British jeweler Bernard Instone 1891-1987

British jeweler Bernard Instone (1891-1987)
Born in Birmingham in 1891, Bernard Instone developed an interest in jewelry when he was only seven years old. Undoubtedly, his older brother, a talented jeweler, influenced Bernard. Already at the age of 12, Bernard began to study jewelry making, receiving a scholarship from the Birmingham School of Art. As a student, he created the necklace that today adorns the Birmingham Museum.
After graduating from art school, he began his career as a jeweler in the workshop of the famous English jeweler John Paul Cooper. In addition, for some time he perfected his skills as a jeweler in Germany, and even created a brooch for the king of Bavaria.
However, in 1913, Bernard returned home to Birmingham, where he taught at the Vittoria Street School, where he had once studied. At the same time, he created custom-made jewelry.

After the First World War, 30-year-old Bernard founded the Langstone silver factory in Digbeth and married 18-year-old Barbara Margrett. The family had three children – two sons and a daughter.
The Langstone Silverworks produced highly artistic silverware that consistently won awards at exhibitions. In 1937 he became president of the Birmingham Goldsmiths’ Association.

Bernard’s grown sons Paul and John joined the family business in the 1950s. When 70-year-old Bernard retired, his son Paul took over the business in 1963.
Mr. Bernard lived a long life and died in 1987 from bronchopneumonia at the age of 96.

British jeweler Bernard Instone