Kentshire

AboutEst. 1940

Established in 1940 and spanning three generations of family ownership, Kentshire Galleries is one of the foremost dealers of fine period and estate jewelry. Kentshire was founded as the United State Silver Co. by Benson Imberman, who established himself as a dealer in Georgian and modern silver. His son, Fred Imberman and son-in-law, Robert Israel joined the firm in 1968, and within a few years began building a world class inventory of antique English furniture and objects.

In the 1980s, the vision of the firm expanded with the addition of antique and period jewelry under the aegis of sisters-in-law Ellen Israel and Marcie Imberman They brought the same exacting standards to their jewelry collection that their husbands had to the furniture: excellence of design, fine workmanship and authenticity. To those criteria, the women brought an eye for contemporary fashion and wearability.

In 1988, Kentshire established a free-standing boutique in New York’s premier luxury store, Bergdorf Goodman. Their antique and estate jewelry department continues to occupy a select location in the store.

Carrie Imberman and her brother, Matthew, joined the firm in 2004 and worked with their family to further refine the gallery’s founding vision: buying and selling outstanding jewelry and objects of enduring design and elegance. After more than seventy years, Kentshire is turning a new leaf, as it welcomes them into leadership positions in the firm.

In 2007, Kentshire opened its newest store at 700 Madison Avenue, where it offers an exciting assortment of fine period jewelry, vintage costume jewelry, handbags, and objet d’art.

The gallery exhibits at many of the finest antique shows: the Winter Antiques show and the International Fine Arts & Antiques Show in New York, the Masterpiece Fair in London, and the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show. Additionally, Kentshire has capsule collections at Opening Ceremony in New York and Los Angeles.