George Weil

The generational rejection of societal norms seen in London in the 1960s led British jewellers to gravitate towards, and to create, more abstract designs, with jewellers like George Weil, Andrew Grima and John Donald bringing the avant-gard to London.

George Weil came to London from Vienna during World War II to study both painting and sculpture at St Martin's School of Art. He began sculpting busts of well known figures before setting up a jewellery workshop in Hatton Garden. This background informed Weil's sculptural style which often featured textured abstract forms. Exhibiting in the Jean Renet Gallery in London, Weil also showcased his work internationally, with his jewellery notably worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.