Christopher Walling

Sotheby’s describes Mr. Walling as “undoubtedly one of the most exciting jewelry designers on the scene today.” His work has been featured in two PBS documentaries; the Nova program, “Mystique of the Pearl” and the Nature special “Diamonds.” Mr. Walling’s stunning designs have significantly influenced modern jewelry, especially in the first major use since the Renaissance of unusually shaped and rare baroque pearls – as well as in his palette of solid colors. His creations have adorned such notables in society and the arts as Maya Angelou, the late Lily Auchincloss, Linda Gray, Brook Hayward, Jasper Johns, Alex Katz, Queen Noor of Jordan, the late and great Parisian hostess Sao Schlumberger, Danielle Steele, Renee Taylor, the late Elizabeth Taylor and Kathleen Turner. Mr. Walling uses every variety of gem in his work – often in shades with which we have not associated them, previously – if not also of gems themselves which have not even been mined before.

Descended from a notable line of activists, public servants and philanthropists, Christopher Walling is, in addition to his jewelry designing talents, “an erudite and thoroughly charming raconteur who leaves audiences enthralled.” Christopher has exhibited in 16 museums around the world. His work is included in 22 books on jewelry and he has had a spectacular Abalone pearl named after him which was exhibited at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. in the same gallery as the Hope Diamond. The American Museum Natural History (New York City) included numerous pieces by him in three of their exhibits (“Pearls!” “Diamonds!” and “Gold!”) which traveled around the world for up to six years. He does not believe in jewelry which hurts the wearer, hopes he is always wedding historic jewelry aesthetics with modern ones and wonders if the owners of jewelry into which "the kitchen sink" (i.e. every color and every gem) has been thrown - with certain rare exceptions - will keep wanting to wear it., year after year. He did not go to art school but studied political science AND he started making jewelry when he was eight years old!! Christopher is beyond grateful that his father - Hayden Walling (please google) put his feet on the path which he has loved and which has nurtured him his entire life.