Designer Signed Elizabeth Prior Sterling & 14k Gold w/ Semi-Precious Stones Brooch 1990s

Measurements: 1.75"L x 1.25"H (4.45cm x 3.18cm)

Markings: EP 925 585 P

Weight: 7.7g

Positively stunning modernist artisan made designer brooch. Brooch is styled in a fan shape with a smooth trim around the edges and a lightly textured face. Face is adorned with different shaped and sized bezel set Blue Topaz, Amethyst, Blue Sapphire stones and pearls. The outer side of each bezel is 14K yellow gold (most likely plated) Back has a smooth high gloss finish. It has been professionally polished and looks almost new. Included with purchase are 2 converters so it can be worn as a pendant either vertically or horizontally.  

About the designer courtesy of her website: The first jewelry I remember making was with twist ties that came with sandwich bags before they were the fold over type. I stripped the paper off the wires and replaced it with little sleeves made from paper that I had colored, to my specifications, with either crayons or colored pencils and cellophane tape.

I stored the wires and their interchangeable covers in a matchbox that I’m certain I lined and covered in some fashion, though I don’t remember exactly how. I was not, at the time, allowed to wear earrings and I did not have pierced ears so I just squeezed these make-shift hoops onto my ear lobes while riding the bus to school, selecting the paper sleeves to cover the wires that matched whatever outfit I was wearing to fourth grade that day. It wasn't about having earrings to wear. It was the making that I loved.

Experience:

Designer / Jeweler / Metalsmith, Portland, ME, 1987-present. Professional craftsperson, designing, producing and marketing original work thru juried national wholesale / retail events , local and online markets.
Fore River Gallery, Portland, ME 2012 - present. Partner in four person co-op gallery.
9 Hands Gallery, Portland, ME, 2007-2012. Founder and Partner of 3-5 person co-op gallery, noted in local press for unique business plan and administrative practices.
Instructor, Portland, ME, 1987-present. Teaching individuals and classes in my studio, at Maine College of Art, Portland Pottery, Haystack Mountain School, Phoenix Glass Studio, and Metal Kitchen, NYC
Manager, Charlotte's, NYC, 1984-1987, a premier catering and event planning company
Assistant Manager, Handcrafters Gallery, Portland, ME 1982-1984, (presently Abacus)
Education:

BFA, Maine College of Art, Portland, ME, 1982, Jewelry / Metals, Dean's list, recipient of Doris Dean Scholarship and Eudolia Gross Award for Outstanding Achievement and Contribution of Self.
Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC, 1978-1980, Eight week Concentration in Metals, three summer sessions in Sculpture
University of Maine, Orono, ME, 1974-1978, art major, liberal arts studies
Continuing Education:

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, 1987 & 2004. Three week session in metals and two week session in lampworking. Weekend workshops in metals and fibers.
Parsons School of Design, New York, NY, 1983. Jewelry Rendering and Illustration
  Publications:

Editorial Coverage in the following periodicals: Jewelers Circular Keystone, Metalsmith, Cigar Aficionado, Glamour, Ornament, Bead and Button, Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors