It was a beautiful, fall day in New York City, and I was just finishing a personal appearance at the Saks 5^th Avenue flagship store in the city. When visiting in New York, I would always try to take a different route coming and going to the hotel to give me a chance to explore more of the city. On this day, feeling a little tired and anxious to get back to the hotel, I decided to take the shortest route, which was walking straight down 5^th Ave., the same street on which Tiffany’s is located.

Spring market week was quickly approaching, and I had already been called by a couple of my showrooms asking when my spring sample line was arriving.  I did not have the slightest idea as I really had not designed anything as of yet. It had been a very busy season and it had been all I could do to keep up with the orders, run my workshop, make personal appearances, stay in touch with customers and collect bills! Remember, this was the time before cell phones, internet, and credit cards! It was a challenge!

Always curious about design, I slowed down as I approached Tiffany’s and stopped to look in the window. The store was closed but in the window was an advertisement of the current show, which was of antique diamonds, with a few examples in the window. I took one look at the tiny, intricate shapes in the window and flash of light went off in my head! What if I just updated these lovely shapes and made them more contemporary and fashionable? What if I made sets, necklaces with earrings to match? And there it was, clear as the diamonds themselves, my spring line!

Of all the jewelry that I have designed, this group proved to be one of the most popular and enduring.  Expertly hand- crafted, and hand-dyed in the current fashion shades, these pieces have not only stood the test of time but are the most recognizable and identifiable in the vintage market. Both the necklaces and earrings, at the time retailed between $55 to $75. Today, the necklaces retail between $800 to $1,500, and the earrings, the same, if, you can find them!

Do you have a set, a necklace, or earrings? If so, and if you would be like to be showcased on our website, please send us a picture of you, in your Judith Hendler creation, and we will post it.

Thank you for your interest in Judith Hendler Jewelry. Should you have a question, please email us at: [email protected].