JAMES ARNOLD FREW 1960 Sculptural Cocktail Ring In 14Kt Gold With Pearls & Diamonds
Sculptural ring designed by James Arnold Frew (1912-2008).
Fabulous one of a kind sculptural cocktail ring, created by the American artist James Arnold Frew, back in the 1960's. The rare ring has been made and sculpted of solid yellow gold of 14 karats with polished and textured finishes. The top of this large ring is a randomly shaped group of grey purplish and opalescent, textured baroque pearls that are held in place by tendrils of gold. Accented with a great assortment of 12 diamonds scattered randomly among the pearls.
Diamonds: Mounted in four-prongs settings, with 12 graduated round brilliant cut diamonds, 1.08 carats, white colorless F/G color, VS-2 clarity.
Pearls: Mounted in concealed organic prongs, with 11 river mollusk pink-purplish pearls formations of different sizes and shapes.
Birthstone: Pearls for the month of June.
Weight: 41.95 Grams, (26.89 Dwt).
Size: 5.5 and can be sized on special request.
Measurements: 55 mm by 27 mm (2.17 x 1.07 Inches) and raise 22 mm over the finger.
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark associated to James Arnold Frew, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "FREW 14KT".
James Arnold Frew
He was known as an important modernist jeweler and stone cutter, J. Arnold Frew created jewelry for Hollywood stars and celebrities. Since 1954, his work has appeared in museum exhibitions and auction catalogues, in books and art publications. The designer created jewelry since late 1940s, lived a long life and died in 2008 at the age of 95. All the more surprising is the fact that there is very little information about the jeweler. Moreover, the available biographical data vary in different sources. So, according to some sources, the date of his birth is 1912, while other, no less authoritative sources indicate the year of his birth 1921. American modernist jeweler J. Arnold Frew (1912–2008) graduated from Pasadena City College in California and began working in his garage workshop in Arcadia. Later he worked in other Californian cities – Monrovia and Los Angeles. Drawing inspiration from natural elements, he created unique modernist pieces using 10-14 K yellow gold and sterling silver, as well as diamonds and baroque textured pearls. Noteworthy, the designer most often used smoky and rutilated quartz, which he subjected to additional processing for a special effect. Among other gems were topaz, tourmaline, turquoise, moonstone and amethyst. Marked “Frew”, the designer’s works are rare and highly collectible. As early as 1954, J. Arnold Frew was showing his work alongside American modernist jewelers Betty Cooke and Irena Brynner. Preferring to spend his time creating rather than beautifying his studio space, he made his jewelry in his garage in Arcadia, California and sold it in small like-minded boutiques. Despite these humble surroundings, Frew’s work was internationally known and sought out by many socialites and celebrities. Creating jewelry that Frew called non-representational, he liked unusual things, believing there was enough mediocrity in the world already. His inspiration primarily came from the organic world: trees, rock formations, or the patterns of rain in the sand, for instance. His favorite form was the ring, appreciating its depth and architectural dimensionality. In this example, tendrils of yellow gold grasp baroque opalescent pearls, and the entire construction rises well above the finger. It becomes a personal sculpture worn on the hand. (Cincinnati Art Museum with thanks).
Museums & Exhibitions: Cincinnati Art Museum. The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. Exhibition held in 2021. James Arnold Frew (American, 1912–2008), Ring, 1960s, gold, pearls and diamonds. For a very similar piece in exhibition.
Literature: Gold jewelry by James Arnold Frew illustrated at Craft Horizons Magazine, January/February 1958.
Collateral: This ring is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this ring is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All gemstones are secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: R081524TRNM/.7865
