John Bryan modernist silver jewelry
Grapevine 925 sterling silver mid-century brooch pin. 1950s. John Bryan modernist silver jewelry
John Bryan modernist silver jewelry (1950-60s)
Born in the late 19th century in North Carolina, John W. Bryan (February 5, 1897 – March 26, 1982) might have remained unknown to the general public if he had not changed his life already in adulthood.
After working as a teacher and journalist in New York City, 50-year-old John Bryan turned his fortunes around when he returned to his native Asheville, North Carolina. It is about such people that they say that a talented person is talented in everything.
With his artistic ability and passion for jewelry, he became one of the modernists who pioneered wearable art in North Carolina. Noteworthy, Brian discovered the beauty of jewelry by creating them from more accessible materials than gold. Traditionally, the designer used sterling silver, copper, sometimes bright enamel, and marked his pieces “Bryan”. Today, Brian’s jewelry is highly collectible.
John Bryan made jewelry until his retirement in the 1960s. He died at the age of 85.
Modernist design mid-century copper and sterling brooch pin and earrings
Maker’s mark
Abstract design mid-century sterling brooch pin
Black enamel modernist design mid-century sterling brooch pin and earrings
Blue enamel sterling brooch and earrings
Blue enamel sterling brooch
Copper leaf brooch
Mid-century sterling silver blue enamel brooch pin
Orange enamel sterling silver brooch. 1950s
Red enamel sterling silver earrings
Royal blue enamel sterling silver earrings
Swirl design blue enamel mid-century sterling brooch
Tree of Life sterling silver brooch
Turquoise blue enamel abstract design mid-century sterling brooch pin
Maker’s mark
