The foundations of the New York City jewelry company Henry Dankner & Sons lie in early 20th-century Hungary. In 1930, Henry Dankner opened his workshop in Budapest. The modest-size firm saw a great deal of success until the Nazis took over Hungary in 1944.
The war forced the family to flee the country, taking everything of value from the workshop with them that they could carry. The family ended up in New York City, and in the early 1950s Dankner re-established his jewelry business. Many believe that his capital for opening the business was provided by the precious metals the family brought with them when they fled.
The family worked as a unit, day and night, to produce charms that brought them great success. By the 1960s, the jewelry shop had grown considerably — boasting nearly 30 employees.
Henry Dankner passed away in 1971, and his sons Robert and George took over the business. They did their father's legacy proud, and by the 1980s, major luxury jewelry brands Cartier and Harry Winston were distributing charms that the workshop produced.
Business flourished for the next two decades. In 2014, the company closed its doors for good, donating its paperwork, molds and tools to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Find Henry Dankner & Sons rings, necklaces and more jewelry on 1stDibs.
Dankner Sapphire Ruby Vintage Hula Dancer Living Charm - Gold 14k Hawaii Moves
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Dankner Collection: Living Charms Design: Hula Dancer Spins Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphire Treatment: Heating Cut: Round N...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Figural Kinetic Hula Dancer Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage figural gold charm. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a female hula dancer with a lei headband, lei necklace, and a grass skirt. With a jointed waist to the a...
14k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Hammer & Chisel Charm for a Charm Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold charm for a bracelet. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a hammer and chisel. Both hammer and chisel with integral bails and connected to 2 jump rings. S...
14k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Mandolin Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold charm. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a mandolin. With an integral bail and jumpring to the headstock. Simply a wonderful charm! (Chain for display ...
14k Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Mercedes Car Charm
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k yellow gold Mercedes car charm is a perfect gift for a Mercedes lover, car collector or new driver on his or her momentous birthday. An o...
14k Gold
Women’s Vintage Charm Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bradenton, FL
Women’s 14K yellow gold vintage charm bracelet with seven charms. One charm has small pearl, ruby, and sapphire stones. Other charms include gold Kennedy coin, a money bundle, a grou...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Dancer Ballerina Charm Bracelet
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage charm made of 14 karat yellow gold presenting a ballerina/dancer. The charm features a textured surface with intricate details. The item was manufactured in the late 20th c...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Abacus Charm or Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage figural gold charm. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of an abacus or counting frame with moving beads. With an integral bail and jump ring. Simply a wonderful ...
14k Gold
Vintage 14k 18k Gold Charm Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage charm bracelet crafted in 14k and 18k yellow gold, circa 1950s–1960s. This beautifully assembled bracelet captures the nostalgia of mid-century travel and sentiment throug...
14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Slide Charm Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Slide Charm Bracelet - The bracelet contains 10 sliding charms and 1 built in charm clasp. The charms in order from t...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Scorpio Zodiac Charm of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This vintage Scorpio zodiac pendant (circa 1970s) is finely crafted in solid 14k gold, featuring a sculptural scorpion poised against a textured medall...
14k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold & Diamond Figural Airplane Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold charm. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a plane with pave-set diamond accents. With an integral bail and jump ring. Marked to the jump ring. Simply ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Clarinet Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold charm. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a clarinet. Fixed with an integral bail and jump ring. Simply a wonderful vintage charm! (Chain for display p...
14k Gold
Dankner Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Street Car Charm
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Henry Dankner 14k Yellow Gold Whimsical Mechanical Street Car Charm, measuring 3/4 inch in diameter and 1 1/8 inch in height, weighing 16.3 Grams, very detailed with enam...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Yellow Gold and Gem Set Music Box Piano Charm
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s 14K Yellow Gold Piano Charm, possibly by Dankner but no makers mark, measuring 1 1/8 inch in length, 1/2 inch wide and 7/8 inch in height, weighing 20.9 Grams and set wit...
14k Gold
Henry Dankner Vintage Large Lovers Mouse Trap Gold Charm
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Henry Dankner 14K Yellow Gold Lovers Hearts in a mouse Trap Charm, measuring 1 X 5/8 inch and weighing 7.4 Grams. Extremely ...
14k Gold
Vintage Henry Danker Mechanical Large Hula Dancer Yellow Gold Charm
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Henry Dankner 14K Yellow Gold Hula Dancer Charm, measuring 3/4 inch in diameter and 1 1/2 inch in height. very detailed and set with a Ruby and Sapphire. Having a mechanic...
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold