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 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
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
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
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
$10,676
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
$41,521
H 2.56 in W 2.88 in D 1.86 in Dm 2.21 in
18 Karat Gold Snake Bracelet Bangle Set with Turquoise, Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Berlin, DE
Luxurious eye-catcher. Beautiful, antique snake gold bracelet. Studded with countless turquoise, diamonds and rubies. Very fine goldsmith work. Case beautifully cisiled. At the ta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Rosecut Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A beautiful bracelet handmade in 18K gold with hammered finish. It is set in .53 carats rosecut diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,300
H 1.97 in W 0.28 in Dm 2.37 in
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Byzantine Bangle Bracelet
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents a luxurious 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet in a stunning Byzantine style, featuring a unique velvet texture on the background. This wide-width brac...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Channel-Set Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat Curved Channel-Set Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet. Twenty-six round diamonds are channel-set on the front of this hinged bangle bracelet. The bracelet has an overall smooth ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Delicate Baguette Square Bangle Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This delicate square baguette bangle is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, weighing approximately 1.37 total carats of V-Quality white diamond. Side clasp closure. Fits wrists up to ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet #17352
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet- This sparkling bangle bracelet features 29 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 18K gold. Hinged closure. Width: 2.6 mm. Ap...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 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