Over a Century and Four Generations of Jewellery Expertise
AllisonQuaid continues a jewellery legacy that has spanned four generations and more than a century. Our lineage traces back to 1921, when William B. and Benjamin Ogush organized Katz and Ogush in New York City. Originally located in a townhouse a block off of Central Park, the company quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Within two years, it grew from a capitalization of less than $5,000 to become the largest manufacturer of platinum jewellery in America.
By the 1930s, Katz and Ogush had expanded its reach, operating in New York, Paris, and Amsterdam. Their pieces were sought after by fine jewellery connoisseurs from around the world. Katz and Ogush also manufactured the watch cases for luxury watch brand Blancpain. In fact, they were the largest manufacturer of platinum, gold, and diamond watch cases in the United State before being acquired by Gruen Watch Co. of Cincinnati in 1951.
In 1964, Ira M. Ogush, William’s nephew, established Ira M. Ogush Limited, specializing in gold fine jewellery. During its storied history, the company introduced many novel pieces including: faceted bangle bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces. These, alongside animal pins, were sold in premiere jewellery retailers across the country, including Neiman Marcus. Ira was a respected member of the industry and served as the president of the Chicago Jewellers’ Association during the 1980s.
Ira’s daughter, Allison Ogush Childers, graduated from Northwestern University. She worked in the fashion and finance industries, before joining her father at Ira M. Ogush Limited. Allison’s experience, discernment and entrepreneurial spirit have been invaluable in building and sustaining our family’s legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. Today, she leads AllisonQuaid alongside her son, Quaid Childers.
Quaid Childers is the fourth-generation leader of the business. His training as an art historian at Northwestern University and the University of Cambridge enriches his jewellery designs. He is an art collector and a devoted arts patron for several institutions including the Frick Collection, Wallace Collection, and Serpentine Galleries. Drawing upon his rich and diverse set of inspirations, Quaid brings a contemporary vision to the brand, while maintaining our heritage and the craftsmanship that has made us a leader in the world of jewellery.
Our family’s esteemed legacy in the jewellery industry has been built on a dedication to unmatched craftsmanship, a passion for the arts, and a vision for creating jewellery that transcends time and trends. We continue to honor this legacy today with every piece that bears the AllisonQuaid name, striving to create works of art that will be treasured for generations to come. We are excited to share our family’s legacy with you and invite you to experience The Art of the Exceptional.