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.
1970s Gold Pearl and Diamond Freeform Pendant Brooch
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Brutalist 70s Pendant/brooch in the manner of Arthur King. The large 3 1/4 x 2" 14k tendril-like gold work freeform pendant/brooch with four freshwate...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Arthur King 18 Karat Gold and Fresh Water Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace
By Arthur King
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed Arthur King necklace in 18 karat gold and fresh water pearls. The four strand necklace is strung with fresh water pearls with a slight pink to white hue and s...
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Arthur King Jewelry 18 Karat Yellow Gold Coral Diamond Necklace, circa 1970
By Arthur King
Located in Austin, TX
Vintage 18K yellow gold coral diamond necklace by jewelry designer Arthur King, ca 1970. Necklace made in freeform design. The middle part has two large corals in the yellow gold se...
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King South Sea Baroque Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch 1970s
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A baroque south sea pearl, white and colored diamonds, and 18 karat gold brooch/pendant, by Arthur King, 1970s. Vintage jewelry. This brooch measures 2.56"H x 1.81"W and is signed Ki...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Multi-Strand Seed Pearls Mother of Pearl Shell Emerald Necklace
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
Arthur King Multi-Strand Seed Pearls Mother of Pearl Shell Emerald Necklace Multiple strands of seed pearls, with mother of pearl shell as a clasp accented by a cabochon emerald (6....
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King 18K Yellow Gold MOP and Emerald Natural Seed Pearl Necklace
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
1950' Arthur King multi strand natural seed pearl necklace with 18K yellow gold mother-of pearl and cabochon emerald Clasp Marked: King 18K Approx 20.5 inches long
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Turquoise Gold Pendant Brooch
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
Arthur King turquoise gold pendant brooch, large model Round-cut diamonds of approximately 0.58 carat, three turquoises each measuring approxim...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baroque Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant fish shaped brooch/pendant in 9kt yellow gold composed of a baroque pearl body, the head and the pin are covered in diamonds and the eye is a ruby. gold 14.6gr diamonds 0.41k...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
Rain drop shape pendant with diamond bale. The Golden South Sea Pearl is situated at one end of the pendant with Diamond pave bale on the other end. Please note that the chain is not...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Coral 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Strand Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Strands High Quality Emeralds Choker Gold Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Choker necklace composed of three strand of emeralds with a closure in 14Kt yellow gold. emeralds (185Kt) tot weight 42.7gr Rf. 584339 For any inquiries,please contact the seller t...
Emerald, 14k Gold
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Multi-Strand "" Pearl Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning multi-strand pearl tots add necklace is fitted with a 14k Yellow Gold clasp. The necklace weighs in at 88.1 grams and is marked 14k 585
Pearl, 14k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace with Double Chain
Located in Addison, TX
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace with Double Chain The classically stunning necklace features a V-shaped line of diamonds suspended by two delicate 18 karat yellow gold link ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
Dm 0.54 in L 0.8 in
Eostre White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Melbourne, AU
The South Sea Pearl is suspended under a triangle diamond pave bale, it is a very simple yet beautiful design. You only need a few diamonds in the bale to achieved a sparkling effect...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,189Sale Price|25% Off
W 2.37 in L 2.76 in
Multi-Strand Pearl Choker Necklace with Angel Skin Coral 18 Karat Gold Clasp
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Gorgeous 5-strand pearl necklace with an exquisite large sized carved angel skin coral 18 karat gold clasp. Can be worn with the clasp in the back, although the beautiful clasp is me...
Coral, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Seed Turquoise, Raw Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Graduated Seed Turquoise, Raw Diamond and Pearl Necklace with an 18k white gold clasp. Multiple strands of seed turquoise spaced with raw diamond beads an...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning pendant holds a total of approx 75pts of rose cut diamonds and three natural pearls. The rose cut diamonds are clean and bright and have the most wonderful sparkle. Modelled in 18carat...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
18k Yellow Gold Lion Head Clasp 30" Fresh Water Pearl Multi Strand Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Genuine Cultured Freshwater Pearls - Semi-Round Shape - Strung - Nice White Color - Good Luster (2) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Vi...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18 kt. White Gold Multi Strand, Fresh Water Pearl Choker Necklace With Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 kt. White Gold Multi Strand, Fresh Water Pearl Choker Necklace With Diamonds, With option to take Chandelier pendant off to match the occasion or to give it another lo...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Arthur King 18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace Vintage
By Arthur King
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare Arthur King 18k yellow gold chain necklace. Simply freeform designed this chain is matching any Arthur King pendant or piece you would like to wear. It can be attached t...
