Austrian jeweler Kurt Wayne 1909-1990

Austrian jeweler Kurt Wayne 1909-1990
The history of the Kurt Wayne jewelry brand began in 1945.
Born in 1909 in Vienna, Austria, Kurt was orphaned early. Having come under the care of a local jeweler, 10 year-old Kurt began to learn jewelry craftsmanship. After years of apprenticeship, Kurt became a professional silversmith, goldsmith, diamond cutter, watchmaker, and jewelry designer.
In 1939, Kurt and his wife emigrated to the United States to escape the Nazis. There he continued to work in jewelry workshops and sell jewelry. Finally, he founded the family business at the age of 36, opening an eponymous jewelry company in New York. Kurt created highly artistic jewelry, more like miniature sculptures. The greatest inspiration for the jeweler was nature itself, the love for which he embodied in his animalistic and floral designs.
Noteworthy, Wayne developed a good personal relationship with notable businessmen. In particular, the Zale family of Russian-Jewish jewelers and Stanley Marcus, president of luxury retailer Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas.
Traditionally, the jeweler used 18 K gold and precious stones – emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc. Item markings include “KW” or “Kurt Wayne” with the karat of gold or silver.
Kurt Wayne passed away in 1990.
Austrian jeweler Kurt Wayne 1909-1990















