Tuesday, November 2, 2010

History Repeating

One of the delights of vintage jewelry is being able to read, explore and discover the history and stories that are behind each designer and piece. This week we are featuring one of our favorite designers here at Lavande, Hobe.

Jacques Hobe began designing fine jewelry in the late 1800's in Paris. He was considered a master goldsmith and producer of fine jewelry throughout Europe. In 1925 his son, William Hobe came to the United States to sell costumes to Florence Ziegfeld of the Ziegfeld Follies, and left with a request from Ziegfeld to create a line of jewelry that was inexpensive to be worn by the showgirls. William then started the company Hobe Cie Ltd. NY and began producing Hobe costume jewelry.

Throughout the 1940's and 50's Hobe produced jewelry for  many major Hollywood movies and  actresses and was also used in many fashion advertisements. The slogan "Jewels of legendary splendor" was featured in an ad in the 1940's.  It explains well how the brand was considered unmatched in quality, and was and still is regarded as one of the best costume jewelry companies in America.

Hobe bracelet at top: 1950's ($5,798) | Hobe peridot ring ($1,748) | Hobe multi stone brooch ($848)