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.
