La Tausca Pearls & Their Jeweled Presentation Boxes

La Tausca Pearls represented the pinnacle of high-quality faux pearls, a name that became synonymous with elegance and refinement throughout the first half of the 20th century. The brand was a collaborative creation, its name cleverly drawn from the surnames of its founding companies: Low-TAUSsig-KArpeles — a fusion of Martin Low & Taussig, Maurice J. Karpeles, and L. Heller & Son Inc., all based in Providence, Rhode Island, a historic hub for American jewelry manufacturing.

First appearing around 1909 in an Albert Walker jewelry catalog, La Tausca pearls quickly became a sought-after staple, admired for their luminous, lifelike sheen that rivaled natural pearls. These were no ordinary imitations; the artisans behind La Tausca devoted themselves to crafting pearls that captured the subtle iridescence and weight of genuine ocean-grown gems. Their meticulous process, though secretive, was likely inspired by advancements in European pearl-making techniques, particularly those from Paris, which were renowned for producing the most realistic simulated pearls of the era.

La Tausca’s prestige was further cemented by its flagship store on Fifth Avenue, New York City — a prime location that placed the brand among the most luxurious jewelers of its time. It wasn’t merely costume jewelry; owning La Tausca pearls was a mark of sophistication, appealing to women who desired the look of fine pearls without the exorbitant cost. Their popularity soared through the roaring ‘20s and beyond, gracing the necks of fashionable women from bustling Manhattan soirées to elegant garden parties.

In 1956, the La Tausca brand evolved, merging with Deltah Pearls — another respected name in faux pearls — to form Heller-Deltah. This merger marked a new chapter for the company, blending La Tausca’s legacy of quality with Deltah’s own reputation for craftsmanship. Eventually, the La Tausca division found a new home under the Arlan Jewelry Company, ensuring the name endured for decades longer.

La Tausca Pearls weren’t just jewelry — they were a reflection of an era that celebrated grace and glamour, making fine style accessible. The legacy of these faux pearls lives on in antique collections and vintage jewelry boxes, their shimmering beauty still echoing the elegance of the past.

La Tausca Pearls were not only celebrated for their breathtakingly lifelike luster but were also marketed as "indestructible" — a bold claim that spoke to their exceptional craftsmanship and durability. These weren’t the fragile imitations that peeled or cracked after a few wears. Instead, La Tausca pearls were designed to endure, their shimmering surfaces resistant to the usual tarnish and wear that plagued lesser faux pearls. This promise of longevity, paired with their luxurious appearance, made them an irresistible choice for women who desired beauty that lasted a lifetime.

Adding to their allure, La Tausca pieces featured elegant, high-quality clasps that elevated them far beyond ordinary costume jewelry. These clasps were crafted from 14-karat gold, white gold, platinum, or sterling silver filigree — precious metals that hinted at the prestige of the brand. The clasps were often delicately wrought, showcasing intricate designs that spoke to the skill of the jewelers. Each clasp was marked “La Tausca,” a small but vital detail that authenticated the piece as part of this esteemed line.

In many cases, these clasps were adorned with a genuine diamond chip or sapphires, adding a subtle yet undeniable sparkle. This touch of real gemstone — however small — gave the wearer a sense of owning something precious, blending the line between fine and faux jewelry. It wasn’t just about mimicking natural pearls; La Tausca offered an experience that felt indulgent and refined.

A particularly charming feature of La Tausca jewelry was the gilt metal medallion attached to each piece. This small, golden tag served as a badge of honor, a final flourish that confirmed the piece’s authenticity. While many of these medallions have been lost to time, those that remain are prized by collectors today — a rare, tangible link to the brand’s legacy. When found intact, they add a sense of completeness to the piece, a reminder of the pride La Tausca took in its craftsmanship.

Each element — from the resilient pearls to the gleaming clasps and thoughtful gemstone accents — embodied the spirit of early 20th-century elegance. La Tausca Pearls weren’t merely an accessory; they were an investment in enduring style, a whisper of luxury that, even now, continues to captivate vintage jewelry lovers and historians alike.

