Arthur King

(1921-1986)

Metal and Gemstone Cuff

A tall, gregarious, and casually stylish New Yorker, King charmed collectors on both sides of the pond. Wounded in a Navy accident during WWII, he taught himself the art of lost wax casting while recovering. First working in white scrap metal and later silver, he caged roughcut stones or strategically placed misshaped holes to add texture and intrigue to bracelets and rings. 

His interest in jewelery continued and upon his return from duty he opened for business with his hand-crafted silver jewelry on 4th street in Greenwich village. He soon expanded both reach and materials. His fine gold work was showcased in as many as 18 locations including flagship stores on Lincoln Road in South Beach, Miami, Cuba, Paris, and Fortnum and Mason in London. His earthy wooden and cork interiored shop at 611 Madison Avenue opened in 1962.  

King's freeform style became almost iconic of the age.  His jewelry, always unique, railed against the cookie-cutter design of the large jewelery houses. They became works of art as individual as his patrons. His clientele included Vidal Sassoon and Lena Horne, the latter of whom helped him finance his midtown store at 59th street.  

Gold, Coral & Pearl Choker

18k Gold, Baroque Pearl & Colored Diamond Pendant

As his career progressed he refined his sensibilities and combined his love of exotic travel and  baroque pearls and unusual stones to produce organic jewels of high quality mounted in gold or platinum whiplashed-style settings. It is interesting to think of Arthur Kings jewelery as a reflection of the man himself.  His beautiful jewelery matched his own bold stature and personality. Pieces were often very large and impressive in scale and always a conversation piece.  

18k Gold & Malachite Ring

His recognition includes: 

• The Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York 
• The Cultured Pearl Association of Japan
• Victoria and Albert Museum and the Goldsmith's Hall International Jewelry Exhibition in London
• Stockholm Museum of Modern Art

18k Gold and Ivory Bangle Bracelet