs were sought after by Hollywood stars, solidifying its status as a premier American jewelry house. In 1950, due to declining health, Miriam Haskell relinquished control of the company to her brother. The business subsequently changed hands several times over the following decades. A significant chapter began in 1990 when veteran accessories executive Frank Fialkoff acquired the Miriam Haskell brand, forming Haskell Jewels, LLC. At the time, the company was nearly out of business. Fialkoff and his team strategically kept the brand quiet, waiting for fashion to cycle back to statement pieces. This patience paid off, and the brand was successfully relaunched in 2007. Under Fialkoff's leadership, Haskell Jewels grew into a major distributor, also managing jewelry lines for other well-known fashion brands.