The distinctive work of award winning jewelry designer, Glen J. Engelbrecht, is among the most recognizable in the jewelry industry today. His utilization of color in designs that come alive with movement is what makes him unique in the world of jewelry design. Additionally, it should be noted that the designs of Mr. Engelbrecht are built around the illusion that the primary stone is suspended in the mounting.
The birth of this designer's career was a small manufacturing studio where Glen did custom work for the trade. His abilities led to a meeting with local artist, Frank Eliscu, designer of the Heisman trophy. Their friendship was rooted in a mutual respect for each other's artistic abilities. Mr. Eliscu would only let Glen craft his designs.
With his work more and more in demand, Glen opened a retail jewelry store. In a short time, a second store was opened and Glen became a formidable force in the local jewelry arena.
However, with the passage of time, it became more and more apparent that the two stores were demanding too much time for Glen to stay true to his creative voices. After much soul searching, the decision was made to return to design basics and close the stores.
With time to concentrate on designing, it became apparent that his decision was sound. In 1994, Glen received the Spectrum Award for his stunning vertine in 18 Kt. Green gold enhancer.
That same year, Glen launched G.J. Designs, intent on entering the national design arena. He focused on the use of dramatic color set in designs which enhanced the natural beauty of the stone as well as their cutting style.
Each and every piece is Mr. Engelbrecht's work from inception to completion. The quality of design and execution is foremost in thought as each piece is produced.
As his career has progressed, Glen has been awarded an additional eight Spectrum Awards (including "Best Use of Color" and "Best of Show"), as well as four American Pearl Vision Design Awards, a JA Jewel Award, a Platinum Passion design award, and a Signity Facet Award. Due to his reputation in the industry, Glen was asked to judge the 2003 Spectrum Design Awards, an experience he found to be an education as well as an honor. In 2009, Glen was awarded the coveted "Designer of the Year" award from the Contemporary Design Group High Achievement Awards.
National recognition and the fact that his designs are now found in fine jewelry stores across the country have not changed Mr. Engelbrecht's philosophy - each piece is an individual work of art and should be created with the utmost care so the future owner can wear it with pride as well as pleasure.
