For Coloradoan John Atencio (b. 1950), jewelry making blossomed from an early interest in art and design when he took a jewelry course as an elective while studying business at Colorado State University. When it came time to propose to his girlfriend, Atencio realized that no store-bought ring felt special enough, so he ended up designing the perfect silver engagement ring from scratch. The process inspired Atencio to develop his own jewelry-making business, first selling pieces out of the back of his Volkswagen van in the early 1970s before opening his first brick-and-mortar shop in Fort Collins in 1976. Today, he runs a number of boutiques across Colorado.
Atencio still sketches each piece of jewelry in his collection by hand, developing distinctive rings, bracelets, earrings and other accessories. He is particularly inspired by the natural beauty of Colorado, from the undulating shapes of its mountains to the brightness of its sunshine. As a brand, John Atencio specializes in bold design choices, whether that’s asymmetrical settings, unusual silhouettes or funky patterns. It’s also known for its trillion-cut stones, which Atencio started to incorporate into his jewelry in the 1990s.
Rings are still the company’s signature piece of jewelry, from engagement rings to wedding bands to cocktail rings. Diamonds might be Atencio’s favorite stone, but you’ll find vibrant gemstones like tanzanite, turquoise, amethyst and garnet, plus more unusual options like kyanite and prasiolite.
Find a collection of John Atencio jewelry on 1stDibs.
John Atencio 14k Yellow Gold 1.50ctw Pear Amethysts Bypass Statement Ring w/ Box
By John Atencio
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Amethysts - Pear Cut - Bezel Set - Vivid Purple Color - 5x7mm - 1.30-1.50ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 8.89 Grams Ring Size...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Atencio Double Pavé Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18 Karat Rose & White Gold
By John Atencio
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant John Atencio engagement ring showcases a luminous round diamond framed by a softly contoured double halo design. The layered halos create depth and dimension, drawing th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
John Atencio Squared Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By John Atencio
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This 18 karat yellow gold bracelet, a creation by the esteemed artisan John Atencio, epitomizes contemporary elegance with its squared bangle and distinctive bypass design. The bypas...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Atencio 14k Yellow Gold 1.50ctw Pear Amethysts Bypass Statement Ring W/ Box
By John Atencio
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Amethysts - Pear Cut - Bezel Set - Vivid Purple Color - 5x7mm - 1.30-1.50ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 8.89 Grams Ring Size...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
John Atencio 18K Yellow Gold 3.40ctw Trillion Garnet 0.22ctw Diamond Ring
By John Atencio
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking John Atencio ring is a bold expression of modern artistry and fine craftsmanship. Expertly fashioned in luxurious 18k yellow gold, the design features a captivating 3.4...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Snake 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, IT
Beautiful 18 karat yellow gold snake bracelet with green,blue and red enamel. Snake-shaped jewels always have a particular charm and denote grace, seduction and mystery. In many civi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamonds Snake 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, IT
Beautiful 18 karat yellow gold snake bracelet mounted with natural diamonds and green,blue and red enamel, the bracelet can be adapted to any wrist size as shown in the video. Snake-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14 Karat Two-Tone Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14k two-tone Center Diamond/s: 1 round brilliant cut = 1.45cttw Color: K Clarity: I1 Diamond/s: 74 round brilliant cut= 0.75 Color: G-H Clarity: SI1-2 Dimensions: ring top ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Pear Amethyst 14k Gold Ring, Amethyst Gold Ring, Genuine Amethyst Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear amethyst 14k gold ring. Amethyst gold ring. Genuine amethyst ring. Gold leaves ring. Amethyst leaves ring. Floral gold ring. Delicate gold ring. Open ended ring. Adjustable gold ring. February birthstone ring. Natural amethyst ring. Amethyst jewelry. Amethyst vintage ring. Amethyst and diamonds gold ring. Minimalist amethyst ring. Amethyst engagement ring. Amethyst promise ring...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer bangle bracelet hand made in 18 Karat yellow gold. This bracelet is finished in Byzantine style with the unique velvet look on the background. The bracelet featur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Stone Diamond Halo 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
With a total diamond carat weight of over 1.5 carats, this elegant ring has enormous sparkle and light. Prominent on the raised gallery of this ring, each of the three full cut round...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Channel Set Diamonds
Located in Boston, MA
18K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Channel Set Diamonds - The bangle contains 25 round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 1.50ct. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rosior Bangle Bracelet set in White and Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Rosior Contemporary "Horses" Bangle manufactured in Yellow and White Gold. The Horses heads are Hand Chiseled in 19.2 Karat White Gold and the "rope" between them is manufactured in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst & Blue Topaz Bypass Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Ring Summary ♥ Main Stone: Amethyst, Citrine, Blue Topaz Stone Cut: Oval Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 20mm x 8mm Weight: 10 grams
Amethyst, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval .26ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1/2 a size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Amethyst Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Oval Color: Purple Natural Di...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold 1.40ctw Pave Diamond Doppio Double Heart Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (40) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - F/G Color - VVS-VS Clarity - 1.40ctw (approx.) Material: 18k Solid White Gold Weight: 15.63 Grams Ring S...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,669
H 2.37 in W 0.28 in L 2.7 in
18 Karat White Gold Eternity Bangle, Bracelet Set with White Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
18 karat white gold eternity bangle set with a large diamond solitaire and many small brilliant-cut diamonds. Set with a large solitaire and c...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
John Atencio Hammered Finish Wide Cuff Bracelet Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By John Atencio
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This wide band cuff bracelet, expertly crafted in lustrous 18 karat yellow gold, seamlessly combines versatility with understated elegance. The hammered finish not only adds a touch ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Atencio 18 Karat Yellow Gold 2MM Band
By John Atencio
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: John Atencio Material: 18K yellow gold Dimensions: the ring measures 2mm wide Weight: 2.72 grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Atencio 18 Karat White Gold GIA Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By John Atencio
Located in Montgomery, AL
John Atencio 18k White Gold Round White Diamond Engagement Ring Size 5.5 9.2 Grams Round White Brilliant Cut Diamonds 0.60 Carats Total Weight Clarity: VS2-Si1 Color: G GIA Ce...
Diamond, White Gold
John Atencio Diamond Gold Curved Hook Earrings
By John Atencio
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful John Atencio curved design 18k yellow gold earrings stamped JA with bright full cut diamonds. 4 round diamonds, approx. total weight .20cts, G, VS 18k yellow gold Test...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Atencio Sterling Gold Cuff Bracelet
By John Atencio
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 John Atencio Sterling Silver with Applied 18K yellow Gold Knobs Cuff Bracelet, 6 1/2 inch inside measurement and 1 inch wide opening.
18k Gold, Sterling Silver