Hattie Carnegie
You may view available jewlery from this & other designers by searching for their name in our shop.
The Queen of Costume Jewelry
Hattie Carnegie was a fashion powerhouse of the mid-20th century. Her name is synonymous with bold style and innovative design, not just in clothing, but also in costume jewelry.
Carnegie, who immigrated to the United States from Austria in 1900, began her career in millinery before opening a boutique in New York City with partner Rose Roth in 1909. The duo quickly gained a reputation for their chic and whimsical designs. By 1939, Carnegie had expanded into ready-to-wear clothing, and it was around this time that she also began producing costume jewelry to complement her fashions.
Signature Style
Hattie Carnegie costume jewelry is known for its high quality, unique designs, and use of luxurious materials. Carnegie was not interested in creating cheap imitations of fine jewelry. Instead, she pushed the boundaries of what costume jewelry could be. Her pieces are often bold and colorful, featuring intricate beadwork, hand-painted enamels, and interesting textures.
Some of Carnegie's most popular designs include:
Whimsical Figural Pieces: Carnegie was not afraid to have fun with her jewelry. She created brooches in the shapes of animals, flowers, and even insects.
Beaded Elegance: Carnegie's use of beads was innovative and beautiful. She created elaborate floral designs and geometric patterns with beads in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Egyptian Revival: The Art Deco era's fascination with ancient Egypt extended to jewelry design, and Carnegie incorporated these elements into some of her pieces.
Collectible Pieces
Today, Hattie Carnegie costume jewelry is highly collectible. These pieces are not only beautiful works of art, but they are also a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of a fashion legend. Her signed pieces are marked "Hattie Carnegie" or "HC." If you're looking for a unique and conversation-starting piece of jewelry, a vintage Hattie Carnegie creation is a perfect choice.
You may view available jewlery from this & other designers by searching for their name in our shop.