British jeweler Bernard Instone 1891-1987

British jeweler Bernard Instone 1891-1987
Pink quartz sterling silver floral design brooch. 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.

Antique ring. Green and turquoise gems sterling silver, 9 K gold
Antique ring. Green and turquoise gems sterling silver, 9 K gold

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.

BI marked bar brooch. Sterling silver, enamel
BI marked bar brooch. Sterling silver, enamel

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.

Maker's mark 1
Maker’s mark

British jeweler Bernard Instone

Citrine color crystals silver necklace
Citrine color crystals silver necklace
Citrine sterling silver clip on earrings
Citrine sterling silver clip on earrings
Deer head marcasite sterling silver brooch. 1964
Deer head marcasite sterling silver brooch. 1964
Enameled sterling silver oval shaped brooch
Enameled sterling silver oval shaped brooch
Floral ornament silver brooch with glass cabochons
Floral ornament silver brooch with glass cabochons
Floral rectangular shape brooch. Sterling silver, citrine
Floral rectangular shape brooch. Sterling silver, citrine
Grape vine design diamond shape sterling silver glass cabochon brooch. 1930s
Grape vine design diamond shape sterling silver glass cabochon brooch. 1930s
Lapis lazuli crystals silver earrings
Lapis lazuli crystals silver earrings
Leaf and berry design circle pin. Sterling silver, enamel
Leaf and berry design circle pin. Sterling silver, enamel
Leaf design sterling silver citrine emerald dangle brooch
Leaf design sterling silver citrine emerald dangle brooch
Maker's mark
Maker’s mark
Nottingham lace flower sterling silver brooch. 1960s
Nottingham lace flower sterling silver brooch. 1960s
Oval shaped Nottingham lace sterling silver brooch. 1968
Oval shaped Nottingham lace sterling silver brooch. 1968
Purple and green crystal silver brooch
Purple and green crystal silver brooch
Seagull sterling silver brooch
Seagull sterling silver brooch
Silver leaf design purple crystal pendant
Silver leaf design purple crystal pendant
Smoky Quartz silver stick pin. 1930s
Smoky Quartz silver stick pin. 1930s
Snowflake design sterling silver amethyst blue stones brooch
Snowflake design sterling silver amethyst blue stones brooch
Wreath design multicolor glass sterling silver brooch
Wreath design multicolor glass sterling silver brooch
Signature
Maker’s mark

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