Kigu cosmetics company was originally founded in Budapest by Gustav KIASHEK, the son of the master goldsmith Josef KIASHEK. The name of "Kigu" originates from the first two letters of the surname and forename of its founder. Gustav KIASHEK had three sons – Charles, Paul and George. Charles moved to New York and founded a goldsmith company. George moved to London in 1939 where he founded Kigu of London. After World War II Paul joined George. In 1977 on George’s passing, his son, David, joined the family company after completing his university education. Kigu Ltd. were than world famous manufacturers of jewellery, accessories and vanities, made by artisans with a high level of skill and considered as items of jewellery. In the early 1980s the compact manufacturer (A S Brown) and owner of the Mascot brand bought out Kigu Ltd., then Laughton & Sons Ltd.,(owners of the Stratton brand) bought the Mascot brand.