The American firm of Oscar Heyman was founded in 1912 and for many years remained largely behind the scenes manufacturing for the finest retailers: Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., and Cartier. From 1939 until 2001, when Richemont acquired Van Cleef & Arpels, they made invisibly-set jewelry for the maison. Today, they continue to create the world's finest jewelry, but now the name Oscar Heyman is known around the world for impecable designs and quality work.
Perhaps the most famous piece they designed and crafted was for Cariter in 1969 to hold the Taylor-Burton diamond.
Founded by brothers Oscar and Nathan in 1912, Oscar Heyman & Bros. was headquartered in New York and quickly became the city’s go-to jeweler for houses and retailers seeking superb designs and craftsmanship. The brothers Heyman trained in Ukraine at a workshop whose clients included Fabergé but fled to America in 1906 due to pogroms against the Jews. Their many siblings followed soon after and eventually there were six brothers and three sisters working for the newly opened company.
Oscar Heyman is colloquially known as the Jeweler’s Jeweler; prior to opening his eponymous company with Nathan, he had worked for Pierre Cartier, and once Heyman & Bros was established they would go on to create jewels for Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels (most notably their Mystery Settings), and Cartier. They were also responsible for creating pieces exhibited at the 1939 New York World’s Fair by prominent American jewelers including Marcus & Co, Udall & Ballou and Black Starr and Frost.
Following WWII, during which time the company focused on production of patriotic jewelry, watch, clock, and aeronautical parts, they built further success creating sophisticated diamond jewelry that defined 1950s style. In the 1960s, their jewels were seen on the necks and ears of Eva Peron and Elizabeth Burton, and their name became famous among Hollywood stars, leading the company to open an office in Los Angeles. After Oscar Heyman died in 1970, management passed to his youngest brother and ownership has remained in the family until the present day.
Heyman’s technically brilliant, glamorous, and impeccably designed jewelry are considered heirloom pieces and will surely continue to grace red carpets and magazine covers for decades to come.
Auction Results Oscar Heyman & Brothers
