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Paul Flato Jewelry

American, 1900-1999

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.

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Creator: Paul Flato
Paul Flato Imperio Gold Coin Pendant Brooch Watch
Paul Flato Imperio Gold Coin Pendant Brooch Watch

Paul Flato Imperio Gold Coin Pendant Brooch Watch

By Paul Flato

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1950 Paul Flato Iconic Gold Coin Watch, measuring 2 3/8 inches in length and 1 3/4 inches wide. The entire piece is 18k Yellow Gold with the authentic and all hand cut out for ...

Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold

Paul Flato Gold, Multicolored Enamel, Ruby, and Diamond Dragon Bracelet
Paul Flato Gold, Multicolored Enamel, Ruby, and Diamond Dragon Bracelet

Paul Flato Gold, Multicolored Enamel, Ruby, and Diamond Dragon Bracelet

By Paul Flato

Located in New York, NY

A stunning creation by legendary designer Paul Flato, this Coiled Dragon Bracelet exemplifies the opulence and meticulous craftsmanship that define his work. Crafted in two-tone gold...

Category

20th Century American Retro Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch
FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch

FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch

By Paul Flato

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This unusual watch clock was created by Paul Flato in New York in the 1930s. Paul Flato was famous for his whimsical imaginative designs. In the 1930's, he counted both socialites ...

Category

1930s American Vintage Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Paul Flato Diamond Leaf Brooch
Paul Flato Diamond Leaf Brooch

Paul Flato Diamond Leaf Brooch

By Paul Flato

Located in Bethesda, MD

From Paul Flato, an elegant diamond leaf brooch. The platinum brooch is comprised of 250 round diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 carats and 14 ...

Category

1930s American Vintage Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum

Flato Mid-Century Gold Aquamarine Ruby Diamond Spray Brooch
Flato Mid-Century Gold Aquamarine Ruby Diamond Spray Brooch

Flato Mid-Century Gold Aquamarine Ruby Diamond Spray Brooch

By Paul Flato

Located in New York, NY

American jeweler Paul Flato captured the hearts of royalty, New York society and Hollywood in the 1930s and 40s with his important diamond and colored stone jewels. This dramatic and...

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Mid-20th Century American Modern Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Paul Flato 1940 Deco Retro Brooch Platinum 27.09 Ctw Color Sapphires & Diamonds
Paul Flato 1940 Deco Retro Brooch Platinum 27.09 Ctw Color Sapphires & Diamonds

Paul Flato 1940 Deco Retro Brooch Platinum 27.09 Ctw Color Sapphires & Diamonds

By Paul Flato

Located in Miami, FL

A brooch designed by Paul Flato. An exceptional and very rare masterpiece, created In New York city back in the 1940, during the American art deco and the retro periods. This colorful elegant brooch has been designed by the famous jeweler Paul Flato. Crafted in solid .900/.999 platinum with high polished finish and fitted at the reverse with a hinged double pins with a trombone lock for safety. It is fully embellished with an exceptional repertoire of natural, earth mined and not treated or heated color gemstones. Diamonds: Mount in four-prongs settings with 12 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, 1.26 carats, white colorless E/F color, VS-1 clarity. Diamonds: Mount in flat settings with 12 European round brilliant cut diamonds 0.84 carats, white colorless E/F color, VS-1 clarity. Diamonds: Mount in channel settings with 56 caliber straight baguettes diamonds cut, 3.36 carats, white colorless E/F color, VS-1 clarity. Sapphires: Mounted in four-prongs settings with 21 color sapphires such; Blue (5), Yellow (4), Pink (5), Purple (2), Violet (3), Green (1) and Red (1). The total combined weight is 21.63 carats. Weight: 23.95Grams, (15.35 Dwt). Measurements: 57 mm by 33 mm (2.25 x 1.31 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the platinum assay mark and signed, "PAUL FLATO". Paul Edmund Flato born on September 1, 1900. He was an American jeweler, based in New York City from the 1920's to the early 1940's. Considered the first celebrity jeweler, he was well known for important jewelry, and as an early proponent of whimsical pieces. His long list of movie star clients included Greta Garbo, Mae West, Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford, Doris Duke, Ginger Rogers, Carmen Miranda, Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Gloria Vanderbilt—many of whom wore his pieces on screen. Soon after moving to New York, he opened his own upstairs jewelry shop at One East 57th Street, at the corner of 5th Avenue in Manhattan. Several years later, Tiffany & Co. opened its flagship store directly across the street. Before long, Paul Flato was "one of the best known jewelers in New York", the only one whose "highly imaginative work (was) on a par with European jewelers...

Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...

