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 Rare 14K Yellow Gold Mechanical Carousel Charm Highly Collectible
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Vintage Spinning Carousel Pendant – Highly Collectible Extremely rare 14K solid yellow gold mechanical carousel charm by Dankner, known for producing some of the finest and most coll...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold Poodle Dog Charm #17984
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Poodle Charm This adorable charm depicts a poodle in 14K yellow gold with a blue enamel bow. Perfect for celebrating your furry friend or embracing your love for all...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold Whistle Charm #25555
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Whistle Charm Celebrate leadership, sportsmanship, or a passion for coaching with this beautifully crafted 14K Yellow Gold Whistle Charm. Made from 14-karat yellow g...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Sunglasses Charm #26112
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Sunglasses Charm - Add a stylish touch to your collection with this 14K yellow gold sunglasses charm. Featuring a playful, polished design, it’s the perfect accessor...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 13k Yellow Gold and Enamel Wind Up Carousel Charm
Located in New York, NY
This vintage charm is a wonderfully whimsical and highly collectible piece, designed as a wind up carousel in warm 13k yellow gold with enamel detail. Novelty charms are especially a...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Yellow Gold Cross Charm - 14k Faith
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Theme: Cross, Faith Measurements Tall (from stationary bail): 17/32" (13.2mm) Tall (from extended bail): 5/8" (15.8mm) Wide: 9/32" (6.9mm) Top Width...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Collectible 14k Yellow Gold 3D Detailed Operable Car Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 5.16 Grams Overall Width: 7.86mm (0.30") (doors closed) - 16.31mm (0.64") (doors opened) Overall Height: 28.07mm (1.10") (including bail) Bail Diame...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Duck Charm #25623
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Duck Charm - Add a playful touch to your jewelry collection with this 14K yellow gold duck charm. Expertly crafted with charming details, this delightful piece is pe...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Charm Bracelet with 7 Multicolored Enamel Egg Charms in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
You will absolutely fall in love with this incredible vintage charm bracelet. Featuring 7 colorful egg charms, each one is totally unique in design. Done primarily in colored enamel,...
Diamond, Garnet, Malachite, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Yellow Gold Diploma Charm - 14k Graduate Gift
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Theme: Diploma, Graduate Gift, Academic Measurements Tall (from stationary bail): 1 1/8" (28.2mm) Wide: 1/4" (5.6mm) Interior of top bail opening me...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Beach Slide Flip Flop Charm #14301
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Beach Slide Charm Take a trip to the beach with this adorable pink enamel beach slide charm! Size: 18.6 mm X 7.1 mm Weight: 1.5 g/1.0 dwt Hallmark: 14K OD...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Safe Charm
Located in New York, NY
This vintage charm is a wonderfully playful and highly collectible miniature, designed as a safe in rich 14k yellow gold. Novelty charms are especially appealing because they capture...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Archer Charm #17434
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Archer Charm Meticulously detailed archer in 14K yellow gold. Tested 14K. Weight: 1.42 dwt/ 2.21 g Length w/ Bail: 26.6 mm Size: 21.68 mm X 10.12 mm X 4.05 mm V...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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