Barbara Anton was born and raised in Pennsylvania and began her career in the arts after studying acting and painting at Columbia University. After graduation she worked for a time as an actress and then began writing plays.  After some time she saw an interest in jewelry and decided to continue her education at The Museum of Modern Art and The Gemological Institute of America.  She began making jewelry and it sold well.  Her designs earned awards from trade associations which helped her sell more from her workshop and store in Englewood, New Jersey.