Mary Engelbreit vintage artisan sterling silver jewelry
Born in 1952, Mary Engelbreit is a multiple award-winning illustrator of children’s books, calendars, and greeting cards. She is also a creator of unique handmade jewelry based on her illustrations. According to her biography, Mary was interested in art since childhood and succeeded in it thanks to the support of her parents.
Founded in Webster Groves, Missouri in 1982 The Mary Engelbreit Company produced a wide range of goods including calendars, mugs, figurines, T-shirts, accessories and jewelry. The company with branches in Washington, Illinois, Minnesota, California, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia ceased to exist in 2002. However, incorporated in 1985 and located in St. Louis, MO, Mary Engelbreit Retail, Inc. is still active. Her talent drew attention of many national and foreign companies willing to license her artwork.
Noteworthy, the artist worked on creating ME Ink branded sterling silver jewelry for a little over a decade, from the 1980s to the 1990s. Today, these pieces are vintage rarity and are highly collectible. However, they should not be confused with jewelry made under license in other countries. These are usually plastic or metal alloy pieces with simplified designs. In fact, they have nothing in common with the original exquisite sterling silver jewelry handcrafted in the 1980s and 1990s.
Today, Mary Engelbreit and her family live in St. Louis, Missouri. She is happy to focus her talent on drawing and as the artist jokes, “plans to drop dead at her art table”.
Mary Engelbreit vintage artisan sterling silver jewelry
