Silver pillbox decorated with translucent guilloche enamel, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900.
The German jewelry brand “Levinger & Bissinger”, like the company of Theodor Farner, was one of the most famous manufacturers of jewelry and costume jewelry from Pforzheim. The company was founded around 1893 by Heinrich Levinger. In 1899, after the death of the company’s founder, his son Emil Levinger took over the company. In 1903, the designer Karl Bissinger joined the company as an equal partner and artistic director. From that moment on, the company was called “Levinger & Bissinger”. By that time, Bissinger was already a well-known jewelry designer, took part in jewelry competitions and won prizes.
Silver cigarette case with gilding and enamel, Heinrich Levinger, circa 1902
In addition to the designs of Karl Bissinger, the company also produced jewelry based on the designs of the Austrian master Otto Prutscher and the Pforzheim artist Georg Kleemann. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the company became widely known for its Art Nouveau jewelry. The company’s jewelry followed not only the trends of German Art Nouveau, which is called Jugendstil. Many of the jewelry pieces were created for the French market in the Art Nouveau style.
Silver brooch with hematite, Levinger & Bissinger, early 20th century.Buckle in silver with gilding and enamel, Levinger & Bissinger, circa 1905
The partnership between Levinger and Bissinger lasted until 1909. After Bissinger’s departure, the company came under the personal management of Emil Levinger and began to operate under the brand name “Heinrich Levinger”.
Silver pendant with amethyst, Levinger & Bissinger, circa 1905, from the Ratz Coradazzi collection, Hesse State Museum.Silver brooch with tourmaline and enamel, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900Silver brooch with lapis lazuli and enamel, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900Silver brooch with chalcedony and enamel, circa 1900Silver brooch in the shape of a stylized butterfly, made of silver with garnet and enamel, Heinrich Levinger, circa 1900.Pendant in silver with gilding, mother of pearl and enamel, designed by Otto Prutscher, circa 1900.Brooch in silver with gilding, pearls and enamel, Heinrich Levinger, circa 1900Necklace in silver with turquoise, pearls and enamel, circa 1900.Gilt silver brooch with chrysoprase and enamel, circa 1900.Silver brooch in the form of a stylized scarab, decorated with mother of pearl and enamel, designed by Otto Prutscher, circa 1900.Pendant in silver with mother of pearl, pearls and enamel, designed by Otto Prutscher, circa 1900.Silver pendant with amethyst and enamel, 1900Necklace in silver with gold plated, pearls and enamel, Heinrich Levinger, circa 1900Silver brooch with gilding, turquoise and enamel, Heinrich Levinger, circa 1900Silver brooch with gilding, chrysoprase and enamel, Heinrich Levinger, circa 1900Silver pendant with blue enamel, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900Silver pendant with pearls and enamel, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900Necklace in gilded silver with amethyst, pearl and enamel, circa 1900Silver gilt pendant decorated with opals and enamel, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900Ivory profile brooch in a silver frame with enamel, moonstone and chrysoprase, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900Silver pendant decorated with pearls and enamel, Heinrich Loevinger, circa 1900Choker buckle (Plaque de Cou) made of silver with gold plated, pearls and stained glass enamel, Levinger & Bissinger, early 20th century.
