The foundations of the New York City jewelry company Henry Dankner & Sons lie in early 20th-century Hungary. In 1930, Henry Dankner opened his workshop in Budapest. The modest-size firm saw a great deal of success until the Nazis took over Hungary in 1944.
The war forced the family to flee the country, taking everything of value from the workshop with them that they could carry. The family ended up in New York City, and in the early 1950s Dankner re-established his jewelry business. Many believe that his capital for opening the business was provided by the precious metals the family brought with them when they fled.
The family worked as a unit, day and night, to produce charms that brought them great success. By the 1960s, the jewelry shop had grown considerably — boasting nearly 30 employees.
Henry Dankner passed away in 1971, and his sons Robert and George took over the business. They did their father's legacy proud, and by the 1980s, major luxury jewelry brands Cartier and Harry Winston were distributing charms that the workshop produced.
Business flourished for the next two decades. In 2014, the company closed its doors for good, donating its paperwork, molds and tools to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Find Henry Dankner & Sons rings, necklaces and more jewelry on 1stDibs.
Dankner Rare 14K Yellow Gold Mechanical Carousel Charm Highly Collectible
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Vintage Spinning Carousel Pendant – Highly Collectible Extremely rare 14K solid yellow gold mechanical carousel charm by Dankner, known for producing some of the finest and most coll...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 13k Yellow Gold and Enamel Wind Up Carousel Charm
Located in New York, NY
This vintage charm is a wonderfully whimsical and highly collectible piece, designed as a wind up carousel in warm 13k yellow gold with enamel detail. Novelty charms are especially a...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
$3,250
W 0.75 in Dm 0.75 in L 1.25 in
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Movable Carousel Pendant with Assorted Colored Stones
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This charming 14K yellow gold carousel charm pendant, made sometime during the midpoint of the twentieth century, is adorned with assorted coral, turquoise, emeralds and rubies in ad...
Coral, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Vintage Carousel Charm - 14k Carnival Amusement Fair Ride Moves
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Material Information Enamel Color: Red, Orange, Blue, & Green Theme: Carousel, Carnival Amusement Fair Ride Features: When the side han...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold, Moving Rocking Horse Pendant Charm, London Hallmarked 1968
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Horse Pendant 9ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked London 1968 Makers Mark F M * The chain is sold separately A 9ct gold rocking‑horse charm, London hallmark 1968, modelled as...
Gold, 9k Gold
$1,250
H 0.96 in W 0.33 in D 0.54 in
Antique Austrian 14K Gold Figural Ferris Wheel Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique charm from Vienna, Austria. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a Ferris wheel. With an integral bail and jump ring to the top. Marked to the base and bail. S...
14k Gold
Rare Art Deco Bakelite Carousel Horse Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Incredibly Rare Bakelite Carousel Horse Necklace from the 1930's Art Deco period. On occasion the carousel horse motif is seen on a cuff but this neckla...
Gilt Metal
Tiffany & Co. 1990's Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage Rocking Horse Charm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional rocking horse with saddle, stirrups, and rockers Accented by grooved detailing throughout with platinum saddle Bead set with a row of round brilliant cut di...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$595
H 0.36 in W 0.99 in D 0.3 in
Vintage Madéira Souvenir 18k Gold Figural Charm with an Oxen pulling a Sleigh
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, vintage figural gold charm. In 18 karat yellow gold. In the form of a pair of oxen pulling a traditional large passenger sleigh behind them. The sleigh's interior is decora...
18k Gold
Edwardian Diamond Sapphire Enamel 18K Gold Platinum Race Horse Antique Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a jockey in riding gear atop a racehorse pavé set with diamonds Rose and single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.20 carat total Jockey features opaque red, white, an...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Henry Dankner 14kt Basket Pendant
By Henry Dankner & Sons
Located in Bethesda, MD
This 14kt pendant features a combination of yellow and white gold, along with 2 pink sapphires, 1 blue sapphire, 1 peridot, and 2 pearls. The pendant is accompanied by a 20 inch chain...
Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Antique 18K Gold & Blue Enamel Keyless Wind Pendant Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Elegant and finely crafted, this early 20th-century 18K gold pendant watch showcases refined artistry and classic design. Dating to circa 1900, the piece features a beautifully detai...
18k Gold, Enamel
Aaron Basha Enamel and Diamond Bell Charm Pendant Necklace
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Aaron Basha’s charm collection, a white with red hearts enamel bell. • Designer: Aaron Basha • Metal: 18 karat gold • Circa: Early 2000s • Size: 1 inch high, 16 inch gold chain...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
David Webb Horse Brooch, Kingdom Collection
By David Webb
Located in Bethesda, MD
From David Webb's iconic Kingdom Collection, a horse head brooch. Meticulously crafted in 18 karat with cabochon rubies and diamonds. The 13 brilliant platinum set diamonds weigh ap...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Michael Bondanza Carousel Earrings
By Michael Bondanza
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Michael Bondanza a pair of platinum and 18 karat gold platinum carousel earrings ♦ Designer: Michael Bondanza ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ Circa 1980s ♦ 7 /8ths of and inch square ♦...
18k Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Hardware Ball Gold Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Elegant Tiffany & Co hardware ball necklace featuring a polished 7.6mm sphere crafted in 18kt gold. The adjustable chain extends from 20 up to 24 inches, allowing you to customiz...
Gold