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La Tausca Pearls didn’t just capture the hearts of fashion-forward women — they earned international acclaim, securing the highest award at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco and later the Grand Prize at Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial Exposition in 1926. These expositions were global showcases of innovation and artistry, and La Tausca’s recognition suggests their faux pearls were considered a triumph of both design and craftsmanship. Whether praised for their realistic appearance, inventive construction, or elegant settings, these awards cemented La Tausca’s reputation as a leading name in luxury costume jewelry.

The prestige of La Tausca extended to its flagship store in New York City, where the brand catered to an upscale clientele with a taste for more than just pearls. Alongside their signature strands, the shop carried high-quality Mexican sterling silver jewelry — many pieces accented with vibrant turquoise, a stone celebrated for both its beauty and symbolic meaning of protection and good fortune. The store even sold rosaries, likely crafted with the same care and elegance as their other jewelry, suggesting La Tausca appealed to both fashionable and devout buyers seeking items that felt meaningful and luxurious.

La Tausca’s marketing cleverly positioned their pearls as the ultimate bridal gift. Vintage advertisements — many of which can still be found on eBay and other corners of the internet — depict radiant brides, adorned in strands of La Tausca pearls, wearing them with traditional wedding finery. The imagery evoked a sense of timeless elegance, portraying the pearls as more than an accessory — they became a symbol of purity, grace, and enduring love. The ads suggested that gifting La Tausca pearls to a bride-to-be wasn’t merely a gesture of affection but a way of bestowing her with a legacy of beauty to carry into married life.

Beyond weddings, La Tausca pearls were promoted as a unique and meaningful gift for milestone anniversaries — particularly the 30th wedding anniversary, traditionally celebrated with pearls. La Tausca’s emphasis on durability and everlasting shine tied perfectly into the symbolism of a long, enduring marriage. These weren’t just pearls; they represented a lifetime of shared love and commitment. The notion of giving such a luxurious and “indestructible” piece to mark three decades together undoubtedly made La Tausca strands even more desirable for those seeking a sentimental, yet stunning, gift.

From international awards to bridal traditions, La Tausca Pearls cultivated a reputation of prestige, sentiment, and style — a legacy that continues to captivate collectors and vintage jewelry enthusiasts to this day.

 

 

La Tausca Pearls weren’t just celebrated for their lifelike luster — they were also presented in exquisite, ornate boxes that mirrored the elegance of the pearls themselves. From 1915 through the 1930s, these high-quality faux pearls were sold nestled in gilt bronze, silver, or copper-finished brass presentation boxes, often described in advertisements as "jewel caskets." These boxes were designed to impress, featuring intricate filigree work and, in many cases, jeweled lids. Some boxes were further adorned with carved shell cameos, glass intaglios, faux pearls, or colorful glass jewels, creating a lavish, old-world appearance reminiscent of treasured heirlooms. A 1915 advertisement captured this romantic notion, stating: "La Tausca Pearls in jeweled chest as made by the goldsmiths of old." By 1924, another ad rhapsodized: "Pearls, lovely pearls... old in tradition these lavishly beautiful jeweled cases, copies of historic jewel chests, satin lined, in which repose exquisite strands of La Tausca pearls."

The vibrant glass jewels adorning these caskets came in a rainbow of rich, gemstone-inspired hues: emerald green, citrine yellow, sapphire blue, topaz orange, peridot green, garnet red, amber, and amethyst purple. Beyond these striking jewel tones, some boxes incorporated opaque glass stones, cleverly simulating materials like coral, onyx, jade, or turquoise. A particularly eye-catching 1925 advertisement even described a box set with a genuine cameo and corals, blending authenticity with artistry.

The interiors of these boxes were no less luxurious. Lined with ivory-colored silk, the inside of the lid bore "La Tausca Pearls" in gold lettering — though many surviving examples show this lettering worn away from age and use. Some boxes also carry a "Patented April 8th, 1924" marking, a clue to their era of production.

