PAUL FLATO

Paul Flato was an American jewelry designer who rose to fame during the 1930s and 1940s. He was born in Texas in 1900 and grew up in Mexico, where his father worked as a mining engineer. Flato initially pursued a career in acting and modeling, but his interest in jewelry design led him to move to New York City in the 1920s.

Flato began his career by designing and selling costume jewelry, which was then known as "artificial" or "imitation" jewelry. However, he quickly gained a reputation for his exceptional workmanship and innovative designs, which often incorporated unusual materials such as wood, leather, and bakelite.

In the 1930s, Flato began creating high-end jewelry for wealthy clients, including Hollywood stars and members of high society. He opened a showroom on Fifth Avenue in New York City and quickly became known for his bold and colorful designs, which were often inspired by nature and featured intricate details and precious stones.

Some of Flato's most famous works include the "Garden of Allah" bracelet, which featured a garden scene with carved emerald and ruby flowers, and the "Comet" brooch, which was made from diamonds, sapphires, and rubies and designed to look like a shooting star.

Flato was also known for his collaborations with other artists and designers, including Salvador Dali and Fulco di Verdura. He designed jewelry for films such as "Gone with the Wind" and "The Philadelphia Story" and was a favorite of Hollywood stars such as Marlene Dietrich and Joan Crawford.

Despite his success, Flato's career was cut short in the 1950s when he was arrested for tax evasion. He spent several years in prison and eventually moved to Mexico, where he continued to design jewelry until his death in 1999. Today, Paul Flato's work is highly sought after by collectors and is considered some of the finest examples of mid-century American jewelry design.