Hammerman Brothers 18 Karat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Wild Cat Brooch

Vintage Hammerman Brothers jewelry is a visual feast. Whether modern or retro in style, the pieces created by this fine American jewelry house include everything from audacious cocktail rings in yellow gold to expressive animal brooches set with diamonds and rubies. A member of the Hammerman family oversees the production of every piece, and each accessory is stamped with the Hammerman Brothers maker's mark.

The Hammerman Brothers company traces its history back to the 1780s when a young man left Eastern Europe to become a watchmaker. Fast-forward to the 1930s in New York City: three of his descendants — brothers Benjamin, Bernard and Hyman Hammerman — found themselves working on Bowery Street, then a prominent hub for American diamond jewelry. After serving in the army in World War II, the brothers opened their own fine watch and jewelry company in 1946.

The company's breakthrough design came in the 1950s when Benjamin Hammerman created a line of women's bracelets that incorporated a watch. Decorative watches are considered by some to be among the world’s most versatile accessories, and the goal at the Hammerman firm was to elevate a simple, everyday necessity into a piece of fine jewelry, and it worked. Over the subsequent decade, Hammerman Brothers created numerous bracelet watches, and during the 1960s, the company designed gold bracelet watches for the Accutron. Developed by American watchmaker Bulova, the Accutron was the world's first watch that made use of a tuning fork to keep accurate time. 

The Hammerman Brothers brand has only continued to grow in fame and prestige. The company’s jewelry is in high demand at auctions, and vintage Hammerman Brothers rings are frequently sought after as wedding bands. The company is still family-run, with a store located in New York City.

On 1stDibs, find Hammerman Brothers necklaces, rings, brooches and more.