The design influence behind these boxes appears to draw from Austro-Hungarian styles, reflecting the ornate, romantic aesthetic popular at the time. However, despite some collectors believing they were produced in Czechoslovakia, the absence of a country-of-origin stamp suggests otherwise. It’s more likely that the glass jewels were imported from Czechoslovakia, while the boxes themselves were cast and assembled in the United States — a common practice among American jewelry manufacturers aiming to blend European artistry with domestic production.

A 1924 magazine advertisement beautifully described one of La Tausca’s most ornate presentation boxes, stating: "Shown above is a Jewel Chest of the Louis XVI Period. It is made of stamped copper, finished in gold, studded with stones and lined with old creme satin." This description evokes the lavish, aristocratic style of 18th-century France, inspired by the grandeur of King Louis XVI’s reign — a period known for its refined, symmetrical designs, elegant ornamentation, and delicate, neoclassical influences.

The mention of "stamped copper" suggests that the box’s structure was created through an embossing or repousse technique, where thin sheets of copper were pressed into decorative molds, resulting in intricate, raised patterns. The gold finish added an opulent touch, creating the illusion of a precious metal casket while keeping the production costs manageable. This blend of craftsmanship and economy was a hallmark of high-end costume jewelry packaging from the era, designed to appeal to consumers seeking luxury without the steep price tag.

The "studded with stones" detail reflects the ongoing trend of embellishing jewelry boxes with colorful glass gems — often imported from Czechoslovakia, known for its superior glass production. These vibrant, faceted stones mimicked the rich hues of emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and topaz, lending the chest the regal appearance of a treasure trove. Some versions even incorporated opaque stones resembling coral, jade, or turquoise, enhancing the box’s exotic, old-world charm.

Inside, the box was lined with "old crème satin" — a sumptuous, pale fabric chosen to cradle the pearls with softness and sophistication. This type of lining wasn’t merely practical; it was a visual and tactile extension of the luxury experience. The rich, cream-colored satin provided an elegant contrast to the lustrous pearls, making them appear even more radiant when nestled within. Over time, many surviving examples of these boxes show signs of wear — the satin yellowed or frayed, the gold finish faded — yet the craftsmanship and decorative appeal remain undeniable.

This advertisement encapsulates La Tausca’s marketing genius: they weren’t just selling faux pearls — they were selling the fantasy of heirloom elegance, with each strand presented as though it belonged to royalty. The Louis XVI-inspired chest wasn’t simply a jewelry box — it was a statement piece, designed to make the act of receiving La Tausca pearls feel like inheriting a priceless family treasure.

La Tausca’s jewelry caskets came in various shapes and sizes, from square and rectangular forms to domed-top and octagonal designs. More affordable versions were covered in plush velvet instead of metal, offering a touch of softness for those seeking elegance on a budget.

Today, many La Tausca boxes have retained their gilded finishes, still shimmering with the warmth of bygone luxury. However, some have lost their original luster, revealing the base metal beneath. It’s not uncommon to find examples missing stones or faux pearls — but thanks to vintage rhinestone and jewelry restoration markets online, replacements can often be found, making it possible to restore these charming pieces to their former splendor. Whether fully intact or bearing the patina of time, these decorative caskets remain a testament to La Tausca’s legacy of elegance — ensuring the pearls within were presented as nothing less than precious treasures.

 

 

 

 

I found an advertisement from the Decatur Review newspaper from 1922, describing the various La Tausca Pearl necklaces available.

"WILLIAM GUSHARD COMPANY Because of Popular Demand This Sale Will Be Continued for Two Days Lovely La Tausca Pearls ONE-HALF PRICE BECAUSE of the great demand far these beautiful La Tausca Pearls the maker's representative who is conducting the sale has decided to stay just two days and Tuesday, and has wired for more pearls, so those who come tomorrow and next day will have complete assortments to choose from. That the is popular is not surprising, for La Tausca Pearls are exact replicas of priceless gems, with the lustre and texture of of real Oriental pearls, and each necklace is presented in a satin lined case. 

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