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 & Ilias Lalaounis (ARK & LJ) 18K Gold Fire Opal & Diamond Ring, 1960
By Arthur King
Located in Miami, FL
A rare and sculptural 18K gold ring stamped ARK & LJ, produced during the short-lived collaboration between Arthur King and Ilias Lalaounis, two of the most influential jewelry d...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King Diamond, South Sea Pearl, and 18K Gold Convertible Ring(s)
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
Arthur King designed and handmade this diamond and pearl convertible ring in his signature organic style, circa 1970. King is a significant figure in mid-20th-century modernist jewel...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Arthur King 14K Yellow Gold Large Carved Emerald Diamond Ring
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
An unusual emerald and diamond ladies ring by Arthur King(1921-1986). Mounted with a large carved cabochon green emerald this ring presents a big statement. Center stone is approx. 60 carats and is accented by round cut diamonds (1.00 approx.) The green emerald is of a lighter hue, almost like a green apple, which makes it more wearable and romantic. We love vintage jewelry...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Emeralds & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Emeralds & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Emerlads 12.00 Carat Natural Fire Opal 3.00 Carats Natural Diamonds 1.00 Carats Thi...
Opal, Fire Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
$520Sale Price|35% Off
14k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone: 12 round emeralds .50pts. other stones: 6 round emeralds .12pts. color:GH clarity:SI3-I1 brand:- metal:14K GOLD type: ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Lion Head Diamond Fire Opal Ring 18K Yellow Gold Size 7
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
This contemporary GUCCI lion head ring is crafted in 18K Yellow Gold. The ring features a lion head motif embellished with a faceted orange fire opal stone ...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian South Sea Pearl, Seed Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
A 12.5 mm white Australian south sea pearl, seed pearl and diamond ring in 18k white gold. The white south sea pearl is surrounded by 12 seed pearls and 12 diamonds. It is a classica...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,779 / item
Pear Emerald 14k Gold Ring, Emerald Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear Emerald 14k gold ring. Emerald gold ring. Genuine emerald ring. Gold leaves ring. Emerald leaves ring. Floral gold ring. Delicate gold ring. Open ended ring. Adjustable gold ring. May birthstone ring. Natural emerald ring. Emerald jewelry. Emerald vintage ring. Emerald and diamonds gold ring. Minimalist emerald ring. Emerald engagement ring. Emerald promise ring. Gift for her. Emerald ring for woman...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely warm ring featuring a fine fire opal weighing 6.80 carats. It has a rich red-orange color along with excellent play-of-color as flashes of red, orange, yellow and green danc...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold
18K Rose Gold Ring with White South Sea Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An 18K Rose Gold Ring with a stunning White South Sea Pearl measuring 18mm-19mm and 0.98ctw of sparkling diamonds. This exquisite piece showcases the perfect blend of elegance and luxury, with the luminous pearl and radiant diamonds set in warm rose gold creating a captivating statement. Designed by Tara & Sons Pearls, a name synonymous with exceptional quality and craftsmanship in the world of fine jewelry. With a rich heritage spanning decades, Tara & Sons Pearls is celebrated for its exquisite designs and meticulous attention to detail. Each piece reflects its dedication to creating timeless jewelry that embodies elegance and sophistication, making it a trusted choice for pearl and diamond jewelry...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1 1/4 Carat Diamond Marquise Shaped Ring
Located in New York, NY
This diamond engagement ring features a central marquise-shaped diamond set in 14k yellow gold. The marquise shaped diamond is actually composed of 4 pie cut diamonds, seamlessly coming together to create a large, solitaire look...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Opal Diamond Ring Large Oval Estate 18k White Gold Sz 9 Cocktail Fine Jewel
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural Ethiopian fire opal & diamond ring crafted in 18k white gold. Natural opal measures 16mm x 11mm (estimated at 7.50 carats). The diamonds total an estimated 0.35 car...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,811Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring, Size 6.5
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A Exceptional Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Gold A striking contemporary ring showcasing a vivid drop-shaped Mexican fire opal, alive with electric flashes of...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Diamond & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Fire Opal - 9.50 Carat Natural Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds 2.00 Carat This Ring is from...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,779 / item
Snake 14k Gold Ring with Emerald
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake ring with Emerald. Emerald gold ring. Snake gold ring. Genuine Emerald ring. Oval Emerald ring. May birthstone ring. Emerald vintage ring...
Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Arthur King 18k Gold Brutalist Coral Cabochon Cocktail Ring
By Arthur King
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Arthur King ring crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, featuring a dramatic Brutalist freeform setting that envelops a large coral cabochon. The sculpted gold mount showcases bol...
Coral, 18k Gold
Arthur King Geometric Ring Vintage 70s Band 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6.5 Fine Jewelry
By Arthur King
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Arthur King ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Crafted by artist and goldsmith Arthur King, the ring is made in the lost wax method with geometric pattern...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King 1970 Geometric Sculptural Ring In 18Kt Gold With 12.45 Cts Emerald
By Arthur King
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric sculptural ring designed by Arthur King. An extraordinary one of a kind cocktail ring, created in New York city by the artist and goldsmith Arthur King, back in the 1970. This bold and massive ring is very rare and was most probably a special custom made order. Crafted by the lost wax method with geometric patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with polished finish. Emerald: Mounted in six-prongs, with 1 cushion cabochon cut (16 x 20 x 5 mm) carved with floral organic motifs in a natural green emerald with an approximate weight of 12.45 carats. Weight: 35.20 Grams (22.57 Dwt). Size: 6.5 and may be sized on request. Measurements: 26 mm by 20 mm (1.02 x 0.79 Inches) and raise 14 mm over the finger Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark for Arthur King, the gold assay mark and signed, "KING 18KT". Arthur Henry King Born in New York in 1921.He was a very renowned American master jeweler located in New York city that work between the 1960 and 1970. His most notorious was the using of the lost wax technique to set gemstones in a naturalistic form. Arthur Henry King was a self-taught jeweler who favored free form over “correct” classical design. A World War II veteran, King learned the lost art of wax casting while working on scrap metal abroad. It was there that he decided to connect his life with jewelry, making the first piece of jewelry from metal and sharks-teeth. After leaving the Navy, Arthur King returned to his native New York, where he opened his shop on 4th Street in Greenwich Village in the 1950s. Due to the popularity of his products, the business expanded with increased sales in major department stores and boutiques both in the US and European capitals. Already in the 1960s, he had about twenty jewelry boutiques with beautiful interiors. Initially working in brass and silver, he later began using gold and palladium. Alongside rough organically shaped semi-precious stones he began using diamonds and other precious gems. His innovative freeform styles included organic materials, such as ivory, corals, and his favorite pearls. Noteworthy, during his travel to Thailand, Myanmar, and India he used to hunt for pearls himself engaged in deep-sea diving. Also, he was a collector of antiques, from medieval surgical instruments to ancient keys and locks. Along with women...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brutalist Chrysoprase 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sculptural Ring
By Arthur King
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring is comprised of branching organic tendril forms centering a prong set chrysoprase Tablet is cushion shaped and deeply cut - translucent and strongly blueish green in color Wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King 18 Karat Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl Ring
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 21.5 grams Ring Size: 5.25
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Arthur King Baroque South Sea Pearl, Diamond and Gold Ring
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A baroque south sea pearl, diamond and 18 karat gold ring, by American independent jeweler and goldsmith Arthur King, c. 1970. The centering baroque pearl is surrounded by five ful...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Arthur King Black Opal and Gold Ring
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A unique, black opal and 18 karat gold ring, by American independent jeweler and goldsmith Arthur King, 1970s. The ring is a size 7.5. It measures 1.2" x 0.95" and it is stamped king...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Arthur King Carved Rock Crystal, Onyx, and Textured Gold Ring
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A carved rock crystal, onyx, and textured 18 karat gold ring, by Arthur King, c. 1970. This ring measures size 5 and signed KING. Stamped 18k. Arthur King was based in New York Ci...
Rock Crystal, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Arthur King Citrine and Diamond Ring
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, citrine and diamond ring. Arthur King, Circa 1970. Set asymmetrically with an emerald cut golden orange citrine, mea...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Arthur King Coral, Diamond and Gold Cocktail Ring
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous coral, diamond and 18 karat gold ring, by Arthur King, 1970s. One-of-a-kind. This ring is a size 7 1/2 and it is signed King and stamped 18k. The oval shape coral is 1.5" ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Arthur King Star Sapphires and Diamond Modernist Gold Dome Ring
By Arthur King
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Attractive Large multicolor star sapphire and diamond ring by Arthur King. The abstract sculpted freeform dome design is highlighted by 14 oval and round black, pink, blue and pale g...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Arthur King Gold Band Ring Circa 1970
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A brutalist band ring by Arthur King. A 1/4" wide textured band in 18k yellow gold . This ring, so typical of Arthur Kings band designs. He sold numerous widths and sizes for all occasions. A wedding band, a stack ring, a gard.. the choice is yours. A nice piece of Iconic King jewelry...
18k Gold