BENT GABRIELSEN (1928-2014)

Bent Gabrielsen was a Danish jewelry designer. He was born in Soborg, Denmark in 1928. He graduated from one of the earliest classes of the Goldsmith’s Academy in 1953 and then worked for the prominent firm of Hans Hansen Solvsmedie until 1969. By that point, he was responsible for the firm's whole production. He left to set up an independent company, "Gabrielsen's Guldsmedie", with his wife and himself as the only employees.

A jewelry designer of exceptional skill, especially admired in Japan, Gabrielsen won the Lunning Prize in 1964. Gabrielsen’s expanded beyond silver in his work but also used enamel, ivory, and ebony. His forms were often clean and simple and he favored elliptical shapes. Erik Bohr, Chairman of the Lunning Committee, wrote, "Bent Gabrielsen's jewelry carries absolute conviction as to its function; his handling of materials is so restrained and well-considered that one feels this could hardly be otherwise. His jewelry is simple and clearly constructed, often with links connecting naturally with each other so that the complete piece makes up a beautiful whole. Every single detail is worked out. There are no false effects. He does not take the easy way out." (BENT GABRIELSEN, 40 YEARS WITH JEWELRY at the TRAPHOLT MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, KOLDING, DENMARK 1994)

Visit our exhibition page for "MEDITATIONS ON MODERNISM: Thirty Years of Jewelry Design by Jacqueline Rabun, 1990–2022 and Selections from Notable Post-WWII Nordic Jewelry" to learn more about the innovative and exquisite Nordic jewelry in our collection.