The Story Behind the Vintage Miriam Haskell Findings The Quarry Shop Uses
- Kelly
- May 8
- 2 min read
There is something deeply special about creating jewelry with pieces that already carry a history.
At The Quarry Shop, some of our designs feature rare vintage findings and beads originally connected to the legendary world of Miriam Haskell jewelry — one of the most iconic names in American costume jewelry design.
Long before fast fashion jewelry existed, Miriam Haskell pieces were known for extraordinary craftsmanship, intricate handwork, and romantic design. Beginning in the 1920s, Haskell jewelry became celebrated for its layered textures, detailed filigree, hand-wired construction, and the use of exceptional materials sourced from around the world.
Many of the vintage components we use today were discovered through old warehouse collections in Rhode Island and New York — remnants from a remarkable era in jewelry manufacturing history. Some date back decades and include handcrafted filigree findings, ornate metalwork, and vintage Japanese-made glass beads once used in designs inspired by the Haskell tradition.
Among the most treasured are the vintage “Cherry Brand” beads, handmade in Japan during the late 1940s and early 1950s. These beads are admired by collectors for their luminous finishes, exceptional quality, and delicate craftsmanship. Their beauty is difficult to replicate today, which makes each remaining strand increasingly rare.
When we incorporate these elements into a design, we are not simply creating jewelry.
We are preserving artistry.
Each piece becomes a bridge between past and present — blending vintage history with modern heirloom design. No two pieces are ever exactly alike, because many of these components can no longer be reproduced.
That rarity matters to us.
In a world increasingly driven by mass production, we believe there is beauty in slowing down and creating jewelry with meaning, history, and intention. Using vintage findings also reflects our commitment to thoughtful sourcing and sustainability by honoring and reimagining existing materials rather than contributing to disposable production.
Many of these pieces appear within our Atelier and Maison de Bijoux collections, where old-world romance and craftsmanship remain at the heart of every design.
When you wear one of these creations, you are wearing more than jewelry.
You are wearing a small piece of artistic history — thoughtfully rediscovered, carefully preserved, and given new life.
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Nice blog. I look forward to your emails but miss the coffee. Will you bring coffee back?