^{Image of Kutchinsky Jewellery Set Of 2 Original Adverts 1976 (ref AD6259) via the Nostalgia shop}

Over the years, Roseberys Jewellery & Watches department has celebrated a 100% sell-through rate on lots by the House of Kutchinsky.

Within Roseberys upcoming Jewellery & Watches auction on Tuesday, 30 November, we are excited to present five lots by the jewellery powerhouse Kutchinsky, once again to the market.

^{A suite of gold diamond and ruby Jewellery, by Kutchinsky, comprising: an 18ct gold brooch of swirl design with matching earrings, randomly set with rubies and diamonds , all signed Kutchinsky, London hallmarks for 18-carat gold.1977 on offer at Roseberys Jewellery & Watches auction on Tuesday, 30 November 2021}

From modest beginnings in the East End of London, to becoming a Post-World War II jewellery powerhouse, that became internationally renowned, the story of Kutchinsky is inspirational.

Here we explore the rise of the brand, who quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality jewels, designed using platinum and diamonds, reflecting the current motifs of the era. 

Early days 

The Kutchinsky business was established in 1893, during a time of austerity, when Hirsch Kutchinsky arrived in England, having fled Poland along with his family. The family brought with them years of experience in the jewellery trade, having served as jewellers to the court of Ludwig of Bavaria. Upon arriving, they quickly set up shop in the East End of London on Commercial Road, where they became well known for their fine platinum and diamond jewellery. This shop soon became a mecca for lovers of fine jewellery. 

^{Suite of gold and diamond-set Jewellery, by Kutchinsky, comprising: a brooch of flowerhead cluster design with diamond stem with matching earrings, signed Kutchinsky with maker's marks and London hallmarks for 18-carat gold, c.1970 on offer at Roseberys Jewellery & Watches auction on Tuesday, 30 November, 2021}

Family ties 

In 1928, Hirsch’s son Joseph joined the firm. At the young age of 14, he was already a skilled diamond cutter. Despite his young age, Joseph was a natural salesperson and worked to instil the core values of the business – quality products, aesthetic beauty and excellent customer service – into everything the brand produced. With a combination of his business and jewellery technical skills, he ensured the company’s continued success. Joseph got married in 1940, right before he left to fight in the Second World War. Upon returning from the war, he went on to lead his family’s firm to great success. Under his leadership, Kutchinsky Jewellery quickly gained a reputation for being extravagant, theatrical and exuberant, during a time to celebrate the end of the war and the availability of luxury goods. 

Kutchinsky Style

Much of the jewellery they made during the late 1940s and 1950s was tenaciously ostentatious and an apparent celebration of the end of wartime. Jewellery such as, brooches, bangles, earrings and rings were all encrusted with diamonds, scattered with coloured gems or set with bright corals and turquoises. Jewellery was rendered in 18ct yellow gold and gem-set or coloured with enamel. Stylistically, the brand is intrinsically linked with experimentation. Fanciful designs of animals, birds and flowers have become synonymous with the name Kutchinsky. Many pieces have a sculptural quality, watches with lapis lazuli or malachite faces. Definitely jewellery to be noticed.

^{A lady’s 18-carat gold diamond set bracelet watch, by Jaeger LeCoultre, for Kutchinsky on offer at Roseberys Jewellery & Watches auction on Tuesday, 30 November 2021}

Moving West 

In 1958, seeing the steady decline of business within the London’s East End location, Joseph relocated the business to Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, in West London. This neighbourhood was better suited to the growth of the business and more in line with the up-market clients who bought from the brand. In West London, there was a renewed success.

The Next Generation

Joseph took on his two sons after they had finished their studies, Roger and Paul, and the family business continued to flourish. London’s premium clientele, as well as customers from around the globe, as far as the Middle East, sought after out the designs created by Kutchinsky. The Middle East proved particularly profitable, until the invasion of Kuwait and the war that followed.

In 1991, faced with devastating financial losses, Kutchinsky sold their business to Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd., a rival London jeweller.

^{A lady’s 18-carat gold diamond and ruby set bracelet watch, by Jaeger LeCoultre, for Kutchinsky at Roseberys Jewellery & Watches auction on Tuesday, 30 November 2021}

Kutchinsky today
Today, Kutchinsky Jewellery stands out against a backdrop of mass-produced items. Its uniqueness is a leading factor in the brand’s timeless and iconic status and has also contributed significantly to the demand for the jewellery. Because of its symbolic link with a specific period in British history, Kutchinsky Jewellery is highly sought-after in the antique world. Its rarity makes it even more valuable.

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