Brothers Nathan, Oscar and Harry Heyman emigrated from Russia and founded the company in New York City. The brothers’ years of experience working with Fabergé provided them with the foundation of knowledge, skill and expertise that would allow them to create fine jewelry that would go on to become universally coveted. Many of their signature creations, like their Entourage rings and their Pansy and Gardenia brooches have become synonymous with the brand’s aesthetic sensibilities, and still other pieces have gone on to infamy, like the Burton-Taylor diamond necklace they set on behalf of Cartier in 1969.

While the company received their first patent in 1914 and went on to acquire dozens of additional patents throughout the years, it would be impossible to replicate the sophisticated level of craftsmanship in their processes and techniques. The gemstones are directly sourced and hand selected, all components and findings are made in-house in their tool and die shop, metals are alloyed in-house, and each hole into which the stones are set is thrummed by hand. The precision with which they record this meticulous process is in itself an art form. Each piece developed begins as a spectacularly detailed gouache rendering. The card upon which the design is rendered follows the piece throughout the entire fabrication process, and everyone who played a part in bringing the piece to life signs off on their contribution. Once the jewelry has been sold, the card gets archived in the brand’s vast registry.

Nearly 110 years after it was founded, Oscar Heyman continues to be family owned and operated. The family’s dedication to maintaining the quality of craftsmanship, creativity and commitment to excellence that its first clients enjoyed has never wavered throughout the last century. Unfazed by the pace of contemporary constructs, the brand has cemented its reputation among jewelry aficionados for their superlative, heirloom-quality jewelry and the old-world charm of their approach to artistry.