About Paul Flato Brand:
Paul Flato (1900 – 1999) had a reputation for adding humor and playfulness to his creations. He was also famous as the First Jeweler to the Celebrities and Designer for the Stars in the 1920-30s. His talent thrived at a time when high society dressed to impress and didn’t hesitate to spend largely on fascinating jewels.
Flato’s designs combined glamour and whimsy. This great combo was embodied in intricate craftsmanship, vibrant gemstones, and creative motifs. His pieces were beloved by Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn for a bold and playful aesthetic. He also created jewelry for numerous films, including designing pieces for Gone with the Wind and The Women. To secure his bond with the movie stars, in 1937 Flato opened a store in Beverly Hills, across the street from the famous Trocadero nightclub. The boutique became a popular destination for the elite and the Hollywood crowd.
Flato was a successful collaborator. He worked with such notable figures as Salvador Dali and Fulco di Verdura, creating stunning and unconventional pieces. He had a gift for combining unexpected materials and gemstones, fearlessly mixing colors, textures, and shapes to create visually striking pieces.
Paul Flato’s career ended abruptly in the 1940s. He faced financial difficulties and legal issues, eventually leading to the closure of his business. Despite the decline, Paul Flato’s legacy as a great designer has endured. His innovative approach and collaborations continue to inspire contemporary makers. Flato’s work is celebrated for its creativity and craftsmanship.
About Estate Jewelry:
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Estate pieces mostly belong to the era when jewels were handmade and not mass produced. There were simply less jewelry makers at that time and they cared about their reputation. Opposed to the current fast fashion approach, life pace was in general slower. That allowed makers to take more time to craft a truly quality piece.
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Designer pieces aka signed pieces can cost multiple times more than their unsigned equivalents. We pay not only for an item itself but also for the brand advertising campaigns and all the buzz the name is creating. Prices for estate jewelry form differently and mostly depend on the cost paid by a seller. A pre-owned Bulgari ring and a brand-new Bulgari piece have a very appealing price difference. Ask your local jewelry store about a retail price of the desired piece and you’d be pleasantly surprised.
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Pre-owned jewelry retains its value. Over the time pieces get rare
and more expensive. Think purchasing a new car that loses its value right after you left your dealer versus buying a vintage vehicle.
