Vintage Ring Designers Part 1 – Miriam Haskell

Part 1 of our series on vintage ring designers features the rings of jewelry designer Miriam Haskell.

The jewelry of Miriam Haskell has long been a favorite of both everyday folk, and the well to do. Many celebrities have and do still wear these timeless designs.

Beginning her first business in 1926, Miriam Haskell has paved the way for others to follow with her quality vintage ring designs. Soon after opening her first shop, a young man named Frank Hess was hired to be a jewelry designer. His artistic talent coupled with Miriam’s business sense created a dynamic partnership that was hard to beat.

You are not likely to come across many early pieces that are signed since she didn’t begin adding a signature until after 1947. This would mean that there are possibly a lot of pieces of costume jewelry that sellers might try to pass off as original Haskell. Be sure to always have any purchase authenticated by a reputable jeweler or dealer.

Haskell’s most unique design characteristic is that of using tiny pearls and glass beads in very intricate designs set in rose gold settings, quite often in a flower or other natural motif. Her pieces were generally very tiny and considered very feminine. After the war, when materials were easier to come by, her vintage ring designs became somewhat larger.

Lavender and plum shades are her most popular color shades although Haskell vintage rings can be found in almost every color. Blue moonstone and faux pearls of pastel shades are also common in her designs.

Although it’s namesake and founder has long since passed away, the Miriam Haskell Company continues to produce jewelry to this day but the designs are much different than the vintage originals.

While vintage rings specifically are not at the forefront of pieces available for sale today, there were many designed that would certainly be a treasure to find.