Ernst Giedon Beck (1872–1945) – German designer

Ernst Bek Earrings Rare Stamped Butterfly Mark, Gold Plated and Black Clip.
Earrings Rare Stamped Butterfly Mark, Gold Plated and Black Clip.

Ernst Giedon Beck (1872–1945) was a German designer who gained recognition for his unusual handicraft nets crafted from precious metals—silver, gold, and platinum. As early as 1896, he managed the Pforzheim jewelry factory at the Chicago World’s Fair, being appointed general manager.

Ernst Gideon Black Enameled Gold Tone Brooch Pendant On Chain.
Enameled Gold Tone Brooch Pendant On Chain.

By 1897, Beck opened his own company, which expanded to include offices in cities such as Birmingham, Paris, Toronto, New York, and even India. In addition to his famous nets, the company produced various pieces of costume jewelry, distinguished by its signature butterfly-shaped hallmark.

VTG Ernst Bek Gold Tone Enamel Doorknocker STATEMENT Dangle Earrings PIERCED.
Ernst Bek Gold Tone Enamel Doorknocker STATEMENT Dangle Earrings.

In creating his pieces, Beck consistently used proven materials such as sterling silver, gold plated, various metal alloys, Bakelite, and vibrant enamel.

Vintage Weekenders Gold Tone Swirled Gray Black Enamel Post Butterfly Earrings.
Vintage Gold Tone Swirled Gray Black Enamel Post Butterfly Earrings.

After returning from a trip to Italy in July 1932, Ernst Gideon Beck suffered a stroke, from which he never fully recovered. In 1934, he handed over the business to his sons, Wesley and Orville Siegfried, who reorganized the company as “E.G. Bek & Co. KG.”

Ernst Gideon Brush Gold Plated Stud Earrings In Sage.
Ernst Gideon Brush Gold Plated Stud Earrings In Sage.

One example of vintage jewelry by Ernst Gideon Bek is the antique “Perfect Pair” set. Crafted from high-quality gold-tone jewelry alloy, it is decorated with dense black enamel, and the brooch features an olive pendant.

Vintage Antique Jewelry RARE Ernst Gideon Bek Germany Pierced Earrings Gold Tone.
Vintage Antique Jewelry Germany Pierced Earrings Gold Tone.
Ernst Gideon Bek Centered Pearl Stone Gold Tone Vintage Belt Slide Buckle
Centered Pearl Stone Gold Tone Vintage Belt Slide Buckle.
Unique Vintage ERNST GIDEON BEK Gold and Enameled Grey Checkered Earrings.
Unique Vintage Gold and Enameled Grey Checkered Earrings.
Sterling Silver vintage Chain Purse by Ernst Gideon Bek 1872 to 1945 German.
Sterling Silver vintage Chain Purse 1872 to 1945 German.
Vintage Ernst Gideon Bek Gold Tone Green Round Earrings.
Gold Tone Green Round Earrings.
Rare Vintage Blue Enamel Gold Tone Drop Pierced Earrings Ernst Gideon Bek.
Rare Vintage Blue Enamel Gold Tone Drop Earrings.
Vintage Ernst Gideon Bek Set Black Enamel Gold Plated Brooch & Clip On Earrings.
Set Black Enamel Gold Plated Brooch & Clip On Earrings.
Ernst Gideon Bek Vintage Belt Buckle Navy Blue.
Vintage Belt Buckle Navy Blue.
Rare Antique Ernst Gideon Bek Gold Plated Faux Pearl Pendant Earrings Set.
Gold Plated Faux Pearl Pendant Earrings Set.
Vintage Jewelry Ernst Gideon Bek Germany Clip Earrings Gold Tone Blue.
Vintage Jewelry Ernst Gideon Bek Germany Clip Earrings Gold Tone Blue.
Vintage Jewelry Ernst Gideon Bek Germany Necklace Gold Tone Art Deco.
Germany Necklace Gold Tone Art Deco.
RARE Antique Ernst Gideon Bek Gold Plated Faux Almond Aqua Pearl Orb.
Gold Plated Faux Almond Aqua Pearl Orb.
Brand mark.
Brand mark.
Vintage Ernst Gideon Bek Abstract Black Silver Tone BroochPendant Art Deco Style.
Abstract Black Silver Tone BroochPendant Art Deco Style.
Vintage Classy Ernst Gideon Bek Black Enamel Gold Black White Plated Brooch Pin.
Black Enamel Gold Black White Plated Brooch Pin.
Vintage Ernst Gideon Bek Gold Tone Green Round Earrings And Pendant.
Gold Tone Green Round Earrings And Pendant.
Ernst Gideon Bek Clip On Earrings Germany Red Enamel & Gold Tone Germany RARE.
Clip On Earrings Germany Red Enamel & Gold Tone Germany RARE.
Rare Vintage Black Enamel Gold Tone Pierced Earrings Ernst Gideon Bek.
Enamel Gold Tone Pierced Earrings Ernst Gideon Bek.