Art

Albert Weiss vintage jewelry

07/21/201304/27/2019 by Viola

Albert Weiss vintage jewelry

Born and raised in New York, Albert Weiss is a famous American jeweler. He learned his craft working at the famous costume jewelry companies, such as Coro and Marvella Jewelry. In 1942 he opened his own business on Fifth Avenue in New York. The earliest works of Albert Weiss had ‘WEISS’ signature (block capitals, then ‘Weiss’ (in script). Later pieces, from the late 1940s onwards often had marks ‘Albert Weiss’ or A W Co. And the latter the W had a crown symbol. Weiss jewelry designs of 1940s and 1950s are valued today for their astonishing style. Many of Weiss’ pieces are collectibles, and all embody unmistakable style. Well known for the use of high quality Austrian rhinestones with excellent clarity, he started using rhinestones that looked like the German Smokey quartz “Black Diamond”. Like most of the other pieces designed in this era, Weiss jewelry aimed to stand out and augment a women’s beauty with shine and design.

Extra large and impressive Weiss butterfly pin. Albert Weiss vintage jewelry

Traditionally, Weiss incorporated many styles and designs, subsequently copied by other jewelers. Among the more desirable collector pieces are the ‘black diamond’ series (featured a unique smoky-colored rhinestone). Other popular pieces include those made with inverted rhinestones and series using a Christmas tree design.

Collectors love many of his designs – beautiful insects and butterflies. Recognition of this has meant an increase in the prices Weiss jewelry now fetches at auction.

Albert Weiss was president of his company and retired in 1969.
One of Albert’s sons, Michael, continued the business for a short time but finally Weiss Jewelry closed it’s doors in 1971. Weiss jewelry, compared to other companies of the times, was in business for a relatively short period of time. This means there is less Weiss jewelry to collect and it is a little harder to find.