18k Gold
Sold
H 2.75 in W 1.97 in D 0.37 in L 24.6 in
ARTHUR KING 1970 Organic Necklace Chain 18Kt Gold With Quartz Matrix & Diamonds
By Arthur King
Located in Miami, FL
A modernist necklace designed by Arthur King. This is a magnificent sculptural necklace, created by the artist goldsmith Arthur King at his atelier in New York city, back in the 197...
Quartz, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Arthur King Citrine and 18K Gold Pendant Necklace, c. 1970
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
This one-of-a-kind citrine and 18 karat yellow gold necklace with a detachable pendant, designed by Arthur King, is the epitome of Jet-Set cool. This pendant necklace by Arthur King...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Modernist Brooch Pendant Diamond Sapphire Pearl Yellow Gold
By Arthur King
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Arthur King diamond cultured pearl sapphire and yellow gold modernist brooch pendant circa 1960. DETAILS: DIAMONDS: six round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.80 ca...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Jade and Gold Longevity Pendant
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Jade Chinese pendant by Arthur King. The carved variegated jade pendant ranging from smokey lavendar to bright green with openwork gold elements. Provenance: Designed by Arthur King...
Jade
Arthur King Convertible Pearl Multi Strand Necklace Brooch Set 18 Karat Gold
By Arthur King
Located in Austin, TX
A fabulous three strand pearl necklace set with convertible clasp and brooch in 18K gold made by famous jeweler Arthur King. Necklace has two inter...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.625 in D 0.5 in L 1.75 in
Arthur King Convertible Pendant Brooch Ruby Aquamarine 18 Karat Gold Feeform
By Arthur King
Located in Austin, TX
A unique convertible pendant/ brooch with carved ruby, aquamarine, peridot, and pearl and diamonds set in 18K gold made by mid century jewelry designer Arthur King. Pendant is made i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Brutalist Emerald Diamond Gold Pendant Brooch
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An attractive emerald and diamond pendant/brooch by Arthur King. The 2 1/4 long 18k yellow gold brooch in an abstract Freeform design with 11 round white diamonds weighing approximat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
ARTHUR KING, A Gold Pendant, circa 1970
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A handsome yellow gold pendant by Arthur King. The 1 1/4" (with bale) 18k yellow gold textured pendant in the shape a "Star of David". Not to big, easy to wear for a man or a woman. ...
A Suite of South Sea Pearl Jewelry by Arthur King, c1970
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An attractive demi-parure by Arthur King. The 18k yellow gold, diamond and South Sea pearl set consisting of a choker, ring and pair of earrings. Each piece in the free- formed set features a bright white south sea pearl, with very good luster and nacre, the 3/4" earrings with french clip backs support two baroque pearls measuring approximately 11.5 x 12mm each. The ring of similar design with an 11 x 14.4mm pearl and the 16.5" necklace with a 14 x 18.7mm pearl, enhanced by 8 round white diamonds weighing approximately .50cts. A lovely group of jewelry, looks stunning worn together or mix and match at whim. Elegant , Sophisticated and as all of Arthur Kings jewelry...
Cultured Pearl
Gold Choker by Arthur King circa 1970
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A handsome 18k yellow gold necklace by Arthur King. The free-formed gold choker measuring 16" in diameter and tapering 3/8"to 1/2"from back to front. Ten, strategically placed hinges...
Gold, Colored Diamond and Pearl Pendant/Brooch by Arthur King
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sophisticated pendant/brooch by Arthur King. The free-formed 18k yellow gold clip with an 18.7mm x 16.7mm baroque light golden south sea pearl, enhanced with approximately 1.00cts of white, green and yellow diamonds...
Diamond