Early 1947
Free from the war and German occupation, the Kotlars emigrate to the USA. Harry works for a family-owned clothing factory in Los Angeles. He quickly befriends the owners, who are smitten by his natural charisma and talent. The owners soon ask Harry to use his people skills as manager of the factory.
Late 1947
After witnessing Harry’s personable approach to management, the owners offer him the role of business partner Harry consults Helen, and they both agree to nurture their own dreams instead.
- The Beginning of a legacy
1948
Helen’s brother Aria sends small diamonds from his small diamond cutting factory in Israel. Harry sells these stones in the Los Angeles diamond district. He eventually leaves the clothing company to focus on selling cut stones.
Harry supplies diamonds to manufacturers and dealers, closing each deal with the same personalized service and charm he showed while working for the textile company.
Harry & Helen's dream begins to bloom
WHEN DREAMS BEGIN TO FLOURISH
1956
The market responds favorably to Harry's products and exceptional service. Clients feel confident in his wares, and this leads to orders for larger stones. Harry graciously entertains their requests and starts supplying .30 to .50 carat stones this year.
1957
Demand later grows for even larger stones. While other suppliers exist in the market, many buyers specifically seek out Harry Kotlar. To meet this demand, he starts selling 1 to 2 carat stones.
With greater sales and better relationships with customers, business continues to prosper.
1958
Members of the Kotlar clan joined the company. Basha Kotlar Wiener and Louis Wiener shared Harry Kotlar's dedication to customer relations, and are instrumental to maintaining the company's steady growth.
The Kotlars start supplying stones up to 8 carats to large jewelry manufacturers and diamond dealers. Many of these stones end up in the collections of powerful executives & famous celebrities.
The Kotlar business flourishes even further. Harry begins to secure his legacy of creating luxury through impeccable service and attention to every facet.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST
Platinum Necklace with 355 Baguettes, 15 Marquises with total carat weight of 100.80
One of the first amazing piece made by Harry Kotlar. This precious jewelry costs USD 185,000.00
Harry’s grandson David starts working for the company. David is a visionary who will later become the company’s third-generation leader. In addition to creating some of Kotlar’s flagship pieces, David is committed to safeguarding the Kotlar legacy
Late 1980S
Harry Kotlar is honored by the West Coast Diamond Club for his years of supplying superb stones
HARRY &
HELEN KOTLAR
ON THEIR 50TH
WEDDING
ANNIVERSARY
Basha Kotlar Wiener made this event truly special.
1990
David enlists the expertise of adept artisans and begins producing mounted pieces. This artisanal approach to manufacturing takes inspiration from Harry’s drive to create personalized experiences for customers.
1998
Harry Kotlar passes away.
His legacy unmatched service & luxury is kept by David
& the company's master craftsmen.
Seven Decades of Beauty,
Art & Perfection
2000
THE ARTISAN PAVÉ COLLECTIONDavid reveals the breathtaking Designer line. This roster includes the Artisan Pavé Scallop, Criss Cross, and Chevron collections
2003
ABOUT KOTLAR CUSHION®David continues to innovate while maintaining ties to old-world artistry. One such innovation is the Kotlar Cushion®, which takes shape this year.
The Kotlar Cushion® diamond features a unique 61-facet cushion cut diamond. It ranges in color from D to K, clarity ranges from IF to S12, the size from 0.70 up to 20 carats. Each Kotlar Cushion® is carefully laser-inscribed by AGS laboratory with its certificate number and iconic Kotlar Cushion® logo.
2011
The company joins other esteemed jewelry houses in the first Hong Kong Jewelry and Gem Fair.
2014
THE KOTLAR 1948 COLLECTIONKotlar 1948, a stunning collection aimed at younger jewelry collectors, is introduced.