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.
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Enamel Hand Painted Turquoise Ruby Diamond Maharaja Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This Maharaja bangle bracelet features unique hand painted miniature art set with 14K gold and sterling silver. It is set with 2.45 carats rubies and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Enamel, 14k Gold
$10,000
H 0.44 in W 2.37 in L 2.41 in
Dragon Diamond Pave Pink Tourmaline Ruby Rose White Gold Animal Bangle Bracelet
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Dimensions: 6.10x6.00x1.10cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "9 White Diamonds 0.15 CT 142 Fancy Diamonds 1.25 CT 2 Ruby 0.08 CT 1 Tourmaline 0.52 CT 18KR 19.37 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold ...
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Ruby and Diamond Black Enamel Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Red Ruby Diamond Bull Bracelet is a stunning piece of jewelry that exemplifies the extraordinary cr...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
ROBERTO COIN Enamel Ruby Diamond White Gold Cobra Bangle Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold "Cobra" Diamond & Ruby Enamel Bangle Bracelet by Roberto Coin. With round brilliant cut diamonds VS2 clarity G color total weight approximately 1.54ct Details: Weight...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$5,400
W 0.76 in L 6.69 in
Antique Russian 2.86 Carat Diamond Synthetic Ruby and Enamel and Gold Bangle
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Russian synthetic ruby and 2.86 carat diamond, enamel and 18 karat yellow and white gold bangle; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique bracelet has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting. The articulated 18k yellow gold frame is embellished with green enamel decoration. A feature 18k white gold setting is displayed between the enamel decoration. The white gold setting displays a central round mixed cut synthetic ruby. The ruby is flanked on either side by a total of ten Old European cut and thirty Dutch cut diamonds. The articulated bracelet secures with an integrated push fit clasp. This Russian diamond bracelet...
Ruby, Diamond, Enamel, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mughal Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Bangle
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Indian 18th century Mughal 22k gold bangle with kundan set diamonds and rubies, featuring fine enamel work. The enamels bold an bright with abstract...
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Gold, Enamel
An Important 18 Carat Gold Diamond and Enamel Souvenir Bracelet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sentimental jewellery and jewels with messages, such as 'Forget Me Not', 'Spes' or 'Souvenir', were hugely popular during the Victoria era. These mottos would recall a Grand Tour or ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Gold And Enamel Snake Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This eye-catching vintage bangle takes the form of a slithering snake. The handcrafted gold and black enamel bracelet perfectly simulates the scaly skin of the captivating reptile, a...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Enamel Ruby Diamond Lotus Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning bracelet handmade in 14K gold & sterling silver features unique hand painted miniature art set. It is set in .95 carats ruby & 1.91 carats diamonds. FOLLOW MEGH...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Greek Diamond Ruby Enamel Gold Chimera Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An 18k gold Greek made Chimera bracelet, adorned with enamel, ruby eyes and approximately 0.12ctw H/VS diamonds. Bracelet will fit approximately 6.5" wrist ( small to medium size) , ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Soho Enamel Diamond Bracelet 18k Gold
By SOHO
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate SOHO Enamel Bracelet in 18K Gold. Diamond 0.82ctw (G VS) 6.5" Circumference
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Black Enamel Bangle Bracelet with Ruby Heart
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Enamel Bangle Bracelet with Ruby Heart Designer: J Dauphin 14k Gold plate with hand painted Black Enamel and a dangling heart set with a ruby. The inscription on this bangle...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
PAUL FLATO Double Longhorn Bracelet
By Paul Flato
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare 18K Yellow Gold Double Longhorn Bracelet by Paul Flato,finely detailed, textured finish, Ruby set eyes. Will fit most any wrist. As pictured in the Paul Flato Book.
Ruby, 18k Gold