History of Trabert & Hoeffer

Photo courtesy of Matt Kosterman Productions

The Donald Levinson chapter in Trabert & Hoeffer’s history began in 1968 when he purchased the Chicago location of the world-renowned jeweler. For over 50 years, he has brought his passion for jewelry to generations of loyal clients, creating a legacy that will extend far beyond the closing of the Art Deco gates for the last time this Spring.

While Chicagoans have known Trabert & Hoeffer since 1940, the tradition of offering some of the world’s most magnificent jewels started in 1930 when Trabert & Hoeffer established its first store on Park Avenue in New York. Trabert & Hoeffer expanded to Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, Atlantic City, and finally Chicago. Their undeniable influence on jewelry in film was created through a long list of Hollywood clients including Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Mary Pickford, many of whom wore Trabert & Hoeffer jewelry in their movies.

Shortly thereafter, the company purchased inventory from the Parisian jeweler Mauboussin, which closed its New York location. A historic partnership was born, forever establishing Trabert & Hoeffer as a jeweler of distinction, at home and abroad. Designs created in the 1930s through the early 1950s have been immortalized with the illustrious Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin stamp.

When Don Levinson purchased the Michigan Avenue store in 1968, he took an already established legacy and created his own distinctive salon identity. He developed custom designs and broadened the buying to include pieces by celebrated designers from around the world.

In 1995, Trabert & Hoeffer moved to 111 East Oak Street and recreated the original store’s Art Deco design. This marked the beginning of what is now Chicago’s most exclusive row of international fashion and jewelry houses. That same year, Don’s daughter, Susan Levinson, an attorney by profession, joined the firm bringing an infusion of creativity and passion. Together with Vice President Kate Breski, who began her career at Trabert & Hoeffer in 1975, they have led an expert staff in serving generations of clients, and developing personal relationships with each customer.

Hindman is proud to partner with Trabert & Hoeffer which has an incredible history in Chicago and an impeccable reputation in the world of jewelry.

Trabert & Hoeffer has been a part of countless happy occasions over the decades, and its legacy will live on through the memories that each piece of jewelry evokes. Trabert & Hoeffer will close its doors on June 15th.