Imperio Mexicano
Antique 1860s Central American Modern Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Mexican Collectible Jewelry
Gold
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
20th Century Neoclassical Arms, Armor and Weapons
Steel
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Historical Memorabilia
Crystal, Silver
20th Century English Early Victorian Sterling Silver
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Artisan Signet Rings
14k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1840s English Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Brooches
Malachite, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Fountains
Wood
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements
Metal, Aluminum
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Pocket Watches
22k Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Pocket Watches
18k Gold
Paul Flato for sale on 1stDibs
Paul Flato’s flamboyant style was matched by his larger-than-life personality. He created daring and theatrical jewelry that challenged the conservative conventions of adornment. Works like his Bird of Paradise and Feather Quill brooches and his Seashell pocket watch exemplify his audacious style while reflecting his meticulous craftsmanship. His clients included celebrities such as French-American opera singer Lily Pons, American artist and socialite Gloria Vanderbilt and American actresses Joan Crawford and Mae West.
Flato was born in 1900 into a ranching family in Shiner, Texas. He later attended the University of Texas at Austin as a pre-med student, but soon shifted focus and enrolled at Columbia University in New York City to study economics. With the help of some well-connected friends — including one at Tiffany & Co. — he opened a jewelry store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
His business steadily grew, and he sold over $1 million worth of jewelry by the time he was 27. While he had a great mind for unique ideas, he enlisted the talents of more experienced jewelers for support in drafting the pieces. In 1938, Flato opened a second store in Hollywood, California. His pieces were large and eye-catching, making them perfect for the camera.
In 1943, Flato’s jewelry career came to an abrupt halt with larceny charges for consigning a 17-carat diamond that went missing. When he was unable to pay the consignors, they pressed charges. Flato spent 18 months in Sing Sing prison. After his release, Flato he eased back into the trade by producing pens and compact cases for makeup. Poor financial decisions led again to his falling on the wrong side of the law and he fled to South America. He ended up serving four years in a Mexican prison before being sent back to the United States to serve a five-year sentence for grand larceny.
In 1970, Flato returned to Mexico and opened a boutique in Zona Rosa, Mexico City. He spent the last 20 years of his career there, fashioning bold and bright jewelry, inspired by the indigenous culture of the country.
In 1990, Flato moved back to Texas where he died in 1999. His outlandishly imaginative pieces remain in demand with collectors today.
On 1stDibs, enjoy the wondrous imagination of Paul Flato through his brooches, watches, bracelets and more.