Robert is perhaps best known for its Haskell-inspired pieces, which feature faux pearls, colored glass and crystal rhinestone in gilded filigree metalwork . It also produced a wide range of cold-enamel pieces and these are rare and collectible today.
Robert designs have natural and floral motifs with the use of faux pearls, colored glass, crystal beads, and high quality imported rhinestones set on gilded filigree open wire and openwork mountings. The company’s advertisement in the 1940s indicated that the jewelry was hand crafted with fine details that possibly expert jewelers could mistake the stones for genuine precious jewels. Because of its excellent design, workmanship and materials, the jewelry sold at a high price. In the mid 40's a pin and earring set would sell for around $50.00.
The firm supplied jewelry to the motion picture industry. Including jewelry for the 1952 Oscar nominated Elia Kazan "Viva Zapata" featuring Marlon Brando and Jean Peters. Most pieces are signed, though with varying trademarks. “Original by Robert” was used from 1942 to 1979, when Jaffe’s daughter Ellen took over the company, changing the company name to Ellen Designs.
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