Wright Auction

In 1975, Steuben debuted their first example of jewelry, a two-part pendant by Eric Hilton. Pieces were produced in small amounts and swiftly became a hit with clientele; in May 1977, the company opened a gallery in their New York store entirely dedicated to Hilton’s necklaces, bracelets, rings, and brooches. Over the coming years, Steuben released creations by other designers including Thomas S. Buechner (president of Steuben Glass and chairman of the Corning Glass Works Foundation), David Dowler, and others. The company’s crystal-clear glass served as the perfect medium for crafting sumptuous, enigmatic wearable art, from gestural Cycladic-style pendants to glittering, intricately engraved mystical motifs.