History

Over five decades of work, from the first metal-and-leather pieces to current collections.

1970s

  1. Swing Earrings worn by Shirley, a model.

    1970

    Swing Earrings worn by Shirley, a model.

  2. Sandy wearing her earrings and leather neckpiece. Her love of metal and leather designing is established. An Ed Sherman photo.

    1971

    Sandy wearing her earrings and leather neckpiece. Her love of metal and leather designing is established. An Ed Sherman photo.

  3. Sandy wearing her earrings and leather neckpiece. Her style is established as clean, sculptural and modern. An Ed Sherman photo.

    1971

    Sandy wearing her earrings and leather neckpiece. Her style is established as clean, sculptural and modern. An Ed Sherman photo.

  4. Sandy's ear sculptures advertised by the Ed Levin Workshop in the Bennington Banner, Bennington, Vermont, April 19, 1974. An innovative ad for a distinctive designer.

    1974

    Sandy's ear sculptures advertised by the Ed Levin Workshop in the Bennington Banner, Bennington, Vermont, April 19, 1974. An innovative ad for a distinctive designer.

  5. Model Irene wearing Sandy's Hugs Earrings. Amorphic, undulating shapes create bold and dramatic earrings. A Shawn Walker photo.

    1974

    Model Irene wearing Sandy's Hugs Earrings. Amorphic, undulating shapes create bold and dramatic earrings. A Shawn Walker photo.

  6. Model Irene wearing Sandy's Hugs Earrings. Bold sculptural earrings designed with the contours of the face in mind. A Shawn Walker photo.

    1974

    Model Irene wearing Sandy's Hugs Earrings. Bold sculptural earrings designed with the contours of the face in mind. A Shawn Walker photo.

  7. Model Irene wearing Sandy's Whistle Earrings and a one-of-a-kind stone necklace. A Shawn Walker photo.

    1974

    Model Irene wearing Sandy's Whistle Earrings and a one-of-a-kind stone necklace. A Shawn Walker photo.

  8. Sandy featured in Encore American and World News. She started the double-pierced ear trend.

    1975

    Sandy featured in Encore American and World News. She started the double-pierced ear trend.

  9. Model Lana wearing Sandy's Sickle Earrings.

    1975

    Model Lana wearing Sandy's Sickle Earrings.

  10. Jewelry Makers Find Hobby Can Make Money, Too, by Shawn G. Kennedy, in The New York Times, October 16, 1975. Sandy turned a hobby into a business.

    1975

    Jewelry Makers Find Hobby Can Make Money, Too, by Shawn G. Kennedy, in The New York Times, October 16, 1975. Sandy turned a hobby into a business.

  11. Sandy Baker: Shape and form, by Kim Foltz, in Accent Magazine, April 1976. Sandy wearing some of her sculpture for the ears. A Shawn Walker photo.

    1976

    Sandy Baker: Shape and form, by Kim Foltz, in Accent Magazine, April 1976. Sandy wearing some of her sculpture for the ears. A Shawn Walker photo.

  12. Sandy wearing her Mali Twist Earrings. She made her own path in the jewelry industry. A Shawn Walker photo.

    1977

    Sandy wearing her Mali Twist Earrings. She made her own path in the jewelry industry. A Shawn Walker photo.

  13. Sandy's T-shirt design reflects her sense of humor and was an instant conversation piece. The press caption read: Whoever Sandy Baker is, she's getting free publicity. She must be a silversmith or something.

    1977

    Sandy's T-shirt design reflects her sense of humor and was an instant conversation piece. The press caption read: Whoever Sandy Baker is, she's getting free publicity. She must be a silversmith or something.

  14. Ear Sculptures by Sandy, an ad for the Limited Edition collection. Each pair individually hand made in gold and silver, in shapes of tigerlilies, moons, triangles and stars.

    1977

    Ear Sculptures by Sandy, an ad for the Limited Edition collection. Each pair individually hand made in gold and silver, in shapes of tigerlilies, moons, triangles and stars.

