The history of vintage Laurel Burch jewelry is associated with the work of American artist, designer and entrepreneur Laurel Burch. Her works are known for their bright colors and whimsical designs, often with animal motifs (cats, dogs, birds).
Biography
Born December 31, 1945 in Southern California. At the age of 14, she moved to San Francisco, where she worked as a nanny.
In the 1960s, she began making metal jewelry to provide for her family, and then sold them on the streets of the city. She got the metal for her work from a car junkyard.
In 1971, she founded Laurel Burch Artworks, a company that creates and sells jewelry.
In 1979, she opened her own company, Laurel Burch Inc., which produced jewelry, bags, clothing, scarves, mugs and other products.
She died on September 13, 2007, at the age of 61, due to complications from osteopetrosis, a rare bone disease.
Collections
Some of Laurel Burch’s jewelry collections:
Classic Collection.
Iconic Collection.
Retrospective Collection.
Vintage Laurel Earrings.
The pieces are marked: Laurel Burch with a copyright sign (some also contain the collection name and year of release).
Technique
Laurel Burch jewelry was created using the Cloisonne enamel technique (“hot enamel”). Most jewelry was also gilded.
- use of bold colors – from bright primary colors to rich gemstone tones;
- unique shapes – crescents, circles and teardrops;
- intricate patterns – often consisting of geometric elements, dots and swirls.
Laurel Burch’s work received international recognition. Jewelry and accessories became popular, and the pieces were sold in stores around the world.
Laurel Burch’s legacy lives on through the brand and the continued production of her designs. Laurel Burch Artworks continues to create jewelry, bags, and other accessories inspired by Burch’s original vision.
