Vintage Jose Hess Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Lever-Back Earrings

Jose Hess concentrated on mentoring emerging designers by teaching jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He worked as a consultant to jewelry companies in the United States and abroad — in order to help them improve their design and manufacturing methods — and designed a collection of jewelry that was featured on TV and online, with Jose having done the presentations live on air.

An industry leader, Hess was the first American president of CIBJO, an international trade association whose mission is to establish uniform standards for the jewelry space worldwide. He was a former president of the 24 Karat Club of New York City, the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America, and the Plumb Club.

Mentor and educator Hess taught model-making at the Fashion Institute of Technology and often addressed student groups on goldsmithing and jewelry design. A winner of numerous jewelry design award competitions, including the prestigious De Beers Diamonds International award, Hess was frequently recognized for his talent. His jewelry has been prominently featured in W, InStyle, Mirabella, Town & Country, Vogue, and a variety of other magazines.

Hess’s work is often seen on the glamorous Hollywood circuit, with celebrities such as Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Candy Spelling wearing pieces from his collection. Hess won the 1963 DeBeers Diamonds International (1958–1964); Certificate of Commendation – Diamonds International Awards (1978); Certificate of Distinction, Art Direction magazine (1978); and more.

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