  15. Sandy Baker in National Jeweler, August 1977, among the independent designers showing in the RJA Designer Room. She wears her Mali Twist earrings in sterling, made by a staff of twelve.

    1977

    Sandy Baker in National Jeweler, August 1977, among the independent designers showing in the RJA Designer Room. She wears her Mali Twist earrings in sterling, made by a staff of twelve.

  16. Sandy Baker, silversmith, appearing in person at the Vogue in the Genesee Valley Mall on Saturday, May 6, ahead of Mother's Day. A Shawn Walker photo. Sandy has always enjoyed connecting with the people who collect her work.

    1978

    Sandy Baker, silversmith, appearing in person at the Vogue in the Genesee Valley Mall on Saturday, May 6, ahead of Mother's Day. A Shawn Walker photo. Sandy has always enjoyed connecting with the people who collect her work.

  17. Rope Casting Highlights Front/Back Earrings, in National Jeweler, February 1, 1979. The front and back earring was made in fourteen-karat gold and in sterling silver.

    1979

    Rope Casting Highlights Front/Back Earrings, in National Jeweler, February 1, 1979. The front and back earring was made in fourteen-karat gold and in sterling silver.

  18. Sandy wearing her Scheherazade earring. The original photograph behind her National Jeweler feature.

    1979

    Sandy wearing her Scheherazade earring. The original photograph behind her National Jeweler feature.

  19. Her classic NEMI Earrings photographed by Patrick Demarchelier for the July 1979 issue of US Vogue, worn by model Esme Marsha. They remained a top seller in the collection for over twenty years.

    1979

    Her classic NEMI Earrings photographed by Patrick Demarchelier for the July 1979 issue of US Vogue, worn by model Esme Marsha. They remained a top seller in the collection for over twenty years.

1980s

  1. Cascade Earrings in the McCall's pattern book, Suited to Your Look.

    1980

    Cascade Earrings in the McCall's pattern book, Suited to Your Look.

  2. Sandy Baker 1980. Nobody does ears better. Her ad for the Cascade Earrings.

    1980

    Sandy Baker 1980. Nobody does ears better. Her ad for the Cascade Earrings.

  3. Model Kim Alexis wearing Sandy's Kalabar Earrings in Glamour magazine.

    1980

    Model Kim Alexis wearing Sandy's Kalabar Earrings in Glamour magazine.

  4. Her Mali Earrings in Vogue. Her jewelry is selling nationwide.

    1981

    Her Mali Earrings in Vogue. Her jewelry is selling nationwide.

  5. Her Gable Earrings in Vogue. Designs for career women were always a primary focus.

    1981

    Her Gable Earrings in Vogue. Designs for career women were always a primary focus.

  6. QUILL Earrings on the cover of Essence, April 1981.

    1981

    QUILL Earrings on the cover of Essence, April 1981.

  7. Nobody does ears like Sandy Baker. An ad for her appearance at Pickwicker Imports, 134 East Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan.

    1981

    Nobody does ears like Sandy Baker. An ad for her appearance at Pickwicker Imports, 134 East Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan.

  8. Bold and Brazen. Sandy's ear sculptures in a Bloomingdale's newspaper ad.

    1981

    Bold and Brazen. Sandy's ear sculptures in a Bloomingdale's newspaper ad.

  9. Gold Designers Stress Sculptural, Free-Form Art, by Abby Livingston in National Jeweler. Sandy with her colleagues in the jewelry industry at Intergold's Ring in the Holidays Jewelry Designer Forum.

    1982

    Gold Designers Stress Sculptural, Free-Form Art, by Abby Livingston in National Jeweler. Sandy with her colleagues in the jewelry industry at Intergold's Ring in the Holidays Jewelry Designer Forum.

  10. Her Natasha Earrings and necklace. Sandy loved to focus on jewelry for the career woman.

    1982

    Her Natasha Earrings and necklace. Sandy loved to focus on jewelry for the career woman.

