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.
Rare Paul Flato Imperio Mexicano 1866 One Peso Solid 18k Gold Pendant Watch
By Paul Flato
Located in St. Louis, MO
This extraordinarily rare and highly important vintage Paul Flato convertible pendant-brooch watch is a spectacular relic from the legendary designer’s celebrated Mexican period, cir...
Crystal, Gold
$4,950
H 0.25 in Dm 1.125 in
Vintage Mexican 20 Pesos 1959 Gold Coin Pendant in Ornate Gold Rope Bezel
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking vintage Mexican gold coin pendant featuring a 1959 Mexico 20 Pesos “Azteca” gold coin, beautifully mounted within an ornate gold bezel. #5775 The obverse of the coin depic...
Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ladies 18-Carat Gold Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Elegant vintage Tiffany & Co. manual wind dress watch made with 18-karat yellow gold. It is slender and has a soft rectangular design.
Gold
$6,995
H 9.26 in Dm 1.26 in
Audemars Piguet Ultra-Thin 18K Yellow Gold Watch Circa 1954 - ORIGINAL CONDITION
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Encino, CA
Audemars Piguet Ultra-Thin 18K Yellow Gold Dress Watch, Circa 1954 An exceptionally refined vintage Audemars Piguet Genève wristwatch, created during one of the most elegant periods...
Gold
$13,500
H 2.5 in W 1 in D 0.5 in
Antique Patek Philippe Pearl And Diamond Ladies Pendant Watch In 18K Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Norwood, NJ
An exceptional antique ladies pendant watch by Patek Philippe, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and lavishly adorned with natural seed pear...
Gold
$341,623
H 3.55 in W 2.56 in D 0.6 in
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 92115, a very fine, unique 18K pink gold pocket watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 92115, an extremely fine and unique 18K pink gold pocket watch Swiss-made, October 2001, Height 9cm, width 6.5cm, depth 1.5cm Open: height 9cm, width 13cm, d...
Gold
Barovier e Toso Book 184 Illustrations from 1866-1972
By Marina Barovier
Located in Sacile, PN
Barovier e Toso book by Marina Barovier 1993. 212 pages with 184 colored illustractions from 1866-1972.
Paper
$163,979
H 3.55 in W 2.56 in D 0.6 in
Parmigiani Fleurier, 'Nubia', Extremely Fine, Unique 18k Pink Gold Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
Parmigiani Fleurier, 'Nubia' - an extremely fine and unique 18K pink gold pocket watch Swiss, Early 21st Century Measures: Height 9cm, width 6.5cm, depth 1.5cm Open: height 9.5cm,...
Onyx, Gold
$4,571
H 0.2 in W 1.03 in D 8.9 in
Mid Century Wrist Watch by Baume & Mercier in 18K yellow gold, Switzerland 1970s
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a sleek Mid Century Modern wrist watch by Baume & Mercier. This Tank model is part of their broader Hampton collection known for its rectangular, Art De...
Gold
The Works Of Lord Macaulay, 1866, Volumes 6 Of 8
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The Works of Lord Macaulay, complete in 8 volumes, was published in 1866 by D. Appleton & Co. in New York. This collection was edited by his sister, Lady Trevelyan, and is a comprehe...
Leather, Paper
French Gold Bubble Pendant Watch w/ Skeleton View by Avril w/ 14K Gold Chain
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This exquisite gold Avril Bubble Pendant Watch features a clear glass dome that showcases its intricate inner workings. The Saturn-like rings around the face ...
Gold
Movado of Enamel 18k Pocket Watch
By Movado
Located in Toledo, OH
Movado of Enamel 18K Pocket Watch. 20th century. Enameled front and back case. Winged griffins and wheat borders designs. 15 Jewel Movement. Serial Number 34978. Case is marked 750. ...
Gold
$3,142
H 1.97 in W 1.19 in D 0.52 in
Victorian Sweetheart locket pendant 18K gold diamonds pearls amethyst glass past
By Chanel, Cartier, Christian Dior
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique 19th century 18K gold sweetheart locket pendant with purple glass paste and natural certified diamonds and pearls In the center of the purple glass paste amethyst the letter ...
Amethyst, Gold
$36,057
H 1.97 in Dm 1.19 in
Leonard Bordier 18K Gold Pocket Watch with Pearls and Enamel – Made for the Chin
Located in Madrid, ES
An exquisite late 18th-century pocket watch signed by Leonard Bordier, crafted circa 1790, in 18K gold with fine enamel work and adorned with original pearls. This exceptional piece ...
Gold
Super Rare U.S. One Design Racing Sloop Blueprint
Located in Norwell, MA
U.S. One-Design blueprint with legend plate titled "U.S. One Design." "One Design Racing Sloop" cabin construction plan, scale 1" equals 1 foot, drawn by C.A.A., traced by J.W.D., Jo...
Paper
$10,285Sale Price|50% Off
H 2.05 in W 2.05 in D 0.6 in
Watches - 18K Gold Pocket Watch - Humbert Ramuz & Co.
Located in Porto, PT
Watches - 18K Gold Pocket Watch - Humbert Ramuz & Co. Swiss; Humbert Ramuz & Co; with 18kt gold case with guilloché decoration and cartouche surrounded by vegetal elements; w...
Gold