Paul Flato Emerald Gold Leaf Brooch Pendant
Paul Flato Emerald Gold Leaf Brooch Pendant

Paul Flato Emerald Gold Leaf Brooch Pendant

By Paul Flato

Located in New York, NY

18k yellow gold brooch/pendant by Paul Flato, depicting leaves, decorated with vibrant emeralds. Brooch measures 2.5" x 2.5". Marked with Paul Flato signature. Weight - 26.1 grams.

Category

20th Century American Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Gold

PAUL FLATO 1940 Shoe Brooch In 18Kt Gold, Platinum, Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies
PAUL FLATO 1940 Shoe Brooch In 18Kt Gold, Platinum, Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies

PAUL FLATO 1940 Shoe Brooch In 18Kt Gold, Platinum, Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies

By Paul Flato

Located in Miami, FL

A brooch designed by Paul Flato. This is a fabulous brooch-clip created during the late American art-deco period by the famous jewelry designer Paul Flato, back in the 1935-1940. Th...

Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Flato Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold...

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Previously Available Items
Flato 18K Gold Open Circle Link Necklace, 1960s
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This vintage Flato 18k gold necklace features a continuous strand of open circle links. Each link is a rounded open ring with a raised, twisted‑ridge surface that gives the gold a rope‑like texture and dimensional look, joined by small polished gold connectors. The design forms a repeating pattern that lies smoothly around the neck. Measuring approximately 27 inches in length and 1/2 inch wide, and weighing about 106.5 grams, the necklace has a substantial presence while remaining comfortable for daytime or evening wear. The reverse of one link is signed Flato, confirming the maker. This 18K gold circle link chain is ideal for collectors of signed vintage jewelry...

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1980s American Vintage Paul Flato Jewelry

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Located in New York, NY

A classic vintage Paul Flato 14 k Curb Link Gold Bracelet signed . Paul Flato was a prolific designer known for his unique and edgy style, although this is a ...

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1950s Retro Vintage Paul Flato Jewelry

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Attributed to Paul Flato Retro Gold Shoe Posy Brooch

Attributed to Paul Flato Retro Gold Shoe Posy Brooch

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Located in New York, NY

A Retro gold posy brooch in the form of a shoe holding a hand blown glass vessel, in 14k. Attributed to Paul Flato. Cf. Bray, Elizabeth Irvine, Paul Flato; Jeweler to the Stars, Woo...

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Paul Flato Platinum & 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Pair of Shoe Clip Bro
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Located in New York, NY

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Paul Flato Attributed Yellow Gold Enamel Envelope Charm Pendant
Paul Flato Attributed Yellow Gold Enamel Envelope Charm Pendant

Paul Flato Attributed Yellow Gold Enamel Envelope Charm Pendant

By Paul Flato

Located in London, GB

A 14 karat yellow gold charm pendant designed as a sealed envelope with enamel postmarks for New York. Marked 14K with abraded marks to the jump ring. Attributed to Paul Flato whose ...

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Paul Flato 1940s Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Paul Flato 1940s Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring

Paul Flato 1940s Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring

By Paul Flato

Located in New York, NY

A Retro gold and cushion-cut yellow sapphire ring in a coiled wirework surround and flanked by six pear-shaped diamonds, in 18k. Paul Flato. Atw. 2.70 ct. diamonds; approximately 7...

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Paul Flato Pair of ‘Nut & Bolt’ 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cufflinks, circa 1960
Paul Flato Pair of ‘Nut & Bolt’ 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cufflinks, circa 1960

Paul Flato Pair of ‘Nut & Bolt’ 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cufflinks, circa 1960

By Paul Flato

Located in London, GB

A whimsical pair of 18 carat yellow gold ‘Nut & Bolt’ cufflinks by Paul Flato c.1960s, each designed as a large bolt with slotted domed circular head and threaded stem with removable...

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Paul Flato Chic Woven Gold Cuff Bracelet
Paul Flato Chic Woven Gold Cuff Bracelet

Paul Flato Chic Woven Gold Cuff Bracelet

By Paul Flato

Located in San Antonio, TX

18k gol d cuff in a basket weave design . Signed PAUL FLATO.

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18k Gold

Paul Flato Citrine Ruby Diamond Gold Retro Clip Pin Brooch
Paul Flato Citrine Ruby Diamond Gold Retro Clip Pin Brooch

Paul Flato Citrine Ruby Diamond Gold Retro Clip Pin Brooch

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Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Fabulous and chic clip created by Paul Flato in the 1940's. Features a nice emerald cut citrine set in 14 karat (stamped) rose and yellow gold accented with round faceted rubies and ...

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Paul Flato jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Paul Flato jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Paul Flato jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Paul Flato diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 7, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 9 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Boucher Jewelers, Joseff Hollywood, and Alice Caviness. Prices for Paul Flato jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,046 and tops out at $39,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $22,000.