Courtney Design nature inspired jewelry
Courtney Design nature inspired jewelry
The history of nature inspired Courtney jewelry began thanks to a creative duo, Courtney Berry Peterson and her husband Lee Peterson. Founded in 1983 in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, their company’s original name was Courtney Metal Design.
Courtney Berry Peterson grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and taught English and French to high school students after graduating from the University of New Orleans.
Lee Peterson grew up in Old Lyme, Connecticut and, after graduating from Johns Hopkins University, wrote a reference book on edible wild plants.
They met in Louisiana, married a year later, and began making jewelry with animal and plant designs in the 1960s. Traditionally, jewelers use silver, brass, copper and gold. Made realistically, with the smallest elaboration of details, Peterson’s jewelry was a great success. Combining natural history and goldsmithing, these pins, pendants, bracelets and earrings have become highly collectible today.
Noteworthy the hallmark on the back side includes sterling, Courtney in script, SSB in script (sterling silver and brass).
Currently, 76 year-old Courtney B Peterson and 73 year-old Lee Peterson are still active, living and working with a small team of silversmiths in Lincoln University, PA