NOMA COPLEY (1916-2006)

Noma Copley was an influential American jeweler and artist, celebrated for her distinctive, playful designs. Born Noma Rathner in Evanston, Illinois, in 1916, she initially pursued a career in psychology before shifting her focus to the arts. In 1953 she married the artist and photographer William Copley, to whom she was introduced to by Man Ray, and became deeply immersed in the avant-garde art scene.

Copley’s jewelry is characterized by its whimsical and surrealist influences, often incorporating found objects yet she also loved working with gold, having studied jewelry making in New York with Jean Stark and Robert Kulicke, who specialized in ancient goldsmithing techniques.

During the 1970s, Copley’s work retailed at Henri Bendel’s and was hailed by the press as being highly original and innovative. Her creations were a reflection of her artistic philosophy, blending functionality with artistic expression. Throughout her career, Copley’s work was exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Her work is currently on view in the exhibition “OUT of the Box” at the Museum of Arts and Design.