Editors

Remembering Alex Šepkus, an Artist Without Equal

EditorsSep 10, 2021

Remembering Alex Šepkus, an Artist Without Equal

A wake and services are scheduled to take place Sept. 11-13 for the designer, who died Sept. 5 at the age of 67.

20210910_Alex Sepkus.jpg
Jewelry designer Alex Šepkus died Sept. 5 from a sudden complication related to lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system he had been living with for three years. The celebrated designer was 67 years old. (Photo courtesy of Alex Šepkus Co.)
In my 14 years in the industry, I don’t believe I ever had the pleasure of meeting Alex Šepkus in person but I certainly knew his work; everyone did.

Šepkus, who died Sept. 5 at the age of 67 from a sudden complication related to lymphoma, achieved something few designers in any discipline can—he made jewelry that was decidedly Alex Šepkus and could not be mistaken for anything but.

Šepkus didn’t center his work around chasing trends and, in doing so, was able to create designs that were both unique and timeless, a duality not easily achieved, said Julie Von Bargen Thom, co-owner of Von Bargen’s Jewelry.

“What amazes me about him as an artist [is], I think it’s really difficult to be out-of-the-box and creative in a way that’s timeless. And that’s what he’s done,” Thom told me over the phone on Tuesday, shortly after Šepkus’ eponymous company had shared news of his passing over social media. 

“That’s really what makes him such a great artist and what will be his legacy in jewelry.”

Vermont independent Von Bargen’s has been carrying Alex Šepkus jewelry pretty much since the line launched.

Thom’s late father, John Von Bargen, first saw the brand when Jeff Feero, Šepkus’ longtime business partner and closest friend, brought pieces to the Von Bargen’s store in Stratton decades ago.

John thought the work was amazing.; everyone does.

“You can’t see it and not think it’s incredible,” Thom said. “I think it appeals to a client who’s very sophisticated but not flashy. And that’s Vermont.”

It also describes the jewelry clientele in Washington, D.C., according to Jim Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box, another early adopter of Alex Šepkus’ line. D.C.-area residents are affluent but conservative; if you’re too flashy, you’re not taken seriously, he said.

Rosenheim said he was “dumbfounded” the first time he saw Šepkus’ jewelry, which was at the trade show where it premiered, in the New Designer Gallery at the JA New York show in 1993. 
 
Examining a piece through a loupe with his heart pounding, Rosenheim knew he was seeing special jewelry, like “something from another age,” as he described it to me Wednesday.

Nearly 30 years later, Alex Šepkus is still a big business for Tiny Jewel Box and, according to Feero, one of the brand’s largest accounts in the country.

It’s a success story that has set Rosenheim out on a seemingly endless search. He’s spent the last 20 years looking for the second coming of Alex Šepkus or, as Rosenheim put it, “the next genius.” 

“And I don’t use that word easily,” he said. “I’ve been looking, looking, looking … there has not been a next Alex Šepkus. We just lost a brilliant talent.”

20210910_Alex Sepkus charms.jpg
A collection of charms from Alex Šepkus. Rosenheim said the late artist’s work appeals to curious minds; he described it as “the thinking man’s jewelry.” (Photo courtesy of Alex Šepkus Co.)

Both Thom and Rosenheim described Šepkus as a private person—a refreshing trait in this age of endless oversharing, in my opinion—and Feero, who was among those who knew him best, concurred.

He described Šepkus’ manner as “monk-like”—polite, reserved, modest, focused and, while at times stubborn and stern, genuinely kind.

Šepkus was a “gentle soul” who had a profound effect on anyone he met and, Feero added, a “wicked dark sense of humor.”

Feero and Šepkus met in the early ‘90s when Feero was working for Julius Cohen on Madison Avenue and Šepkus was still learning his craft alongside a Polish jeweler at a shop on 48th Street that did repairs, sizing and adjustments for Bulgari.

Like Rosenheim, Feero said he was “dumbfounded” when he first saw Šepkus’ work.

He knew immediately it was time to leave his job at Julius Cohen and start a company with the man who’d become known around 47th Street as this “new guy who could repair anything.”

The two launched Alex Šepkus Co. in late 1991. Feero credits Terry Betteridge and Russell Cohen, then owner of Carlyle & Co., with giving the business the financial boosts it needed to get off the ground in those early lean years.

Today, Alex Šepkus employs 20 people, a staff of “bright, artistic, and creative people,” many of whom have been with the company for decades, Feero said.

Šepkus left behind an “extraordinary archive” of unreleased work, and the company has 15 bench jewelers who are more than capable of executing on his vision.

Feero said Šepkus was like a “musician with a huge symphony behind him,” and they will play on.

20210910_Alex Sepkus rings.jpg
Alex Šepkus won the New Designer of the Year Award at the JA show in 1993. The company started exhibiting at Couture the year it launched, 1995. Feero joked that Šepkus was not the best person to take to trade shows because he’d grab buyers by the arm and take them to see the work of other designers he admired, like Michael Zobel and Paul Morelli. “I used to say, ‘Leave them in the booth Alex, leave them with me for a while.’” (Photo courtesy of Alex Šepkus Co.)

Aleksandras (Alex) Šepkus was born in Vilnius, Lithuania on March 24, 1954, the son of Valerijonas and Jania Zabielskaite Šepkus.

According to his obituary, Šepkus originally studied industrial design with the intention of becoming an architect like his father. Ultimately, though, he found it too limiting and found his way to jewelry design.

He immigrated to the United States in 1988 and resided in Ossining, New York with his beloved wife, Dangė.

Šepkus is survived by Dangė; his son, Kristupas of Lithuania; grandson, Eduardas; sister, Liucija; and extended family in Lithuania as well as many dear friends.

A wake is scheduled to take place Sept. 11 and 12 from 4-7 p.m. at Coffey Funeral Home in Tarrytown, New York.

The funeral service is Monday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Sleepy Hollow, with burial at St. Augustine Cemetery in Ossining.

A memorial luncheon will follow from 2-6 p.m. at The Briarcliff Manor in Briarcliff, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to animal rescue organization Bideawee, as Šepkus was an animal lover.

The Alex Šepkus team shared the details of the services on the brand’s Instagram page; everyone is welcome.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Benjamin Clymer and the Porsche Design x Hodinkee limited-edition watch
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—Hodinkee

The company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.

Gabrielle Grazi
MajorsOct 04, 2024
Hearts On Fire Names Gabrielle Grazi VP of Sales, North America

The industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.

Ray Griffiths Double Headed Snake Ring
CollectionsOct 04, 2024
Piece of the Week: Ray Griffiths’ ‘Double Headed Snake’ Ring

Slither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

 Hurricane Helene
Policies & IssuesOct 03, 2024
RJO, CERF+ Join Those Offering Hurricane Helene Relief to Affected Jewelers

Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.

Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Forevermark store Mumbai India
SourcingOct 03, 2024
How India Became the World’s Second-Largest Market for Diamond Jewelry

A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.

Stock image of police cars with lights on
CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery Charge

Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”

1872x1052-Brought-to-you-By-Article-Image-Top (1).png
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This Fall

Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.

Sheryl Jones
MajorsOct 03, 2024
JA Appoints New Board Director

The trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.

Pandora chief marketing officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsOct 03, 2024
Pandora Names 3rd CMO in Past 5 Years

New Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.

Assael earrings
TrendsOct 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Arrival

Transition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.

Dame Shirley Bassey’s
AuctionsOct 03, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their Encore

Sotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer Oct. 10 in Paris.

New Lightbox campaign with Emma Breschi
Lab-GrownOct 02, 2024
Lightbox Continues as a Brand, While Supplies Last?

The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.

Jane Goodall Brilliant Earth Campaign
CollectionsOct 02, 2024
Brilliant Earth Debuts Jane Goodall Collection

The collection is part of the retailer’s new “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign.

Tom Brady and his diamond-set Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch
AuctionsOct 02, 2024
The GOAT’s Stash: Watches Owned by Tom Brady Going Up for Auction

The sale includes the custom-made, diamond-set Audemars Piguet watch the QB wore for Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”

Armenian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2024
AJA’s Design Competition Now Accepting Entries

The Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.

Retiring Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos to Retire

The jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.

Woman wearing many rings
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Kay Jewelers to Revamp Brand

The Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.

JV Insardi Solar Campaign
CollectionsOct 01, 2024
JV Insardi Inspires Curiosity in New Collection

Creative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.

Glenn Douglass Oklahoma Jewelers Association
IndependentsOct 01, 2024
Oklahoma Jewelers Association Grants Lifetime Achievement Award

The recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.

Stuller 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Stuller Celebrates Long-Serving Employees

The manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.

Oscar Heyman emerald ring
AuctionsSep 30, 2024
Oscar Heyman Jewels, Paraíba Pieces Shine at Bonhams Auction

The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.

Yvonne Leon Noeud Ring
TrendsSep 30, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Dainty Delights

While statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.

Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 30, 2024
JA Fly-In to DC Focuses on Russian Diamonds, Retail Crime

Jewelers of America leadership and members recently headed to D.C. to share the industry’s top concerns with lawmakers.

Graphic with headshots for My Next Question 2024 holiday season
Recorded WebinarsSep 27, 2024
Watch: Prepare to Shine This Holiday Season

Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.

Lalaounis Archaeological Revival Necklace
CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival

The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.

Woman wearing Rocksbox jewelry
MajorsSep 27, 2024
Signet-Owned E-Tailer Rocksbox to Launch on Amazon

Rocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy