NEW BRITAIN, CONN.- For fifty years, Elizabeth Gage, widely considered as one of today’s most influential British jewelry designers and highly regarded artists, has been using her jewels to bring the past into the present. This spring, the unique and sumptuous works of Elizabeth Gage over this past bi-centenary are being displayed at the New Britain Museum of American Art in the exhibition The Enchanting Jewels of Elizabeth Gage on view through July 26, 2015.

The exhibition consists of approximately 200 pieces of fine jewelry, spanning 50 years of Elizabeth’s craftsmanship. Each work has been hand-picked by Elizabeth herself, both from clients’ private collections and the Elizabeth Gage archive collection.

An artist who uses jewels and metal instead of paint, Elizabeth takes her inspiration from a wide range of influences including architecture, animals, art, and nature. Visitors who know Elizabeth Gage designs will undoubtedly recognize strong inspirations from the British garden, the prominence of historical artifacts, and the beautifully made jewels in 18ct or 22ct gold.

For Elizabeth, the starting point for her work is always the stone or artifact. Whether it is a precious jewel, an exquisite fossil or a historical treasure, Elizabeth allows it to dictate her unrivaled creativity and with it, her jewelry as an art form is brought to life. She is also known for her imaginative use of color and bold design in addition to her meticulous attention to detail in all she creates.

Originally trained for six years as a goldsmith, Elizabeth Gage has become renowned through her use of large gemstones and a wide range of techniques. Elizabeth may employ several within each piece—wire and granulation, lost wax process, repoussé, hammered and linen finishes, enamel, or engraving—in order to achieve the richness that has become synonymous with her work.

The Enchanting Jewels of Elizabeth Gage is the first exhibition at the NBMAA to examine contemporary jewelry as an art form. Elizabeth, born to an American mother and British father is London-based.