Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

An 18ct gold holly leaf brooch by Elizabeth Gage, 2000, the cut-out leaf applied with a green drusy quartz, within a gold shaped mount with applied granular detail, the reverse signed ‘GAGE’, London hallmark, the pin mount stamped ‘AL PA’, with maker’s case, length 6.0cm. £2,000-£3,000

After training as a goldsmith, Elizabeth Gage first caught the attention of the jewellery world when, in 1968, she undertook a major commission for Cartier. She went on to win numerous awards including the British Jewellery Designer of the Year, the De Beers Diamond Award and the Queen’s Award for Export, and was made a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

Elizabeth Gage studied for a time on the island of Crete where she learned the ancient jewellers’ technique of granulation. The free flowing designs in granulation and wire have become a signature of her work.

Her unique approach to design is reflected in the unusual elements she includes in her pieces, from quality gemstones to ancient coins, fine carvings to baroque pearls. She combines these elements with detailed goldwork to produce bold and distinctive jewels that are instantly recognisable.
In 2017, Elizabeth Gage was named in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours List to receive an MBE. Even today she still designs every piece that bears her name.