1980s rings and pendant. British jewelry designer Elizabeth Gage

British jewelry designer Elizabeth Gage

Generally speaking, British jewelry in the 1970s and 80s followed conservative, traditional trends. Much of the jewelry trade in England was centered on antique and vintage jewelry from the early 20th century. However, London-based designer and virtuoso jeweler Elizabeth Gage achieved worldwide recognition during these decades, and for good reason.
She attracted attention with the creation of very unusual jewelry, which creatively combined the styles of Ancient Rome and the Renaissance. Her unique jewels often combine antique coins, carved gemstones or 18th century glass, intaglios with baroque pearls, diamonds and colored stones. Some of her creations are additionally embellished with translucent enamels on the metal surface. Most of Gage’s ornaments are large and dramatic. Rings are often high domed, set with cabochon-cut stones or sculpted gold, and can be up to an inch wide. Gage epitomizes the trend of “interpretive” jewelry that became popular again in the 1980s. Undoubtedly, Elizabeth Gage inspired and influenced jewelers by giving elements of the past a modern form.
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Yellow drop clip earrings from 2016 runway collection. Italian jewelry brand Prada

Prada jewelry brand history
Italian fashion house Prada began its activity in 1913, when Mario Prada opened a small shop in Milan selling his bags and suitcases. Mario created truly exclusive items using rare and expensive materials: walrus skin, semi-precious stones, tortoise shell, rare tree species, python skin, suede, etc. He invited his brother Martino to help. Their boutique Fratelli Prada (“Prada brothers” in Italian) was very popular among VIP clients.
Mario Prada died in 1952, and his his daughter Maria took over the family business. She managed to take the brand to the next level. Thanks to her efforts, the Prada house became known outside of Italy.
Noteworthy, in 1996 PRADA S.A. founded the Prada jewelry trademark on production of various items. In particular, rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings, hair clips, watches, as well as a line of jewelry for men – tie clips, etc. Along with precious metals and gems, craftsmen often used metal alloys, plastic, smalt, Swarovski crystals, and leather. In particular, famous Saffiano leather, which is invariably present in every jewelry collection.
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‘Honeycomb’ brooch. 14 k gold with diamonds. 1983. American jewelry designer Whitney Boin

American jewelry designer Whitney Boin
Born in 1955 in New Jersey, Whitney Boin grew up in an artisan family and began winning awards for his sculptures and jewelry in high school. Undoubtedly, such success motivated the talented young master to choose his future profession. He graduated from the School of American Masters at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and spent the remaining funds from his studies on platinum and diamonds. So, he created his first jewelry to participate in prestigious jewelry competitions, which brought fame to the 23-year-old designer.
Traditionally, the designer used various materials, integrating them into one product – gold, aluminum, steel, rubber, hematite, granite, onyx, and others. According to Boin, he prefers simple elegance.
The New York-based designer has won multiple Diamonds Today Awards in 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1991. Also, among his awards – the main prize of the Platinum Design Competition in 1983 and 1985, the New Designer of the Year in 1983 and the first prize in Gold Fashions Trends in 1987.
Innovative designer’s pieces can be found in prestigious galleries and stores in the US and England. In addition, Boin has exhibited his collections in major US cities, as well as in London, Tokyo and Venice.
Boin founded the International Jewelry Designers Guild in 1999 and is a founding member of the American Jewelry Design Council.
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Swan brooch. Gold plated, pearl, aquamarine, citrine, rhinestones. Hassan Bounkit fine jewelry

Hassan Bounkit fine jewelry
New York NY based jewelry designer Hassan Bounkit founded Bounkit Jewelry Design, Inc in 2006.
Originally from Casablanca, Morocco, Hassan Bounkit was educated at the University of Montreal Canada. After moving to Italy, he continued his studies at the Dilazzaro Fashion Institute in Florence. Bounkit began his design career with the Italian fashion houses Salvatore Ferragamo and Marella Ferrera.
In 1989, he moved to New York City, where he continued to hone his craft as an assistant to fashion designers Nicole Miller and Arnold Scaasi.
An important milestone in Hassan’s biography was his work at the Iradj Moini jewelry company, where he worked for 5 years, from 2001 to 2006. An experienced jeweler, he founded the family business with the jewelry brand Bounkit in 2006 in New York.
Handcrafted, vibrant 3D jewelry by Hassan has won numerous awards. Traditionally, the designer uses a variety of materials, from brass and gold, to bone and wood. Also, along with crystals and glass, the designer uses natural gems – quartz, lapis, amethyst, garnet, and other semi-precious stones.
The company’s jewelry often appears on TV and on the pages of fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, InStyle, and others. Among the fans of the company’s jewelry are celebrities such as Liv Tyler, Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields, Megan Markle, Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, and many others.
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18 K gold sterling silver dot stud earrings. Canadian jewelry designer John Hardy

The history of John Hardy jewelry spans three decades, from 1975 to 2007.
Born November 28, 1949 in Canada, John Hardy studied jewelry at the Ontario College of Art and Design. After graduating, he traveled the world and finally settled in Indonesia. Inspired by the local craftsmen jewelry art, he launched the eponymous jewelry brand in 1975. Originally a small business, it has grown into an international company.
Meanwhile, at the beginning of his career, he met a like-minded person and future wife, Cynthia. She, like John, moved to Bali after graduating from college, setting up her own company. After marrying John, Cynthia Hardy joined his company. Noteworthy, having an aesthetic and artistic taste, Cynthia made jewelry even as a teenager. The work of local jewelers, their traditions and technologies inspired John and Cynthia to create their own unique pieces.
Traditionally, the JH design includes dot texture in gold and silver, natural stones and minerals, symbols of infinity and Celtic motifs.
In 2007, after thirty years in jewelry business, John and Cynthia sold their company. According to John and Cynthia, they dedicated their time to advocating and building a more sustainable world through education and design. So, the first step in building a new world was the Green School they created in Bali, Indonesia.
John Hardy jewelry company continues to operate under new owners headquartered in Hong Kong with an additional office in New York.
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Pink flower brooch. Cultured pearl, diamond, silver, enamel. Italian jewelry brand Sabbadini

Italian jewelry brand Sabbadini
The history of Sabbadini jewelry began in the 1940s, when diamond dealer Alberto Esquenazi in partnership with his son-in-law Bruno Sabbadini, founded their family business on Via Agnello in Milan.
In 1967, Bruno handed over the management of the company to his son Alberto Sabbadini, who already ran the business with him. Alberto focused on designing and creating jewelry using precious stones and relied on his wife Stefania’s unique sense of style.
In 1983 they opened a showroom in New York.
Noteworthy, since the 1990s, Pierandrea, the eldest son of Alberto and Stefania, joined the company. A gem expert, Pierandrea studied gemmology at the GIA in New York. Also, he worked at Sotheby’s in the jewelry department before joining the family business.
Later, the second child of Alberto and Stefania, their daughter Micol, began to collaborate with the company. Her research in the visual arts, as well as her work in the fashion world, allowed Micol to serve as a brand ambassador for Sabbadini.
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Leopard brooch in 18k gold, onyx, mother-of-pearl and diamonds. Asch Grossbardt fine jewelry art

Asch Grossbardt fine jewelry art
The history of Asch/Grossbardt brand began in New York NY, founded by hereditary jewelers Lawrence (Larry) Asch and Jerome (Jerry) Grossbardt (1923-2012). The name of the company consists of their family names. Founded in 1990, the company has become a leading manufacturer of finely inlaid gold and silver jewelry with the use of mother of pearl. Also, the jewelers used emeralds, onyx, coral, jasper, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, opal, and more. Undoubtedly, each AG piece is wearable art, displaying superb craftsmanship.
Sophisticated color combinations have been a signature design element of the Asch Grossbardt collections.
Noteworthy, before founding Ash Grossbardt Ltd., Jerome Grossbardt and Stanley Schechter co-founded Honora Pearls company. Incorporated in 1947, the company was named after Jerome’s wife, Honora.
Jerome’s son, Eric, joined the business in 1986 and became the sole owner of Asch Grossbardt Inc., after the death of his father in 2012.
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