Baroque pearl 18 gold plated cross earrings. 1990s. Active since 1972 Christopher Walling Jewelry Art
Christopher Walling Jewelry Art
The story of self-taught jewelry designer Walling began in his childhood when he was eight years old!
The son of the United Nations’ activist, he spent his childhood in the capitals of Lebanon, France, Switzerland, and West Africa. According to Walling, Africa influenced his love affair for color. In particular, the fabrics of African women’s clothes, the way they wore turbans, and their elegance. He was there for two years and undoubtedly, had great and useful experience there.
Meanwhile, in 1968 he moved to New York. Already in 1972 he began making his own jewelry line, which we now know under the name of Christopher Walling. Noteworthy, the designer became known mostly for his unusually shaped and rare baroque pearl and diamond jewelry. His work has significantly influenced modern jewelry, featured in various TV programs. In particular, two PBS documentaries, the Nova program, “Mystique of the Pearl” and the Nature special “Diamonds.”
Described by Sotheby’s as “undoubtedly one of the most exciting jewelry designers”, his creations have adorned many celebrities. Among them Maya Angelou, Linda Gray, Brook Hayward, Jasper Johns, Alex Katz, Queen Noor of Jordan, Danielle Steele, Renee Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor and others.
Abalone, Freshwater Pearl and square Diamonds set in 18K yellow and white Gold
The American Museum Natural History (New York City) included numerous pieces by him in three of their exhibits (“Pearls!” “Diamonds!” and “Gold!”) which traveled around the world for up to six years.
Two brooches in a naturalistic style. 1990Tahitian Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, white and brown Diamond Flower Pin, Silver and 18K GoldButterfly brooch. Emerald carved wings, Peridot, pink Spinel and Diamonds, 18K yellow and white GoldAspen Leaf with Emerald, Tsavorite, Peridot, Demantoid Garnet and baguette Diamond stem set in Platinum, oxidized Silver and 18K yellow GoldA pair of clips with fire opal and olivine. 1995. The frame from oxidized silver indicates that the clips were made in the 1990s, and not in the 1980sCarved Emerald leaves, South Sea Baroque Pearls and Diamond pave set in 18K white and yellow GoldRuby leaves, Amethyst, Diamond, pink Conch and baroque Pearl drops set in 18K yellow and white GoldClips with diamonds and demantoid grenades. 1997. Simple clean lines and delicate colors of white diamonds, green olives and oxidized silver make these clips typical for the 1990sCross shaped 18 K gold plated earringsFire Opal, Colombian Emeralds set in oxidized Silver and 18k yellow GoldFlower pin. Aquamarines, Abalone and Freshwater Pearls with Diamonds set in 18K white GoldJade bracelet with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphiresNatural American pearls and diamonds cufflinksPink Diamond tulips with detachable Diamond baguette stems set in Platinum, Sapphires set in oxidized SilverPrecious stones and jade pin. According to Walling, his homage to Cartier’s tutti frutti periodRidged Star with Baroque Biwa Pearl, pin and earrings, 18K yellow goldStar brooch. Pearl, Abalone and Diamonds set in oxidized Silver and 18K yellow GoldTrellis Biwa Pearls and Diamond channel set in 18K white Gold18 Karat Gold and Turquoise Brooch and Earclips18K Yellow Gold Oyster Brooch, Crazed OpalMaker’s mark
