Jewelers

Paul Flato

Paul Flato Emerald Gold Leaf Brooch Pendant.
Paul Flato Emerald Gold Leaf Brooch Pendant.

Paul Edmund Flato (1900 1999) was born in Texas to a prosperous German family.

After moving to New York, he opened his own jewelry store in Manhattan. Soon Paul Flato became one of the most famous jewelers in New York, the only one whose jewelery creativity was equal to that of European jewelers.

Paul Flato 1940 е годы 14 каратное белое золото Винтажное зеркало для лица Компактные украшения.
Paul Flato 1940 е годы 14 каратное белое золото Винтажное зеркало для лица Компактные украшения.

Paul worked with several designers, future luminaries of jewelry art: David Webb, George W. Hadley, Count Falco di Verdura.

Paul Flato did things that were original and bold. Once he created a bracelet in the form of a love letter: he engraved the text on a gold plate, then “teared” the plate into pieces and arbitrarily fastened them on a chain. Instead of the usual flat necklaces and brooches, he made sculptures in three dimensions, so that his diamond roses, orchids and lilies resembled real flowers. Inspired by the surrealists, he began to depict the figures of lobsters and elephants.

Paul Flato 1940s 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Face Mirror Compact Jewelry.
Paul Flato 1940s 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Face Mirror Compact Jewelry.

He started jewelry fashion with black enamel and gem-encrusted initials, and his gold screw-and-nut cufflinks were featured on the cover of Masterpieces of American Jewelry.

Paul Edmund Flato is an American jewelry designer.
Paul Edmund Flato is an American jewelry designer.

Flato’s personal life was full of ups and downs. Flato got into debt, began to use the money of clients. He was in prison twice, the second time in his seventies. Upon his release, Flato decided to permanently move to Mexico and again, for the third time, open his shop there.

Surprisingly, already at an advanced age, Flato began to create jewelry that absolutely coincided with the style of the era.

Brooch designed by Paul Flato for Millicent Rogers Standard Oil heiress and fashion icon of the 30s and 40s.
Brooch designed by Paul Flato for Millicent Rogers Standard Oil heiress and fashion icon of the 30s and 40s.

In the 1970s, with their passion for ethnicity, Flato did things inspired by the primitive art of the pre-Columbian Indians.

In the 1980s, he switched to bright, oversized jewelry that went so well with business suits for energetic business women. All this was very popular both among the residents of Mexico City and among numerous tourists: the Flato store became a landmark. Journalists of glossy publications interviewed the old man, and then they were surprised at his energy and enthusiasm.

Diamond and platinum brooch 1940 sold in 2011 at Sothebys for 374500.
Diamond and platinum brooch 1940 sold in 2011 at Sothebys for 374500.
Paul Flato brooch 1940 18 ct. gold platinum diamonds sold at Sothebys for 71500 in 2011.
Paul Flato brooch 1940 18 ct. gold platinum diamonds sold at Sothebys for 71500 in 2011.
Articulated sapphire and diamond feather brooch.
Articulated sapphire and diamond feather brooch.

His long list of clients includes movie stars Greta Garbo, Mae West, Rita Howford, Joan Crawford, Doris Duke, Ginger Rogers, Carmen Miranda, Marlene Dietrich, Harin Hepby.

In 1990, Paul left the business and returned to Texas, where he was born.

This man not only achieved success he had to achieve it several times. In his life, ups were followed by downs, successes followed by failures. But never, going about his business, he did not feel superfluous, unclaimed or unnecessary.

Paul Flato Cluster ring in 18k gold with 39 cabochon rubies and a round diamond in the center and 14 round diamonds in platinum 1940
Paul Flato Cluster ring in 18k gold with 39 cabochon rubies and a round diamond in the center and 14 round diamonds in platinum 1940.
Vintage brooch in 18K yellow and white gold jade Paul Flato circa 1930.
Vintage brooch in 18K yellow and white gold jade Paul Flato circa 1930.
The famous belt necklace designed by Verdura.
The famous belt necklace designed by Verdura.
Ruby and sapphire brooch circa 1940.
Ruby and sapphire brooch circa 1940.
Gold watch for travelers from Flato.
Gold watch for travelers from Flato.
Brand marking.
Brand marking.