Paul Flato Necklaces
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.
1980s American Vintage Paul Flato Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Paul Flato Necklaces
Emerald, Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Paul Flato Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Paul Flato Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Paul Flato Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Retro Paul Flato Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Paul Flato Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Paul Flato Necklaces
Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paul Flato Necklaces
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Paul Flato Necklaces
Coral, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
20th Century French Paul Flato Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century French Paul Flato Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Paul Flato Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 1900s Victorian Antique Paul Flato Necklaces
10k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century American Paul Flato Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1940s American Vintage Paul Flato Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold