Self-taught American jeweler Arthur King worked with baroque pearls, geodes, and raw semi-precious gemstones to create distinctive modernist jewelry during the mid-20th century.
Like many of the accessories that populate our jewelry boxes, the forms of King’s provocative vintage brooches, necklaces, rings and other jewels were inspired by the natural world, but the pieces’ metalwork is sculptural and shapely, resembling gnarled tree branches or the surface of an elm’s aging trunk.
King was born in New Jersey in 1921. He became interested in art at a young age and was fascinated with the lost-wax casting technique practiced by some sculptors. King taught himself the process using scrap metals, and his jewelry and objets d’art would come to share common ground with abstract art in the years to come.
While stationed overseas in the Merchant Marines in World War II, King began to work with metal and dabble in jewelry making, integrating sharks’ teeth, white scrap metal and whatever else he could find into his modest “art jewelry,” a term that has been used to describe adornments created by Alexander Calder, pioneering African American studio jeweler Art Smith, Andrew Grima and others over the years. Upon returning from the war, King continued to develop his skills — eventually opening his first shop in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood.
King truly distinguished himself from other jewelers of the time — at his workbench, he shaped the brass and silver settings for his often unpolished, chunky stones that featured asymmetrical cuts and employed the age-old technique of lost-wax casting, which sees objects cast from wax models. His early pieces mainly featured silver settings, but his popularity soared once he began to craft jewelry in gold.
In 1961, King's work was exhibited at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London as part of the “International Exhibition of Modern Jewellery” and a year later, he opened his flagship store on Madison Avenue. His success allowed him to open more locations in London, Cape Cod, Havana, Miami and elsewhere.
King used a dizzying array of gems and other materials in his unconventional pieces. And as much as the jewelry of the 1960s featured eye-catching candy-colored stones, it was also an era of new textures and freeform gold settings, and King was at the forefront, creating audacious designs that contrasted sharply with the work of the world’s leading luxury houses.
King’s work has been celebrated at a range of institutions over the years including the Museum of Contemporary Crafts (now the Museum of Arts and Design), the Cultured Pearl Association of Japan, the Victoria and Albert Museum and more. His jewelry was exhibited at the Cincinnati Art Museum’s “Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s,” which opened in 2021.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Arthur King brooches, rings, necklaces and more.
Arthur King Emerald Pearl Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Earrings, Circa 1955
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A pair of emerald, pearl, diamond, and 18-karat yellow gold earrings by Arthur King, made in the United States circa 1965. Designed as organic, freeform compositions, the earrings fe...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl and diamond mini earrings, in 18K Gold
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
These chic and timeless mini studs, are the perfect everyday pair of earrings. They are set with lustrous pearls and beautifully complimented by a pair of glimmering diamonds. They a...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl, Tourmaline and Diamond Earrings
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Measurement: 1 inch x 1 inch Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold & White Gold Back [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 33 grams Diamond Details: Natural Diamonds, .70c...
Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Bee Stud Earrings with Diamonds and Emeralds
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These Bee earrings has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat yellow gold. It is hand set with 1.0 carats emerald, 2.9 carats pearl & .66 carats pave diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JE...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Large Mabe Pearl and Diamond Halo Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Diameter: 0.87" x 0.87" Total Weight: 18.8 Grams Pearl Type: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 16.5 mm Total Diamond Count: 60 diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vintage retro-inspired stud earrings pair luminous baroque pearls with sparkling diamond accents in a playful yet sophisticated celestial design. Each earring centers on an org...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Studs Cultured Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in Fairfield, CT
Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Studs Cultured Pearls These Mikimoto earrings feature four cultured pearls arranged around a floral cluster of round brilliant-cut di...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,744Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Emerald Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Vintage earrings in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 1 carat (G-H color, VS clarity) and natural emeralds totaling approximately 1.60 carats. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Stud Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We cover all U.S. import taxes. No hidden fees. 💎 Vintage stud earrings in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 2.50 carats (F-G color, VS1-SI...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Diamond and green emerald art deco stud earrings 18k yellow gold
Located in London, GB
2.12ct Diamond and green emerald art deco stud earrings 18k yellow gold. Beautiful art deco style stud earrings composed of green emerald and round diamonds in 18k yellow gold. Colom...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline, Emerald and Diamond Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These one-of-a-kind "button" earrings feature a stunning collection of fine emeralds and rare Paraiba tourmalines set with diamonds in 18k yellow gold. The elegant domed shape and fi...
