Hollycraft (1938-1970s)

Originally known as the Hollywood Jewelry Company, Hollycraft sold under their own name and also manufactured for several other companies, including Weiss and Pakula. This company began in 1938 as Hollywood Jewelry, but the mark was soon changed to Hollycraft because of possible confusion with Joseff of Hollywood. It was founded by a Turkish immigrant called Joseph Chorbajian, his cousin and Jack Hazard. The company was located in New York City. The Hollycraft mark first appeared in 1948. Pieces manufactured during the 1950's were dated. Hollycraft known for a distinctive mix of small stones and their pastel combinations, particularly in the Christmas tree brooches. Hollycraft terminated their production in the late 1970's.

The Legacy of the company lives on because of the excellent craftsmanship and designs. Known for its quality pieces, Hollycraft is very popular with vintage costume jewelry collectors. In fact, there are some costume jewelry enthusiasts who collect Hollycraft jewelry only from a specific year!  These pieces feature iridescent aurora borealis stones.  Some of the most popular designs from the 1950s are those using pastel stones of amethysts aqua, citrine, dark fuchsia pink, olivine, etc. in rich and complex patterns.  The Hollycraft jewelry pieces are nearly always done in goldtone metal findings.  Because coordinating sets of jewelry were very popular in the 1950s and early 1960s, Hollycraft created wonderful complete sets, or parures, which included necklace, earrings, bracelet, brooch and sometimes a ring.  Matched sets are more difficult to come by as pieces get lost or become damaged over the years, therefore they often have an increased value to collectors.