Weiss Jewelry
Albert Weiss learned his trade at Coro before founding his own company in New York in 1942, and he built it on one thing done brilliantly: rhinestones. Weiss used high-grade Austrian crystal, set it carefully, and let the stones do the talking. The results were the sparkling brooches, the butterfly and fruit figurals, and the smoky Black Diamond pieces that have become shorthand for 1950s glamour. The firm closed in 1971, so every Weiss piece is a true mid-century survivor.
Marks seen on Weiss include Weiss in script, WEISS in block capitals, Albert Weiss, and versions with the copyright symbol from 1955 onward. Collectors and reference books do not agree on a precise sequence for these marks, and some pieces were made for Weiss by other manufacturers, so we date by the whole object: stone type, plating, clasp and earring findings. We say so in each listing when a date range is a judgement rather than a certainty.
What to look for: stones that are bright and matched, with no dark or cloudy foil, intact japanned or rhodium finish, and complete sets. Christmas tree pins and the big floral brooches are perennial favourites. Weiss is the brand to start with if you simply want to sparkle. For similar rhinestone work with a slightly softer palette, try our Lisner collection.
8 pieces
