Walter Lampl vintage costume jewelry

Chinese Maid fur clip. Gold plated metal alloy, enamel. 1940s. Walter Lampl vintage costume jewelry

Walter Lampl vintage costume jewelry
The history of the American jewelry brand “Walter Lampl” began after the Second World War, in 1945. Its founder, Walter Lampl Sr. was born in 1895 to a poor family in New York. Since childhood, he had to work, selling newspapers on the streets and dreaming of a better life. His ambition, coupled with his talent, paid off. First, he bought long chains and shortened them to fit a watch. Thus, he earned his first money to start hiw own business. Gradually, he took a more serious interest in the jewelry business. Already in 1921, at the age of 26, he founded a wholesale jewelry company of the same name, with an office and showroom at New York’s 47th Street. In fact, it was a family business of Walter, his wife and their growing son.
Traditionally, the designer created quality jewelry using gold filling, sterling silver, moonstone and rhinestones. Known for the quality and exceptional designs, Walter’s jewelry was very popular. Realistic hand-made insect brooches and pins, as well as unique figurative brooches, are now rare and highly collectible. Until 1945, jewelry markings on the back of items included “Sterling” and the initials “WL” in script in a shield.
Unfortunately, Walter passed away in 1945 at the age of 50. His wife and son continued his business, but in 1959 the company ceased to exist.