Signed KUO vintage costume jewelry

Signed KUO vintage costume jewelry
Born 1946 in Beijing, Robert Kuo grew up in a creative environment. His father was an art professor, enamelist and a watercolor painter. From the age of fifteen, he helped his father, learning the technique of cloisonne enamel. In 1973 he immigrated to the United States. His first trademark “KLOISON K” was active from 1976 to 1980s. At first, he produced handcrafted cloisonne household accessories, bowls, vases and jewelry items. Combining Chinese traditions and styles of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Kuo created unique pieces of art. His earlier pieces – bracelets, medallions, necklaces and rings were marked with letter “K” inside circle.
Subsequently, he gained fame as a furniture and interior designer and this is what he continues to do, leaving jewelry production.
In fact, his company Robert Kuo, Ltd., Inc. founded in 1984, registered several brands for the production of lamps, decorative furniture, and jewelry. First used in 1987, “Kuo” trademark on production of jewelry, “including but not limited to cloisonne” was active until 2008.
Traditionally, his 1980s designs included nature inspired figural pins and brooches of gold tone with rhinestones. Also, hand painted cloisonne enamel bracelets, earrings and pins. The marking on the back of each item includes the word “KUO” in capital letters on an oval base.
Noteworthy, there are several jewelry brands with the Kuo name, which naturally causes a lot of confusion. In particular, David Kuo, Alice Kuo, Kathy Kuo, J.S. Kuo, Jan Kuo, Studio Kuo, Emm Kuo, and Kuo Designs. According to their marking style, design and material, they have nothing to do with costume jewelry hallmarked “KUO”.

Signed KUO vintage costume jewelry