Born in 1905 in Chicago, Eugene Joseff was a man of many talents. Before making his way to Hollywood, he worked as an advertising executive and even designed aircraft parts during World War II. However, it was his foray into the world of jewelry that would eventually make him a household name as Joseff of Hollywood. We take a brief look at the life of Joseff of Hollywood, his iconic jewelry designs created for the over 1,000 films he was custom designer on, and his more affordable costume jewellery past and present.

In the late 1920s, Eugene Joseff left behind his career in advertising and the Midwest’s economic challenges in search of better opportunities. He ventured to Los Angeles, a city where the motion-picture industry thrived, and where his charisma and talent would lead him to make a lasting impact. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Joseff befriended the renowned costume designer Walter Plunkett, whose work inspired him to explore the world of jewelry making for Hollywood films. Drawing upon his foundry apprenticeship experience, Joseff began experimenting with jewelry creation in the garage of his Sunset Boulevard home.

Joseff’s creations were the epitome of opulence, yet they were also masterful illusions. His innovative techniques included the use of a unique gold-plating process that resulted in a matte finish, minimizing glare under the bright studio lights. Joseff’s attention to detail was meticulous, and his designs often featured semi-precious stones and elaborate filigree work, contributing to the lavish appearance of his pieces. Additionally, his extensive reference library enabled him to design historically accurate pieces, making him an invaluable resource for costume designers. As a result, he became the go-to costume jeweler in Hollywood, creating, manufacturing, and renting jewelry to movie studios under the brand name Joseff of Hollywood.

Joseff’s remarkable designs graced the necks, wrists, and ears of some of the most famous actresses of the time, including Marlene Dietrich in “Shanghai Express,” Greta Garbo in “Camille,” and Vivien Leigh in “Gone with the Wind.” These early masterpieces solidified his reputation as the premier jeweler in the industry. Joseff’s work continued to shine as he designed pieces for iconic actresses such as Elizabeth Taylor in “Cleopatra,” Rita Hayworth in “Gilda,” and Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” These collaborations would come to define his legacy and further establish the stars as the epitome of Hollywood glamour.

The Elizabeth Taylor Connection – Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most revered actresses of her time, was often adorned in Joseff’s stunning creations. In the film “Cleopatra” (1963), Joseff provided an array of exquisite jewels that were the embodiment of ancient Egyptian opulence. Taylor’s iconic serpent bracelet, featuring a coiled snake adorned with emerald-green rhinestones, and her magnificent headdress, dripping with gold chains and beads, were both designed by Joseff, and became emblematic of the role that would define her career.

Rita Hayworth’s Dazzling Style – Joseff’s collaboration with Rita Hayworth in “Gilda” (1946) was another instance of his unparalleled ability to capture the essence of a character through jewelry. Hayworth’s stunning necklaces, earrings, and bracelets played a crucial role in establishing her character’s alluring and mysterious persona. In the famous “Put the Blame on Mame” scene, Hayworth’s cascading diamond earrings, designed by Joseff, further accentuated her sultry performance.

Marilyn Monroe’s Timeless Elegance – Marilyn Monroe, the embodiment of Hollywood glamour, was another muse for Joseff of Hollywood. His creations for Monroe included the iconic “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953) scene, where she wore a dazzling diamond necklace while singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Joseff also designed the rhinestone earrings and bracelets she wore in “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953), further enhancing her image as the epitome of grace and charm.

Julien’s Auction Joseff of Hollywood Treasures from the Vault in 2017 featured 500 Pieces of Jewelry Worn by Screen Legends of Hollywood’s Golden Era: Vivien Leigh, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, and Grace Kelly. The Julien’s site is well worth a visit especially to view the flip book version of their amazing catalogue produced for the auction, which shows many photographs of the stars wearing the jewelry.

In addition to creating custom designs for the film industry, Joseff of Hollywood ventured into the world of retail, offering a stunning line of jewelry for the public. The Joseff of Hollywood Retail Line allowed admirers of the brand’s exquisite film pieces to bring a touch of Hollywood glamour into their own lives. These beautiful, ready-to-wear pieces retained the same level of craftsmanship, artistry, and attention to detail that defined Joseff’s iconic designs for the silver screen. The retail line expanded Joseff of Hollywood’s reach beyond the film studios, making his timeless creations accessible to a wider audience and solidifying the brand’s enduring legacy in the world of fashion and jewelry design.

Eugene Joseff’s life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in 1948, but his influence on jewelry design and Hollywood glamour endures. His wife, Joan Castle Joseff, took over the company and continued to preserve his legacy until her death in 2010. Today, Joseff of Hollywood’s pieces remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, serving as a testament to the timeless allure of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the man who played a crucial role in defining its glittering style.

Related
The Joseff of Hollywood web site
Joseff Of Hollywood Treasures From The Vault – Auction at Julien’s Auctions including
Joseff of Hollywood Costume Jewelry on ebay