Modernist jeweler Ronald Hayes Pearson

Modernist jeweler Ronald Hayes Pearson (1924-1996)
Born in New York City, Ronald Hayes Pearson was an award-winning modernist jeweler and one of the most influential figures in American metal smithing.
He opened his first metalworking shop in Alfred, New York after graduating from the School of American Craftsmen at Alfred University in 1948. In addition, in 1949 he participated in the special design program of the well-known silverware manufacturer Reed & Barton Silver Company.
In 1953, Pearson, along with John Preep, Tage Frid and Frans Wildenhain, opened a gallery “Shop One” in Rochester, New York, where craftsmen could sell their unique works of arts and crafts.
However, in 1971 the designer moved to Deer Isle, Maine, where he lived and worked until his death in 1996.
Pearson viewed precious metals as malleable substances that could be stretched or compressed into simple and elegant shapes. Traditionally, the designer used 14K gold, silver, pearls, topaz, agate and other natural stones. The maker’s mark includes “Pearson” or “R.H. Pearson” and sterling or gold purity.
The one-of-a-kind modernist pieces handcrafted by Ronald Hayes Pearson are highly collectible and exhibited in many national art galleries and museums, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Modernist jeweler Ronald Hayes Pearson