Irena Brynner

Irena Brynner was born in Russia, but spent many years in Manchuria (now northeast China) when Russia, China, and Japan were all vying for control of the area. She immigrated to the United States in 1946 and trained as a painter and sculptor, before becoming interested in jewelry. She apprenticed with several jewelers and taught herself many of the techniques she would utilize throughout her career. In addition to making and exhibiting her work, Brynner taught many jewelry classes throughout her career in San Francisco, New York, and Geneva.