The lobby of Oscar Heyman Brothersâ New York office, like many reception areas, isnât lavish or ostentatious. But in this case, the lobbyâs neat simplicity surprises visitors. After all, the Heyman family makes jewelry for houses like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as under their own name, and has created pieces for famous names like Elizabeth Taylor. The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012.
Second- and third-generation cousins Adam and Tom Heyman run the business with Tomâs brother Lewis and another cousin, Marvin. Despite routinely dealing with the worldâs rarest and costliest gems âand people who can afford to buy themâthe Heymans are warm and unpretentious.