James Arnold Frew modernist jewelry

James Arnold Frew modernist jewelry
Moonstone sterling silver ring. 1950. James Arnold Frew modernist jewelry

James Arnold Frew modernist jewelry (1940s-60s)
Known as an important modernist jeweler and stone cutter, J. Arnold Frew created jewelry for Hollywood stars and celebrities. Since 1954, his work has appeared in museum exhibitions and auction catalogues, in books and art publications.
The designer created jewelry since late 1940s, lived a long life and died in 2008 at the age of 95. All the more surprising is the fact that there is very little information about the jeweler. Moreover, the available biographical data vary in different sources. So, according to some sources, the date of his birth is 1912, while other, no less authoritative sources indicate the year of his birth 1921.
American modernist jeweler J. Arnold Frew (1912–2008) graduated from Pasadena City College in California and began working in his garage workshop in Arcadia. Later he worked in other Californian cities – Monrovia and Los Angeles.
Drawing inspiration from natural elements, he created unique modernist pieces using 10-14 K yellow gold and sterling silver, as well as diamonds and baroque textured pearls. Noteworthy, the designer most often used smoky and rutilated quartz, which he subjected to additional processing for a special effect. Among other gems were topaz, tourmaline, turquoise, moonstone and amethyst.
Marked “Frew”, the designer’s works are rare and highly collectible.

14 K gold and pearl ring. 1960s
14 K gold and pearl ring. 1960s
Maker's mark
Maker’s mark

James Arnold Frew modernist jewelry (1940-60s)

Abstract design brooch. 14k yellow gold, rutilated quartz, green tourmaline
Abstract design brooch. 14k yellow gold, rutilated quartz, green tourmaline
Rectangular geometric design earrings
Rectangular geometric design sterling silver earrings
Floral design cultured pearl, diamond and 10 K gold ring
Floral design cultured pearl, diamond and 10 K gold ring
Geometric design brooch. 14k yellow gold, watermelon tourmaline, pearls
Geometric design brooch. 14k yellow gold, watermelon tourmaline, pearls
Mid-century modernist sterling silver screw back earrings
Mid-century modernist sterling silver screw back earrings
Round shaped fish design mid-century sterling silver earrings
Round shaped fish design mid-century sterling silver earrings
Smoky quartz and gold ring
Smoky quartz and gold ring
Tourmaline, pearl and 14K gold ring
Tourmaline, pearl and 14K gold ring
Turquoise 14 K gold ring
Turquoise 14 K gold ring
Smoky quartz and gold brooch
Smoky quartz and gold brooch
Maker's mark 1
Maker’s mark

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