  11. Designs for career women were always a primary focus for Sandy, as seen in this Saks Fifth Avenue catalog.

    1982

    Designs for career women were always a primary focus for Sandy, as seen in this Saks Fifth Avenue catalog.

  12. Ashia Earrings on a pattern book page, half size dress 6968.

    1982

    Ashia Earrings on a pattern book page, half size dress 6968.

  13. Sandy's earrings on a pattern book page.

    1982

    Sandy's earrings on a pattern book page.

  14. Sandy scores again with working women, in the Jacobson's catalog.

    1983

    Sandy scores again with working women, in the Jacobson's catalog.

  15. Bloomingdale's showcases Sandy Baker. Sterling silver earrings in clean geometric shapes for pierced ears, credited in the catalog to Sondrayvonne Baker: the movable back-piece slender drop, the ribbon drop and the large fold.

    1983

    Bloomingdale's showcases Sandy Baker. Sterling silver earrings in clean geometric shapes for pierced ears, credited in the catalog to Sondrayvonne Baker: the movable back-piece slender drop, the ribbon drop and the large fold.

  16. Sandy's earrings on a pattern book page.

    1983

    Sandy's earrings on a pattern book page.

  17. Sandy's earrings in the Saks Fifth Avenue catalog.

    1983

    Sandy's earrings in the Saks Fifth Avenue catalog.

  18. Sandy's designs featured in Consolidated Refining Company's national ad campaign, Seen in the most refined places.

    1984

    Sandy's designs featured in Consolidated Refining Company's national ad campaign, Seen in the most refined places.

  19. Her Raindrop Earrings in a national gold campaign. Bold, sculptural and very comfortable.

    1984

    Her Raindrop Earrings in a national gold campaign. Bold, sculptural and very comfortable.

  20. KNUCKLE Earrings and SCALLOP bracelet. Sandy loves a clean uncluttered look no matter the metal.

    1984

    KNUCKLE Earrings and SCALLOP bracelet. Sandy loves a clean uncluttered look no matter the metal.

  21. Sandy Baker jewelry in the Riunite national ad campaign. Her work is used extensively by stylists for women of all lifestyles.

    1984

    Sandy Baker jewelry in the Riunite national ad campaign. Her work is used extensively by stylists for women of all lifestyles.

  22. Gold. It lets me give her sunshine in November. Sandy's earrings in a national gold campaign.

    1984

    Gold. It lets me give her sunshine in November. Sandy's earrings in a national gold campaign.

  23. The Sandy Baker booth at a trade show, her work shown against black.

    1984

    The Sandy Baker booth at a trade show, her work shown against black.

  24. Sandy loves to work with other artists. This glass art was perfect for her 14K and cubic zirconia design.

    1985

    Sandy loves to work with other artists. This glass art was perfect for her 14K and cubic zirconia design.

  25. Sandy's 14K and cubic zirconia designs.

    1985

    Sandy's 14K and cubic zirconia designs.

  26. Sandy, also a graphic artist, designed her own brochure cover "Private Viewing."

    1986

    Sandy, also a graphic artist, designed her own brochure cover "Private Viewing."

  27. 1986 CALLA Earrings and pin representing Sandy's bold, elegant distinctive brand.

    1986

    1986 CALLA Earrings and pin representing Sandy's bold, elegant distinctive brand.

  28. For most of her career Sandy worked with metals exclusively (JCK Magazine).

    1986

    For most of her career Sandy worked with metals exclusively (JCK Magazine).

  29. Sandy, the undisputed Queen of earring design. Her trademark drawing, with the hair written out in sterling silver, from 1140 Broadway, New York.

    1987

    Sandy, the undisputed Queen of earring design. Her trademark drawing, with the hair written out in sterling silver, from 1140 Broadway, New York.

  30. The BIALY Collection. Her brand is distinctive.

    1987

    The BIALY Collection. Her brand is distinctive.

