Hobe jewelry originated in France by Jacques Hobe in 1887. He was a master goldsmith recognized throughout Western Europe as a producer of fine jewelry. Jacques had three sons who continued his tradition. His son Jacques believed costume jewelry could be manufactured in much the same way as fine jewelry without sacrificing quality.

William Hobe, Jacques' grandson, immigrated to the US from France in the 1930s. When he arrived in New York he approached Florence Ziegfeld to purchase costumes for the Ziegfeld Follies. Mr. Ziegfeld placed a large order and made a request to William to create inexpensive but real looking jewelry to compliment the showgirls' costumes.

Hobe costume jewelry was in great demand by Hollywood because of its high quality and diversity and became known as the "Jewels of Legendary Splendor." The Hobe tradition continued by William's sons Robert and Donald until their retirement. Robert's son Jim continues the tradition today in Rhode Island. Hobe is one of the very best costume jewelry manufacturers in America because of their imaginative designs with the use of semi-precious stones, silver and gold plated metalwork.