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Ruby Diamond Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This pair of 18k yellow gold earrings is designed as broad, slightly curved gold forms with a smooth, polished surface and a structured, symmetrical composition. At the top of each p...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Center and Diamond Petal Flower Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Diameter: 15 mm x 13 mm Total Weight: 6.3 Grams Pearl Type: white akoya Pearl Diameter: 7.2 mm Total Diamond Count: 60 d...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and diamond stud earrings handcrafted in 18k yellow gold. The details are as follows ; Diamond weight : 1.80 carat ( H color and VS2 clarity) Emerald weight : 0.60 carat ...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$10,800 / item
Tahitian Pearls & Diamonds 18k Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Tahitian Pearls & Diamonds earrings , in an essential and modern design , so chic and refined style. Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of charm and cl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Stud Earrings
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:3.449g Emer:4.87ct
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Arthur King 18K Yellow Gold Pink Jade Mabe Pearl Jointed Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in Palm Springs, CA
18K yellow gold, mabe pearl with pink jade dangling earrings created by New York jeweler Arthur King. Earrings are of the pierced variety and are jointed creating movement in each. ...
Jade, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Arthur King Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely colorful earrings created by Arthur King in the 1970s. Feminine, warm and wearable, the earrings are a great addition to your jewelry collection. The earrings feature a beauti...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ARTHUR KING Pearl Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely colorful earrings created by Arthur King in the 1970s. Feminine, warm and wearable, the earrings are a great addition to your jewelry collection. The earrings feature a golden...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Arthur King Organic Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A pair of baroque South Sea pearl, diamond and 18k gold inspired by natural forms, by American jewelry designer Arthur King, c. 1970s.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Large Coral Gold Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Arthur King 18K yellow Gold and Coral Earrings, measuring 1 1/2 inch in length and 1 inch wide. set with a round 5/8 inch...
Coral, 18k Gold
1970s Arthur King Persian Turquoise Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in Austin, TX
A pair of beautiful hand fabricated 18k yellow gold earrings by Arthur King. Each earring is set with Persian turquoise, baroque pearls and 5 diamonds. Clip on and worn comfortably. ...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
1970s American Arthur King Jade Diamond Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Arthur King 18k organic style, textured gold, jade, and full cut diamond, clip-on earrings, epitomizes the free-form and lost wax casting mov...
Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
c.1970's ARTHUR KING Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely colorful earrings created by Arthur King in the 1970's. Feature a lapis lazuli disc whimsically set in 18k (stamped) yellow gold. The earrings are slightly under 1" in diame...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Baroque South Sea Pearl Gold Ear Clips
By Arthur King
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1970, Arthur King's organic gold textures evoke the look of sea kelp gently swaying in the ocean current, caressing the large undulating baroque south sea pearls possessed with...
Pearl, 18k Gold
ARTHUR KING Modernist Drop Earrings in Amethyst and Gold
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
Ususual drop earrings by Modernist goldsmith Arthur King, in 18KT gold with suspended fancy cut amethysts. Marked King. Length 1 3/4 inches.
Arthur King Diamond Gold Earrings
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A chic pair or gold and diamond ear clips by Arthur King. The 7/8" 18k freeform hinged hoops each accented with 3 white round diamonds in the front. For non-pierced ears, these huggi...
Diamond, 18k Gold