Fur Clip above from the collection of Uncovering Vintage

Eisenberg Original Sterling (1942-1945)

 

Early Years

Eisenberg & Sons, Inc. was established in 1914 by Jonas Eisenberg. Initially, the company focused on creating dresses, particularly for the growing ready-to-wear market. The exquisite rhinestone embellishments decorating these dresses became so popular that customers began requesting to purchase them separately. Recognizing demand, Eisenberg transitioned into producing costume jewelry in the 1930s.

The earliest Eisenberg jewelry pieces are highly sought after by collectors today. These pieces, often unsigned, are recognizable by their exceptional quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and the use of high-grade Austrian crystals. The designs of this era reflected the Art Deco style, with geometric patterns and bold, symmetrical arrangements. Floral motifs also started to appear, showcasing Eisenberg's dedication to intricate detail.

Notable Designs and Innovations

Eisenberg jewelry is famous for its innovative designs and the use of top-quality materials. Some of the most notable characteristics include:

·       Large, Brilliant Stones: Eisenberg favored sizable, eye-catching rhinestones, often in a variety of cuts and colors, creating a dazzling effect.

·       Intricate Settings: The stones were meticulously set in rhodium-plated base metal, ensuring durability and a luxurious finish.

·       Figural Brooches: Eisenberg produced a wide array of figural brooches depicting animals, flowers, and other whimsical subjects. These brooches are particularly prized for their detail and artistry.

·       Signed Pieces: From the early 1940s onwards, Eisenberg began signing their pieces, initially with "Eisenberg Original" and later simply "Eisenberg". The signatures add to the collectability and value of these pieces.

Eisenberg jewelry pieces were generally larger and of higher quality than many of its competitors. The use of clear rhinestones and sterling silver during wartime was both distinctive and desirable at the time and remains attractive to collectors today. Their designs were sophisticated and reflected popular trends. This helped to cement Eisenberg's reputation as a leader in the costume jewelry industry.

Brooch above from the collection of Uncovering Vintage

Eisenberg Original  (1941-1945)

Eisenberg jewelry holds a significant place in the history of costume jewelry for several reasons:

·       Quality and Craftsmanship: Eisenberg consistently used high-quality materials and employed skilled artisans, resulting in pieces that are both beautiful and durable.

·       Design Innovation: The company's designers were always at the forefront of fashion, creating pieces that were both stylish and trendsetting.

·       Enduring Appeal: Eisenberg jewelry has maintained its popularity over the decades, continuing to be highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.

·       Collectability: The rarity and quality of vintage Eisenberg jewelry have made it a favorite among collectors. Certain pieces, particularly those from the Art Deco era or signed "Eisenberg Original," can command high prices at auction.

·       Influence: Eisenberg set a high standard for costume jewelry design and quality, influencing countless other manufacturers.

Although the Eisenberg company has undergone changes over the years, its vintage jewelry remains as evidence to its commitment to quality, design, and enduring style. Each piece tells a story of a bygone era, capturing the glamour and elegance of mid-20th-century fashion.

Summary

Eisenberg jewelry began as an offshoot of a dressmaking business and quickly became a leading name in costume jewelry due to its quality materials, innovative designs, and enduring appeal. From Art Deco pieces to signed originals, Eisenberg jewelry remains highly collectible and a significant part of costume jewelry history. Its influence on design and commitment to quality continue to be recognized and appreciated by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Additional comments noted by Julia C. Carroll in "Costume Jewelry 101"

In Costume Jewelry 101, Julia C Carroll interviewed Karl Eisenberg, who was Jonas Eisenberg’s grandson. Jonas Eisenberg immigrated to Chicago from Austria in 1885.  He gave a general list of dates and their hallmarks for Eisenberg jewelry.  She explained that Eisenberg jewelry is difficult to precisely date by marks as the company did not necessarily retire one mark in favor of another. 

A few of the dates mentioned are below:

1942-1945 Jewelry marked E in script or black print

1941-1945 Eisenberg Sterling due to war effort or Eisenberg Originals

1945-1958 Eisenberg or Eisenberg Ice

1958-1970s Paper Tag or Eisenberg Ice

Some of the slogans used for advertisements for Eisenberg over the years included:  The glittering generation moves up to Eisenberg Ice, Midas Touch, and Jewelry of the Future.