TRABERT & HOEFFER MAUBOUSSIN

 
 

Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin was a luxury jewelry and watch company that was founded in New York City in 1925 by Joseph Trabert, Paul Flato, and Georges Mauboussin. The company quickly became known for its innovative designs and use of high-quality materials.

Joseph Trabert and Paul Flato were both experienced jewelry designers who had worked for other companies before starting their own. Georges Mauboussin was a member of the Mauboussin family, which had been involved in the jewelry business in France since the 1820s. Mauboussin had moved to the United States to open a branch of the family business, but he eventually left to join forces with Trabert and Flato.

The company's early designs were characterized by a blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, with geometric shapes and bold colors. They were particularly known for their use of platinum and diamonds, as well as colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

One of the company's most famous pieces was the "Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin Mystery Set" technique, which was patented in 1933. This technique allowed stones to be set without any visible prongs, giving the impression that they were floating in the setting. The process involved cutting a groove into the back of the stone, then setting it into a metal frame with small tabs that held it in place. The result was a smooth, seamless surface that showed off the beauty of the stone without any distractions.

Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin also created a number of iconic watches, including the "Mauboussin Mystery Dial" watch, which had a dial that appeared to float in the center of the watch face.

During the 1930s, Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin was one of the most successful jewelry companies in the world, with clients that included Hollywood celebrities, royalty, and wealthy socialites. However, the company struggled during World War II and eventually went out of business in the 1950s. Today, Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin jewelry is highly prized by collectors for its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship.

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Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin was known for its exceptional jewelry designs and craftsmanship, and created many iconic pieces during its heyday in the 1930s. Here are some of the most famous:

  1. Mystery Set jewelry: This patented technique allowed stones to be set without any visible prongs, giving the impression that they were floating in the setting. This technique was used to create a variety of pieces, including brooches, necklaces, and earrings.

  2. Tutti Frutti jewelry: Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin was one of the pioneers of this style, which featured a colorful array of gemstones arranged in an asymmetrical pattern. This style was inspired by Indian jewelry and was popularized by Cartier, but Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin also created many beautiful Tutti Frutti pieces.

  3. Diamond and platinum jewelry: Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin was known for its use of high-quality materials, particularly diamonds and platinum. Many of the company's most famous pieces feature intricate diamond settings and sleek platinum lines.

  4. Watches: Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin also created a number of iconic watches, including the Mauboussin Mystery Dial watch, which had a dial that appeared to float in the center of the watch face.

Some of the most famous Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin pieces include the "Peacock" brooch, which features a colorful array of diamonds and gemstones arranged to resemble a peacock's tail; the "Tutti Frutti" necklace, which features a variety of colored gemstones arranged in an asymmetrical pattern; and the "Starfish" brooch