Our Story

Much has already been written about Paul Flato the man, an American and a Texan to be exact, whose company’s jewelry was arguably some of the finest ever produced.

In New York, then Los Angeles and later in Mexico City, stylish Flato salons in the very best neighborhoods catered to society’s elite. He fell into obscurity after a very successful but exceptionally short career without an heir dedicated to champion the brand. Today we focus with fresh eyes on the legacy: the body of work created and the vast archives of original Paul Flato designs that were left behind.

We will recognize and make public new information about the brilliant designers who were employed by Flato and have been largely forgotten. Head designer Adolphe Klety was exceptional and the creator of most of the important works of the company. We want to acknowledge and clarify the contributions of George Headley, Robert Bruce, Kenneth Brown (who designed Marlene Dietrich’s sapphire and diamond fan earclips), Millicent Rogers, Josephine Forrestal and Verdura. Flato jewelry deserves recognition and is significant for several reasons. His best work featured rare and important colored stones and exceptional diamonds like the Jonker. A distinctive style emerged and distinguished itself from the storied European houses whose work in contrast did not evolve. Paul Flato designs were always original, often daring and sexy.

There is much to learn and discover together. We hope to unearth and celebrate Flato jewels as yet unidentified. We intend to nurture and advise a new generation of collectors with vision and taste to inherit the legacy of prior generations of Flato collectors like Doris Duke, Millicent Rogers, Gloria Vanderbilt, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Merle Oberon and others. For the collector whose taste is more casual Flato designed whimsical jewelry that will appeal to younger and sophisticated clients. Our vast collection of archives includes contemporary and timeless designs that probably were never manufactured.

Exceptional Paul Flato jewels are currently represented in museums and private collections worldwide and deserve their rightful place in the history of 20th century jewelry design.