Jewellery by Angela Cummings (Germany, USA), 1980s-90s

Angela Cummings, born in Klagenfurt, Austria in 1944, began her journey in the world of jewellery design before establishing herself as an iconic figure. She moved to America at the age of three when her family relocated in 1947. Her artistic pursuits led her to Italy for art studies and Germany for jewellery craftsmanship, culminating in a degree in goldsmithing and gemmology.

Upon settling in New York, Cummings joined Tiffany & Co. in 1968. After years of honing her craft, she unveiled her first comprehensive collection bearing her own name in 1975. Her tenure at Tiffany lasted until 1984, during which she crafted a plethora of exquisite jewellery pieces, predominantly in lustrous yellow gold. Her signature style involved intricate inlays of materials like lapis lazuli, jade, mother of pearl, coral, wood, and opal. The natural world, particularly marine life, plants, and animals, served as a wellspring of inspiration for her more... designs. A standout creation, the gold Rose Petal necklace and earring ensemble, captured this organic essence.

Departing Tiffany in 1984, Cummings emerged as one of the esteemed few named jewellery designers affiliated with the brand, sharing the ranks with luminaries like Paloma Picasso, Jean Schlumberger, and Elsa Peretti. That same year, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey alongside her husband, a fellow gemmologist with ties to Tiffany. Their venture embraced a diverse array of materials, with silver taking a prominent role. From tableware to accessories, Cummings' range expanded.

The inauguration of the 'Angela Cummings Fine Jewellery Boutique' at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue heralded her boutique success. Soon, her boutiques found homes in Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Early collections showcased a rich tapestry of materials, from black opals and South Sea pearls to black jade and diamonds. Nature's motifs and meticulous inlay work interwove with a harmonious blend of gold and silver.

With a flourishing business, Cummings expanded her boutiques in the US and Japan. After retiring in 2003 and closing her business, she was lured back into the jewellery realm a decade later to collaborate with pearl specialists Assael, creating yet another remarkable collection. Angela Cummings' legacy endures as a testament to her unparalleled artistry and innovative spirit in the realm of jewellery design. less...