  31. Sandy's love for movement is clear in her LUSHLIFE Earrings.

    1988

    Sandy's love for movement is clear in her LUSHLIFE Earrings.

  32. DUCHESS Earrings and Necklace. Sandy demonstrates her strength designing with the most basic geometric shape.

    1988

    DUCHESS Earrings and Necklace. Sandy demonstrates her strength designing with the most basic geometric shape.

  33. A Mid-west newspaper article.

    1988

    A Mid-west newspaper article.

  34. Sandy's work is recognized internationally.

    1989

    Sandy's work is recognized internationally.

  35. Sandy celebrated her 20th year in business at the JA Show on July 26, where Michael D. Roman, chairman of Jewelers of America, drew the names of the gift winners. One of the few African American women jewelry designers, she looked on.

    1989

    Sandy celebrated her 20th year in business at the JA Show on July 26, where Michael D. Roman, chairman of Jewelers of America, drew the names of the gift winners. One of the few African American women jewelry designers, she looked on.

  36. BUBBLES Earrings and necklace.

    1989

    BUBBLES Earrings and necklace.

  37. Sandy's designs are "more Calder than Cartier."

    1989

    Sandy's designs are "more Calder than Cartier."

  38. Jeweler breaks a few barriers, by Cynthia Rigg, in Crain's New York Business, May 8, 1989, on her European venture in anticipation of 1992. Sandy Baker, president of Sandy Baker Inc., is respected for her working woman jewelry designs.

    1989

    Jeweler breaks a few barriers, by Cynthia Rigg, in Crain's New York Business, May 8, 1989, on her European venture in anticipation of 1992. Sandy Baker, president of Sandy Baker Inc., is respected for her working woman jewelry designs.

  39. Sandy was the first designer to sell gold jewelry on television.

    1989

    Sandy was the first designer to sell gold jewelry on television.

  40. The artist, designer and businesswoman took time to be a mom to her son, Jordan.

    1989

    The artist, designer and businesswoman took time to be a mom to her son, Jordan.

1990s

  1. Dramatic yet practical designs for the sophisticated career woman who uses the telephone at work.

    1990

    Dramatic yet practical designs for the sophisticated career woman who uses the telephone at work.

  2. Sandy enjoys working with customers.

    1990

    Sandy enjoys working with customers.

  3. Sandy's DUCHESS Earrings appear in national promotion.

    1990

    Sandy's DUCHESS Earrings appear in national promotion.

  4. Her Spirit Pins, cut figures in motion.

    1990

    Her Spirit Pins, cut figures in motion.

  5. Her SEAFOAM Earring and necklace in sterling silver, a wide necklace of bright silver curls worn with strapless dressing.

    1990

    Her SEAFOAM Earring and necklace in sterling silver, a wide necklace of bright silver curls worn with strapless dressing.

  6. A silver ensemble: collar, earrings and pendants shown together.

    1990

    A silver ensemble: collar, earrings and pendants shown together.

  7. Her SKATE pendant on a ribbon-like fold, worn with TURBAN Earrings in a matching shape.

    1990

    Her SKATE pendant on a ribbon-like fold, worn with TURBAN Earrings in a matching shape.

  8. Screamin' Mimi cufflinks, the dancing figure carried across into a men's piece.

    1990

    Screamin' Mimi cufflinks, the dancing figure carried across into a men's piece.

  9. Freespirit Earrings worn by Julia Roberts. Have you seen Sandy Baker lately? Everybody wears Sandy Baker.

    1991

    Freespirit Earrings worn by Julia Roberts. Have you seen Sandy Baker lately? Everybody wears Sandy Baker.

  10. Her love of movement and attention to detail appear with these super-sized MAMBO Earrings.

    1991

    Her love of movement and attention to detail appear with these super-sized MAMBO Earrings.

  11. Sandy's earrings on a pattern book page.

    1991

    Sandy's earrings on a pattern book page.

  12. Spirits! Her pin figures, each named: Hallelujah, Go For The Gold, What A Day, Screamin' Mimi and Pump It Up.

    1991

    Spirits! Her pin figures, each named: Hallelujah, Go For The Gold, What A Day, Screamin' Mimi and Pump It Up.

  13. Spirits! More of the pin figures: On The Good Foot, Fast Freddy, Barnie Bonsante, Leapin' Leroy and Cutie Pie.

    1991

    Spirits! More of the pin figures: On The Good Foot, Fast Freddy, Barnie Bonsante, Leapin' Leroy and Cutie Pie.

  14. The first appearance of Screamin' Mimi, part of the Sandy's inspirational Art Spirit collection.

    1992

    The first appearance of Screamin' Mimi, part of the Sandy's inspirational Art Spirit collection.

  15. Sandy wearing her own BUBBLES Earrings. A Keith Major photo.

    1992

    Sandy wearing her own BUBBLES Earrings. A Keith Major photo.

  16. Her Turban and Sasha Earrings. Sculptural designs distinctive to the Baker brand.

    1992

    Her Turban and Sasha Earrings. Sculptural designs distinctive to the Baker brand.

  17. Her Spirit pins in the Seen column of New York Newsday.

    1992

    Her Spirit pins in the Seen column of New York Newsday.

  18. Faceted earrings in a folded, angular geometry.

    1993

    Faceted earrings in a folded, angular geometry.

  19. Her wheel for the American Jewelry Design Council project. My concept of the wheel is one of spiritual freedom.

    1995

    Her wheel for the American Jewelry Design Council project. My concept of the wheel is one of spiritual freedom.

  20. Sandy receiving the Blenheim Award, honored as a designer jewelry veteran.

    1995

    Sandy receiving the Blenheim Award, honored as a designer jewelry veteran.

  21. Sandy featured in National Jeweler, receiving the Blenheim Award.

    1995

    Sandy featured in National Jeweler, receiving the Blenheim Award.

  22. The Blenheim Award for Continued Excellence in Design, presented at the 1995 JA International Jewelry Show, recognizing her work from 1977.

    1995

    The Blenheim Award for Continued Excellence in Design, presented at the 1995 JA International Jewelry Show, recognizing her work from 1977.

  23. The KISS junior collection: hoops and beaded strands in many colors.

    1995

    The KISS junior collection: hoops and beaded strands in many colors.

  24. Sandy's work selected for the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum's African American Design Archive. Bracelets from the Bassam Collection, 1996, in sterling silver and 18K gold with semi-precious stones.

    1996

    Sandy's work selected for the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum's African American Design Archive. Bracelets from the Bassam Collection, 1996, in sterling silver and 18K gold with semi-precious stones.

  25. Faceted earrings with folded planes in warm metal.

    1996

    Faceted earrings with folded planes in warm metal.

  26. STARLIGHT Collection earrings in all gold.

    1996

    STARLIGHT Collection earrings in all gold.

  27. More STARLIGHT Collection earrings in all gold, in banded and ridged forms.

    1996

    More STARLIGHT Collection earrings in all gold, in banded and ridged forms.

  28. STARLIGHT Collection earrings in yellow and white gold.

    1996

    STARLIGHT Collection earrings in yellow and white gold.

  29. Sandy Baker's Wild Iris line, beaded strands worn with carved disc drops.

    1996

    Sandy Baker's Wild Iris line, beaded strands worn with carved disc drops.

  30. Jewelry as Art exhibited at Kent State University Museum.

    1997

    Jewelry as Art exhibited at Kent State University Museum.

  31. Her ORRIS Earrings and pin.

    1997

    Her ORRIS Earrings and pin.

  32. Accessories are essential, in the Trends section of The New York Amsterdam News, December 11 to 17, 1997.

    1997

    Accessories are essential, in the Trends section of The New York Amsterdam News, December 11 to 17, 1997.

  33. The GRAND BASSAM Collection shows Sandy's continuing love of texture in jewelry.

    1998

    The GRAND BASSAM Collection shows Sandy's continuing love of texture in jewelry.

  34. The GRAND BASSAM Collection worn as stacked cuffs, from the same session.

    1998

    The GRAND BASSAM Collection worn as stacked cuffs, from the same session.

  35. GRAND BASSAM Collection bangles and hoops, silver wrapped with copper detail.

    1998

    GRAND BASSAM Collection bangles and hoops, silver wrapped with copper detail.

  36. GRAND BASSAM Collection earrings, curved silver forms finished with gold beads.

    1998

    GRAND BASSAM Collection earrings, curved silver forms finished with gold beads.

  37. Natalie Cole wearing a Sandy Baker bracelet on the cover of Jet, March 23, 1998, with Laurence Fishburne. Celebrities wear her designs in their day-to-day lives.

    1998

    Natalie Cole wearing a Sandy Baker bracelet on the cover of Jet, March 23, 1998, with Laurence Fishburne. Celebrities wear her designs in their day-to-day lives.

  38. "STARLIGHT" Collection.

    1998

    "STARLIGHT" Collection.

2000s

  1. Premier Poster of NATURAL SPLENDOR Color Collection. an E. Lee White Photo

    2001

    Premier Poster of NATURAL SPLENDOR Color Collection. an E. Lee White Photo

  2. Actress, model and television host Celinés Toribio on the cover of Tempo, wearing a Sandy Baker necklace and earrings.

    2004

    Actress, model and television host Celinés Toribio on the cover of Tempo, wearing a Sandy Baker necklace and earrings.

  3. Sandy introduces her first designs for men. Her square tortoise-shell cufflinks in the In the Spirit gift guide, Essence, December 2004, with Nia Long on the cover.

    2004

    Sandy introduces her first designs for men. Her square tortoise-shell cufflinks in the In the Spirit gift guide, Essence, December 2004, with Nia Long on the cover.

  4. Her BIALY pin worn by a model in Odysee Colour magazine.

    2004

    Her BIALY pin worn by a model in Odysee Colour magazine.

  5. Sandy re-introduces her idea of incorporating kinetic movement in earrings.

    2005

    Sandy re-introduces her idea of incorporating kinetic movement in earrings.

  6. The Sandy Baker brand shines, shown in UnChin Magazine.

    2005

    The Sandy Baker brand shines, shown in UnChin Magazine.

  7. Sandy introduces her ROQUES ring collection with luxurious super-sized gems.

    2005

    Sandy introduces her ROQUES ring collection with luxurious super-sized gems.

  8. Model is wearing ALLURA Earrings. Sinuous double curves of sterling silver enhanced by tiny seed pearls. a Wayne Sumnmerlin photo.

    2005

    Model is wearing ALLURA Earrings. Sinuous double curves of sterling silver enhanced by tiny seed pearls. a Wayne Sumnmerlin photo.

  9. Model is wearing EARTH Earrings. A hand-forged circular comet with a breezy mobile at the back of the ear. A Wayne Summerlin photo.

    2005

    Model is wearing EARTH Earrings. A hand-forged circular comet with a breezy mobile at the back of the ear. A Wayne Summerlin photo.

  10. Her MAMBO Earrings, designed in 1991, in the book 500 Earrings: New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry. Eighteen-karat gold, photoetched and hand fabricated. Photograph by the artist.

    2007

    Her MAMBO Earrings, designed in 1991, in the book 500 Earrings: New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry. Eighteen-karat gold, photoetched and hand fabricated. Photograph by the artist.

Beyond

  1. Sandy Baker continues to bring her designs to life in daring, fashionable new ways, what is next for Sandy Baker? The Sky is no longer the limit as there are footprints on the moon.

    20...

    Sandy Baker continues to bring her designs to life in daring, fashionable new ways, what is next for Sandy Baker? The Sky is no longer the limit as there are footprints on the moon.