Asymmetrical bracelet on display as part of the "Jazz Age" exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States.

The Heymans were a Russian (Lativan) Jewish family with extensive ties to the jewellry industry. Their uncle, who lived in Kharkov, supplied items to Peter Fabergé. Oscar and Nathan each served a five-year apprenticeship in their uncle's jewelry business. The brothers learned how to cast platinum, which was just beginning to become accepted as the base metal for fine jewellry. Their younger brother, Harry, apprenticed as a toolmaker. Oscar and Nathan emigrated to the U.S. in 1906, followed by Harry in 1907. Oscar was hired in 1908 by Pierre Cartier, who had just established his first store and workshop in New York City.

The remaining three Heyman brothers and three sisters left Russia in 1912 to join their brothers in America. Oscar, Nathan, and Harry formed Oscar Heyman & Bros. to make their own designs. The firm made its own tools, cast and alloyed its own platinum and gold, and designed each piece. Initially, the company produced pieces for more famous jewellers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, J.E. Caldwell, and Shreve, Crump & Low. But after a few years, Oscar Heyman & Bros. opened its own storefront in Manhattan. The firm was the first to master the "invisible setting" developed in 1936 by Van Cleef & Arpels. Oscar Heyman & Bros. became well-known for their brooches with floral motifs. In 1969, the company design and produced the necklace for the Taylor-Burton diamond.

There are many ways to cut gemstones. In 1902, the Asscher cut was developed. The Asscher cut is square or rectangular with wide corners, a high crown, a small table and large culet. It became wildly popular in the 1920s for its geometric form and step-cut shape. Asscher cut gemstones went well with Cubist jewellry, which became move lavish and abstract.

This Cubist bracelet is made of platinum and diamonds. It was designed by an unknown artist for Oscar Heyman & Bros. in 1925.

1. CMAJazzAge