John Atencio Brooches
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Modern John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s European Early Victorian Antique John Atencio Brooches
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
1960s Italian Art Deco Vintage John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1850s British Victorian Antique John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Sapph...
1930s Art Deco Vintage John Atencio Brooches
Amber
Mid-20th Century John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, Ruby
1920s German Art Deco Vintage John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
1960s Dutch Art Deco Vintage John Atencio Brooches
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Gold
1970s Italian Modern Vintage John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Tsavorite
2010s British Contemporary John Atencio Brooches
Sterling Silver
1960s Dutch Art Deco Vintage John Atencio Brooches
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
1960s Italian Classical Roman Vintage John Atencio Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold