The Jewelry Observer

Architectural Jewelry Designs with Strength & Clarity by Birgit Kupke-Peyla

HampelDesign — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:18:58 +0000

Masterfully using a multitude of ancient and modern goldsmith techniques, most of my work is hand constructed, architectural with precise aesthetic. In bold and strong, yet quiet forms I explore textures and pattern combinations. I follow my intuition. Utilizing a process of my own invention, I carve into a laminated gold & silver sheet to reveal the silver. Thick sheet is rolled out until the layers are almost even. In the final pass through the mill textures are introduced. Often a second layer of hammered gold strips adds complexity to the composition. Other textures are developed by etching, imprinting with fabrics and handmade papers, embossing, hydraulic press forming and casting. These sheets are cut, formed, fitted and soldered into a frame. Each piece is finished with dark patina. Occasionally stones, chosen for their color, texture and pattern are used, but rarely become a focal point of the design

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
Precious metals mainly 22k Gold in Combination with Sterling Silver
with precious and semi precious stones and pearls

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
Growing up my parents fostered my creativity.

Making things: conceptualizing, designing, creating has always been part of my life.
My mother passed her passion for Fiber Arts on to me.
She knitted and sewed. I learned both by observing her.
My dad, an engineer, encouraged me to assist him with projects.
He taught me how to hold a file and swing a hammer.

My career in metals, melding my aptitude for small scale and my interest in design, started with a friendship to a young goldsmith. My curiosity prompted an invitation to visit his studio. He introduced me to soldering, and I fabricated my first pieces of jewelry, when I was 17 years old. This euphoric experience led to an apprenticeship and my education in the metal arts field.

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
For the last decade I have sold my work exclusively juried Fine Art & Craft Shows throughout the United States.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
My work has been an ongoing evolution and exploration of form and texture. Focusing on my appreciation for Japanese simplicity and elegance mixed with primitive African influences.

Why Handmade Jewelry?
I have never questioned that….
I love to create, love the process and like the finished objects!

Find me on:
www.kupkepeyla.com

Delicate and Simple Jewelry by Lunetta Jewelry

HampelDesign — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:42:31 +0000

Through inspiration from random objects of our world, precious and not, I create modern jewelry using traditional metalsmithing practices. I feel very fortunate to of found an art medium that I feel very passionate about and I love to explore the idea of wearable art. I thrive in the company of other jewelry artists and embrace the supportive community of metalsmiths and jewelers. I enjoy to continuously learn new methods in creating jewelry and exploring the new and essential wave of designing from recycled metals.
My designs carry the theme of simple shapes and playing with the response of positive and negative spaces when worn on the body. My designs are evolving and I plan to introduce more alternative materials like canvas and cotton fibers in my jewelry.

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
My most recent designs are predominantly sterling silver with an introduction to oxidation, to play with light and dark contrast. Fibers and found objects have also played a role in my jewelry.

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
I went to school with aspirations to become a fashion designer. In that time I decided to take a jewelry class and never looked back. I began designing jewelry and working with metal at the University of North Texas, where I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing. It was here that I began to take pride in practicing traditional metalsmithing processes, such as lost wax casting and fabrication. I continue to use these methods, but with modern designs.

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
I have had opportunities to exhibit and sell my jewelry at galleries and local events, which I am very grateful. I enjoy collaborating with multiple artists for exhibitions and shows. Lindsay Hendricks designs are also found online at www.etsy.com/shop/hendrickslj.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I am a collector. Through inspiration from workshops, I have a new appreciation for the process of designing and playing with found objects and scrap metal from my studio. I sketch with these items until I find a composition or pattern aesthetically pleasing. I focus on repetitive shapes, rich textures, and colors. I then translate these items to wearable jewelry, using recycled precious metals and sometimes using the actual found object in the final piece. The process is my favorite part of designing.

Why Handmade Jewelry?
Creating jewelry first appealed to me because it gave me an opportunity to use the body as a canvas. The idea of adorning the body is intriguing for both the creator and the one wearing the piece. It becomes a personal and interactive piece of art.

Find me on:
www.lindsayhendricksjewelry.net
www.etsy.com/shop/hendrickslj

Beaded Jewelry By Terahs Classic Creations

HampelDesign — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:13:17 +0000

All my jewelry is personally made by me, whether it’s meticulously stitching each bead into place or using wire and chain to accentuate the beads. Each design is an exciting process from the birth of an idea to the implementation. I love to combine different techniques and materials within one piece of jewelry – I think it adds interest. I have been working with beads for more than 20 years and still love them because of their versatility!

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
Seed beads, crystals, semi-precious stones, metal, chain, pearls, etc.

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
When I was a tween, I went into a fabric store with my mother and saw these little tiny bits of color and light and was instantly enthralled! She bought me my first how-to book, and I’ve been learning and growing ever since!

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
I mostly sell on Etsy. However, I do display some items at a local Day Spa, and have sold some at regional Festivals as well.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
Mostly the beads themselves are all I need to get me going! Color is a never-ending source of joy! But I never know where my inspiration will come from! Sometimes nature – the colors and textures of a leaf, the turn of a beautiful wave. . . Sometimes just casually browsing at a local store I see something in fashion that makes me wonder if I can re-create the look in a different way with beads. And of course I’m always looking for another intriguing bead-weaving technique to learn!

Why Handmade Jewelry?
Because there’s something special about knowing that you’re wearing unique art! Something that was special enough to spend hours to make, is special enough to enjoy and display for years to come!

Find me on:
www.terahsclassiccreations.blogspot.com

Simple Feminine Jewelry Designs by Peggy Li

HampelDesign — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:43:09 +0000

I’ve been creating jewelry for over ten years and love clean lines and feminine details. My work has been featured in fashion magazines like Lucky and Oprah, as well as on TV shows like “Private Practice” and “Hart of Dixie”. I love creating pieces that women find easy to wear and gets them compliments when they wear them!

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
I work using sterling silver chain, wire and charms, 14k gold-filled wire and chain, gold plated silver and karat gold. I love semi-precious stones and vintage findings. I work mainly in beads and charms but I am working hard to incorporate more metal work as I go.

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
I wanted fun, simple jewelry to wear for myself and give as gifts, so I taught myself basic jewelry making skills. I loved creating pieces so much, I soon had more than I could wear by myself. I needed to feed my bead cravings so I decided to try selling my work and keep myself in beads and supplies to keep crafting!

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
I sell my handcrafted jewelry mainly on my website, www.peggyli.com. Over the years I have attended dozens of different fashion fairs and craft shows, had my jewelry in showrooms and retail boutiques, but these days I focus mainly on online outlets. I also sell my jewelry at farmer’s market during the summer and have done that for over 9 years.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
Fashion is a constant source of inspiration — I love the color and energy of fashion design. Fashion always has a reference to the past with an eye toward the future, which is amazing. I also am inspired by science and nature (I studied Bioresource Sciences in college) and as cheesy as it sounds, the materials themselves often inform what I make with them. I try not to buy materials unless I know what I’m going to do with them!

Why Handmade Jewelry?
Handmade jewelry is the ultimate in instant gratification. With a few bits of wire, a pair of pliers and wirecutters, you are on your way to creating something beautiful. Creating new jewelry designs is an amazing process where the idea in your head can be transformed by your own hand into something tangible in a matter of hours. There is such an array of techniques, materials and history to look back on in this industry, l will never stop learning new things about jewelry making.

Find me on:
www.peggyli.com

HAMPEL DESIGN JEWELRY

HampelDesign — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:01:36 +0000

J ewelry, as an art form, has the power to create moods and produce reactions.This is the design philosophy that the German jewelry designers and goldsmiths Christiane & Oliver Hampel follow in creating and developing their own unique collection of jewelry.
Although they use precious metals like 18k and 24k gold, as well as sterling silver and precious stones, the design is of much greater importance to Christiane & Oliver than the intrinsic value of the materials that they work with.

Born 1974 in Hanover Germany, Christiane’s interest in jewelry design began at a young age and it was quickly becoming apparent that this adolescent pastime was much more than that, as Christiane’s talents far exceeded her years. In 1996, Christiane received her degree as a goldsmith with honors and went on winning a nationwide jewelry design contest. Christiane also studied jewelry design and received her degree in 2001.

Christiane’s innate sense of style and boundless creativity coupled with her love of nature is reflected in her jewelry. For the last 16 years Christiane has enchanted audiences in Germany and Spain, creating a loyal following of collectors and admirers of her jewelry. In May 2007 Christiane successfully showed her unique jewelry in the United States for the first time. The immense interest in her jewelry demanded the opening of a studio in the United States. In January of 2008 Christiane opened her first studio in Naples Florida.

www.hampeljewelry.com

Amazing Beaded Jewelry By The StudioElle

HampelDesign — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:52:41 +0000

Ellen Goldman is the owner and founder of The Studio Elle. She is so passionate about her beading that she says she lives her life “One Bead at a Time”. She believes if jewelry isn’t beautiful and comfortable, well then, it won’t be worn. She makes jewelry that is never over the top but definitely gets you noticed. Ellen says ”Anyone who wears my beaded creations better get used to having people stopping them to ask where they got it and compliment them on their jewelry”. Her choice of color combinations and simplicity of her designs coupled with her quality of workmanship makes her jewelry a STAND OUT from the rest.

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
The finest Japanese seed beads, semi-precious stones and cabochons, leather and genuine suede and most important, high quality beading thread to keep it all together.

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
My story isn’t the most glamorous; by any means. Several years ago, all within a few months of each other, I experienced more than a few bumps in the road, along with being laid off from my job and my Mom being diagnosed with cancer. I also endured my 10 year old English bulldog Rocky having seizures, then passing away shortly thereafter. With all of this, My Mom begged me to stop smoking; and I promised her I would . I needed to do something with my hands, hoping to get my mind off everything that was going on around me.That is when I discovered bead weaving. I knew I was onto something when family and friends wanted to wear my creations. Then it spiraled into friends of friends wanting my beaded pieces. That’s how it all began. Recently I joined the Etsy Team and opened my little Etsy shop. I am excited about sharing my jewelry pieces all around the world…

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
Currently on Etsy and local craft shows.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
Just playing with colors, textures, and different beading techniques, I just follow. Like a slow dance.

Why Handmade Jewelry?
The quality and workmanship of handmade Jewelry can not ever be duplicated. Your hands are always the best tools.

Find me on:
www.etsy.com/shop/TheStudioElle

Graceful Collection Of Sterling Silver Jewelry By Lila Clare Jewelry

HampelDesign — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:40:48 +0000

I grew up in the mountains of North Georgia and spent countless hours exploring the acres of forest that were my backyard, basking in the great outdoors. Today this love of nature translates into my jewelry design. I make sterling silver jewelry that interprets nature in graceful and elegant forms. ‘Lila’ is Sanskrit for experiencing the universe as arising from love, play and creative adventures. For me, creativity and jewelry making is this dance of love.

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
Recycled sterling silver, copper and gold fill

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
I have designed and created since I was a child. I started with fashion in my early youth, and moved to sewing and ceramics in my teens and twenties. Yet designing and making jewelry has been my enduring passion. It started when I made stained glass jewelry in middle school and continues to this day.

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
I do retail art festivals and also sell wholesale through trade shows. Small boutiques and art galleries are carrying my collection.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I love to be surrounded by nature and am amazed by the elements. It is this love of nature that inspires all of my jewelry design.

Why Handmade Jewelry?
Handmade jewelry brings another dimension to the world of jewelry. It’s unique and almost one of a kind. It’s more special and the fact that I make each piece brings a quality to the jewelry than something which is mass produced.

Find me on:
www.lilaclare.com

Cuttlebone Cast Organically Inspired Jewellery By Ros Millar

HampelDesign — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:35:29 +0000

Tell Us Something About You And Your Jewelry
I am a london based Jewellery Designer/Maker. graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2009. I went on to launch my career in 2010 after exhibiting at prestigious fairs such as Goldsmiths’.

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
I use silver and gold using the process of cuttlebone casting within the design process. My most recent collection combines oxidized silver and rose gold plating with champagne diamonds giving a ‘gothic luxe’ feel.

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
After studying a foundation degree at Ulster University I went on to study at degree level for three years with a degree in Metalwork and Jewellery at Sheffield Hallam University.

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
I currently have 7 stockists both in Uk and Hong Kong. I also sell online through a number of outlets.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I am inspired by surroundings of organic styles and where I grew up In Northern Ireland.

Why Handmade Jewelry?
The satisfaction of crafting designs with my own hands and interpreting themes by making mini sculptures.

Find me on:
www.rosmillar.com

David McLoughlin Jewellery Designs

HampelDesign — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:09:30 +0000

David McLoughlin has been designing, restoring and making jewellery for 30 years. His workshop is situated at Craft Central, one of London’s main centres of craftsmanship. David uses his wealth of experience and traditional goldsmith’s skills to create many different pieces, including those in the reclaimed range. These are pieces that have been fashioned using reformed metals and reclaimed gemstones and other articles. This has led to the creation of some very unique and bespoke pieces. David has written a jewellery book to be published in the Spring of 2011 under the title of “Jewellery Solutions” in Europe and “Jewelery Fix ups” in America.
Through David’s work as an antique jewellery restorer, he has been privileged to handle some of the 20th century’s truly resplendent jewellery. In his line of work he is presented occasionally with a piece that is beyond repair, but using his knowledge he is able to produce something unique. David can re-use and recycle these pieces, taking the stones, re-melting the metal and crafting a new piece of jewellery.
A family heirloom can be made into a contemporary piece of jewellery your grandchild will wear as a constant reminder of their past.
Many of the pieces have been constructed from finds and purchases of precious ‘stones set’ jewellery beyond reclaim. Taken apart, the gold is re-modelled to form new designs with some elements reflecting the past.

Diamond Dust Jewelry By Aarti Gala Design

HampelDesign — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:28:42 +0000

Drawn to all things that shimmer and shine since … well, forever, Aarti Gala always knew she wanted to be a jeweler. Yeah, she tried her hand at many occupations and interests. Dog groomer. Femme fatale. Purveyor of the land. Coin collection. But, if you think about it, all of those things can be rolled into jewelry; an art, you could say, wherein you mine the everyday for inspiration, search for beauty in small things … And play around with fire. Aarti can spot a bonus when she sees one. From her studio in the lovely Virginia piedmont — and with no small amount of inspiration from an American cocker spaniel — Aarti (pronounced not unlike a pirate’s scowl with a “thee” on the end) creates unique, unforgettable pieces from precious and semi-precious stones and sterling silver. She’s got a real thing for diamond dust and exotic currency, and many a strange sound have come from her cloistered workbench late at night.
But make no mistake: Aarti treads lightly, and so do her creations. All of her pieces are made with ecologically friendly techniques and environmentally conscious materials. For it’s true that Aarti is young and beautiful, but she’s old and wisened enough to have learned that the jewelry might outlast you and me, after all, but not the earth.
So when not at the dog park, or plotting to return private golf courses to their natural state, Aarti can be found behind that workbench, expertly crafting the latest, greatest, shiniest little piece of perfection, all with you in mind. “We’re all god’s little cakes and cookies,” she is fond of saying. Agreed. Her jewelry, then, can best be described as the little extras that come on top of desserts: the roses and cursive asides spun out of colored frosting and confectioner’s sugar. You’ve got to get a piece on your slice of cake, or it just won’t be the same without it.

What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
Recycled sterling silver, 18K yellow gold, fair-trade and repurposed gemstones, diamond dust…

What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
I was a rock nerd growing up. Rock collection and all.

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
Through my website, retail galleries and shows.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I never know what will inspires me… I guess that is the beautiful thing about inspiration… it comes at the oddest moments.

Why Handmade Jewelry?
You can’t achieve the same detail, the same craftsmanship when something is manufactured. A piece of handmade jewelry has the designers heart and soul in it – an energy that something that isn’t handmade will never have.

Find me on:
www.aartigala.com
www.aartigala.highwire.com