Trends

Boston MFA to Release Book on Oscar Heyman

TrendsFeb 13, 2017

Boston MFA to Release Book on Oscar Heyman

The publishing arm of the Museum of Fine Arts will debut “Oscar Heyman: The Jewelers’ Jeweler” on April 1.

20170207-Oscar-Heyman-cover.jpg
The book’s cover features a platinum, diamond and emerald brooch made by Oscar Heyman circa 1929 for Marcus & Co. The pin once belonged to heiress and art collector Marjorie Merriweather Post.
Boston--The story of 105-year-old design house Oscar Heyman & Brothers finally is being told in illustrated form. 

On April 1, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts will release “Oscar Heyman: The Jewelers’ Jeweler,” a book detailing the firm’s history and role in American high jewelry. 

Yvonne J. Markowitz, the Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan curator emerita of jewelry at the MFA, and Elizabeth Hamilton, an independent writer and researcher, penned the book. 

Started by brothers Oscar and Nathan Heyman in 1912, the company now is in its third generation and continues to make its jewelry in its New York City facility. 

The book telling the company’s story is complete with photos of vintage and contemporary pieces as well as design drawings from the Oscar Heyman archives, highlighting almost 70 pieces in total that help demonstrate how the business has adapted its aesthetics and design to changing consumer demands over time. 

One of the major milestones detailed in the book is the company’s participation in two World’s Fairs held in New York. 

In 1939, Oscar Heyman & Brothers produced ornaments for four well-known retailers to display at the House of Jewels, one of the fair’s most extravagant exhibition pavilions.

Although the firm was relatively unknown to the public at the time, its involvement in the event cemented its reputation among its clients, with many retailers recognizing the company’s signature floral designs, craftsmanship and high-quality gems. 

Though the following New York World’s Fair, held in 1964, didn’t have a dedicated jewelry pavilion, Oscar Heyman & Brothers designed the official commemorative necklace in partnership with the Linde Star Company.

Oscar Heyman & Brothers designed this necklace in the 1970s and manufactured the piece in 1980s. It was retailed by Robe-Rose Jewelry and now is part of the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Oscar Heyman & Brothers designed this necklace in the 1970s and manufactured the piece in 1980s. It was retailed by Robe-Rose Jewelry and now is part of the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

There also are 15 design drawings from the company’s archives including designs for patriotic World War II ornaments and a diamond and emerald necklace made in 1956, gifted decades later by singer Michael Jackson to Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor.

“For more than a century, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, known as ‘the jewelers’ jeweler,’ has maintained a national reputation for outstanding ornaments set with superior gemstones,” said Markowitz.

“Until recently, the Oscar Heyman name was unknown outside the jewelry world, as the company preferred anonymity and discretion, but today the brand is synonymous with dazzling, high-style jewels. I’m pleased to highlight its prosperous history with the release of this new publication.”
“Oscar Heyman: The Jewelers’ Jeweler” is the latest in a number of jewelry books produced by MFA Publications in recent years, joining titles such as “Jewels of Ancient Nubia,” “Artful Adornments: Jewelry from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” “The Jewels of Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin,” “Jewelry by Artists: In the Studio 1940-2000” and “Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry.”

It will be available in the MFA shop, retail bookstores and online.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

Pandora jewelry
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1

The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
The back of the Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K

Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Woman holding a dress
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in April

Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

Zales 100th Anniversary Marketing Campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New Campaign

The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.

Tim Schlick
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEO

Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.

Canadian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit

It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.

Supplier Spotlight -GIA -Recorded-Webinar.png
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your Business

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

De Beers polished in tweezers
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to Botswana

Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.

Simone I. Smith SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection

“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.

Venus Jewelers Logo
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 Years

The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.

Established Mom tattoo pendant
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRF

Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo

Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.

Lisa Bridge and Alexis Padis at AGS Conclave 2024
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President

Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.

Jesse Cole Savannah Bananas
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.

John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy