Paltscho was founded in Vienna in 1899 by jeweler Ernst Paltscho, who had trained under his father, Karl. Paltscho’s work garnered attention from the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy and Greek Royal household (Ernst was known in Vienna as “Jeweller to the Kings”), and in 1914 he partnered with Emil Biedermann under the trade name Biedermann & Paltscho. Ernst’s son, Erwin, joined the business in 1918 and felt strongly that Paltscho should be an independent brand. They separated from Biedermann and, following Ernst’s death in 1929, Erwin carried on as the sole proprietor of the business.
Paltscho’s firm created fine, Art Deco-style jewelry inspired by the natural world and was particularly well-known for their use of beautifully carved hardstones in a variety of colors from deep purple amethyst to bright red corals. The company exhibited at fairs in Europe and New York which helped to expand their clientele. They continued to produce carved gemstone jewelry throughout the 1940s and 50s but stayed abreast of shifting styles, with their designs becoming more sculptural and often featuring yellow gold. Paltscho was considered to be among the vanguard of Austrian artistic style and development and, though not as famous as larger jewelry houses, collectors today continue to appreciate his exquisitely designed and executed creations.
