MONET's founders created many jewelry innovations and inventions that remain some of the most popular pieces of jewelry in the world to this day. Her technical understanding also perfected the processing and finishing of metal in the jewelery sector.
Starting with innovations
The Monet jewelry company was founded in 1929 by siblings Michael and Jay Chernow in New York. The brothers began making metal initials and monograms for cars and handbags under the Monocraft name.
The high quality of the metal letters won over customers and soon the Monet brothers also began to sell brooches, pendants and cufflinks with initials. In the 1930s they expanded their product range to include other jewelry such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces. In 1937 the Monet brand was introduced for the jewelry collections. The name Monet was inspired by Claude Monet, a French impressionist. During World War II, the demand for costume jewelry increased and Monet quickly expanded, introducing new designs and materials.
The fabulous years
In the 1950s, Monet's jewelry was typically made of metal and plated with gold or silver. Many pieces were embellished with rhinestones or decorative stones to give them a sparkling and luxurious look. Monet was also known for his intricate and detailed designs, often inspired by nature and art. In the 1950s Monet was one of the largest and most successful jewelry manufacturers in the United States and many women wore Monet jewelry as part of their everyday outfits. In 1959 Monet launched the Monettes collection for young clients. The jewelry was smaller, sportier and more affordable.
In 1962 the very successful Menagerie collection was introduced. Monet's Menagerie collection was a line of jewelry consisting of a variety of animal motifs. For example, jewelry from the Menagerie collection included brooches, pendants and earrings, all designed with animal motifs such as butterflies, cats, dogs, owls, penguins and other animals. The very detailed designs with wire within a metal silhouette appeared here for the first time.
The golden way of inventions
In addition, Monet's two most famous inventions came onto the market in 1962. The innovative, seamless bangle and the creative, detachable charms that adorned the chain link bracelets from then on. Here the designers let off steam and created a variety of jingling bracelets and every imaginable motif for the charms, which were provided with a spring ring clasp for the first time.
In the 1970s, the Chernow family sold the company to General Mills, a large American consumer goods group. Under the new management, the Monet brand was further expanded and developed into one of the most well-known jewelry brands in the world. The constant adherence to high quality standards led Monet to collaborate with Yves Saint Laurent in 1981 and in 1995 they made the jewelry of the designer Christian Lacroix.
Monet creates the high quality jewelry
In 1985 the Monet company was sold again and found itself together with Trifari and Marvella under the Crystal Brands Group. Monet's design in these years was elegant and of high quality, designed for the highest demands.
During the 1990s, Monet experienced a decline in business due to the growing popularity of real gold and silver jewelry, as well as the emergence of new competitors in the costume jewelry market. Despite this, Monet remained an important brand and was acquired by Liz Claiborne Inc. in 1994.