American jeweler Joseff of Hollywood

American jeweler Joseff of Hollywood
Born in Chicago in 1905, Austrian by birth, Eugene Joseph was a talented American jewelry designer known as Joseff of Hollywood. He moved to California in the 1920s, hoping to get orders for making jewelry for Hollywood movies. Through artistic creativity and business acumen, he was the best jewellery designer and main supplier of jewellery for leading studios. The success accompanied him until the tragic death in 1948. Since 1950, his widow Joan Castle ran the company “Joseff of Hollywood”.
According to his biography, Eugene began working as an artist at an advertising agency in Chicago at the age of 18. Meanwhile, in his spare time he was designing jewelry. And four years later, in 1927, he moved to Los Angeles, where he studied jewellery craftsmanship. From 1931 to 1935, the work of the young jeweler was in high demand in the Hollywood films. Noteworthy, in 1935, Eugene Joseph founded “Joseff of Hollywood,” and two years later became a major supplier of jewelry for Hollywood studios. He also developed a line of jewelry for public.
In 1934, Eugene Joseph opposed the use of ornaments in historical films that do not meet the depicted era. Walter Plunkett, who was considered the number one fashion designer, said: “Well, if you’re so smart, let’s see what you can do!”
The life of a talented jeweler and businessman tragically ended in 1948. Eugene Joseff died in a plane crash at the age of 43.

Joseph conducted historical research, which allowed him to “simplify” the style of jewelry, which nevertheless contributed to an atmosphere of a certain age on the “blue screen”. Together with his wife, Joan Castle he gave decorations to hire, rather than selling them for a certain movie studios. In fact, he created the “archive” of the nearly three million of jewelry available for hire. Since 1937, they began to develop the successful line of jewelry for sale for fans of stars. In particular, the ornaments copied from originals belonging to the stars, and produced similar to those that popular actresses showed on the screen. It is these decorations that are now easier to find.

His jewelry movie list included “A Star Is Born (1936),” The Wizard of Oz”, “Gone with the Wind” (both films 1939), “Casablanca” (1942), “Parade of Easter” (1949 ), “Singing in the Rain” (1952), “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” “Cleopatra” (1963) and “My Fair Lady”.

The number of famous actors and actresses, who wore jewelry by Joseff is impressive. Greta Garbo, Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, and many more. Traditionally, jewelry including bracelets, buckles, necklaces, pendants and clips reflecting the different styles and genres. Art deco, retro 1940s, the ethnic style of the Middle East, astrological, Animal and plant.

Iconic American jeweler Joseff of Hollywood

Besides, Joseff collected an amazing collection of rare antique books about the clothes and jewelry, inspired by historical information about the many styles and eras. “If you want to collect, start with brooches, because for them you will find the best use. You can pin the brooch on the lapel, collar or pocket, on a hat, a belt or an evening dress. ”

Joseff’s success as a leading supplier of fashion jewelry to Hollywood is partially dependent on the effect of the substitute gold. Known as the Russian semi-combined gold plating copper coating has removed the traditional problems of too much natural luster of gold under the powerful spotlights cameras. Coating can be done in any – to black, depending on what kind of metal is added to the alloy.

On most jewelry stamped the name of the brand “Joseff” or “Joseff Hollywood.” Exceptions are products made to order for celebrities. Some ornaments made at the end of 1930-40-ies, not so long ago have been re-evaluated because of their immense popularity. Very rare today, and their copies are not less rare than the originals. Most of the Russian gold jewelry can be dull and dark due to the plaque that forms over the years. But the shiny polished products cause distrust and almost worthless.

Iconic American jeweler Joseff of Hollywood

Vintage costume jewelry by Joseff of Hollywood