ARTHUR KING (1921-1986)

 Arthur King was an influential American jeweler based in New York. Known for his tall, charismatic presence, King captivated collectors worldwide. After a Navy accident during WWII, he taught himself lost wax casting, initially using scrap metal and silver, embedding rough-cut stones, and adding unique textures to his pieces.

Post-war, King opened a silver jewelry shop in Greenwich Village, New York. His reputation quickly grew, leading to flagship stores in Miami, Paris, Cuba, and London. His Madison Avenue shop opened in 1962. King’s freeform style, a stark contrast to the mass-produced designs of large jewelry houses, became iconic. His unique creations attracted notable clients like Vidal Sassoon and Lena Horne, who helped finance his midtown store.

Throughout his career, King combined exotic travel inspirations with baroque pearls and unusual stones, producing organic, high-quality jewels in gold or platinum. His work, often large and impressive, mirrored his bold personality. His pieces were showcased at esteemed venues such as The Museum of Contemporary Crafts, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Stockholm Museum of Modern Art.