Neiman Marcus, a light history

Herbert Marcus Sr. left his job to found a new business with his sister Carrie Marcus Neiman and her husband, A.L. Neiman.  In 1907 the trio had $25,000 from the successful sales-promotion firm they had built in Atlanta, Georgia, and two potential investments of funds.  Interestingly enough, they were offered ownership in Coca-Cola at the time yet declined the investment opportunity.   The store, which opened on September 10, 1907, was lavishly furnished and stocked with clothing of a quality, something not commonly found in Texas.  THe store sold most of its inventory within a few weeks as oil rich Texans were looking for places to spend their money.  By the 1920s-1930s Neiman Marcus began expanding into jewelry as it meshed nicely for their clients.  Original Neiman Marcus designed and crafted pieces can be found from time to time.  The extravagance continued in all things including jewelry when, in 1952, Stanley Marcus introduced extravagant and unusual gifts in each year's Christmas catalog.   The idea was sparked when a journalist discussed with Marcus on air if the store would be offering anything unusual that might interest his radio listeners.   Marcus invented on the spot the idea of selling a live Black Angus bull accompanied by a sterling silver barbecue cart.  After the interview and press they altered the catelog to offer the bull and sterling BBQ for $1925.  Neiman Marcus continued to make headlines for years and in November 2013 they  discovered a 25-carat rough diamond off Namibia's coast, which was valued with a reserve price tag of $1.85 million. The diamond was referred to as the "Nam Diamond".

To learn more about jewelry designers check out a Makers Biographies section.