Harry Kotlar
Languages
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.
1948
The Beginning of a legacyHelen’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.
1956 – 1970s
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.
1970s
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
1987 – 1998
Weaving heritage with innovation
1987
Harry’s grandson David Wiener 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
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 of unmatched service & luxury
is kept vital by David Wiener
& the company’s master craftsmen.
2000 – Present
Six Decades of Beauty, Art & Perfection
2000
David reveals the breathtaking Designer line. This roster includes the Artisan Pavé Scallop, Criss Cross, and Chevron collections
The Artisan Pavé Collection
2003
David continues to innovate while maintaining ties to old-world artistry. One such innovation is the Kotlar Cushion®, which takes shape this year.
About Kotlar Cushion®
The Kotlar Cushion ® diamond features a unique 61-facet cushion cut diamond. It ranges in color from D to K. Clarity ranges from 1F 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
Kotlar 1948, a stunning collection aimed at younger jewelry collectors, is introduced.
The Kotlar 1948 Collection
Present
The company
launches a host of innovative services, including the Concierge,
Passport, and Kotlar Luxury Experience.
These continue the
philosophy of personalized luxury established by Harry over
six decades ago.