Emily Watson Jewelry

I recently came across innovative

jewelry created by multi-talented

 metalsmith Emily Watson,

and as I read about her ideas and the multiple

processes she uses to create her jewelry

I found myself becoming increasingly more intrigued.

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Among her varied range of collections my favorite
 is the Smoke Proof Collection which 
combines enamel with sterling silver.

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However this collection is comprised of a

more labor-intensive range of elements

than one would ordinarily expect.

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 She begins by combining

 etching and printing techniques

to pull paper prints of her designs.

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But that’s only the first layer of work.
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She then uses the etched copper plates

as a base for her enameling and

metalsmithing processes to create jewelry.

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I especially like how she describes

her process and motivation.

Here's a portion of her detailed explanation.

 

Smoke proofing is a process originally used by

type cutters. As the shape was being cut,

progress was tested by blackening the image with

soot collected from a candle flame and then

printing it on paper . . . The idea of the smoke proof

appeals to me for several reasons.

The type of enameling I use most frequently,

champlevé, is closely tied to methods of printmaking.

A copper plate is etched to produce low areas

(which are filled with enamel) and raised fields . . .

I began this series of work thinking of the pieces

simply as playful experiments in printing an image

from one material to another . . . The marks left speak

about what is not present. The processes used to make them

are temperamental and difficult to reproduce . . .

The heated plate acts like the brief flash of heat that

turns powdered enamel to a solid glass surface.

It imprints a memory, and that

memory then becomes a piece of jewelry.

 By understanding the various elements of
her work I can see more layers of interest
in each piece.

 

 

Her innovative combination of techniques
and  her spirit of exploration
captures and inspires
my imagination.
It is work that's created
thoughtfully and meticulously
and the results show it.

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 Be sure to take a look at the entire range
of her work on Emily Watson's website.

 

Exploring Wabi Sabi - Mariko Sumioka Jewelry

Mariko Sumioka combines aspects of Japanese 
architecture with the Zen concept of Wabi Sabi 

to produce intriguing, colorful jewelry.

Inspired by temple architecture
 (especially rooftop shingles)
this artist works with materials like bamboo, 

gold, silver, copper and pearls.  She explores textures
 and colors using techniques like enameling,
soldering and patination to achieve a delicate blend of
wabi sabi and urban sophistication.

The distinctive aesthetic of wabi sabi (finding
 beauty in the impermanence, imperfection 
and incompleteness of all things), is
precisely what attracts me to her work.

 

Here's an example of bamboo with pearls.

Reminds me of ice crystals.

 

 

This artist has also collaborated on several projects with

fashion designers as seen with these unique
bangles and neckpiece.
I love the patination on the bangles.
 

 

See her entire collection at Mariko Sumioka.

Dramatic Designs in PMC - Lynn Cobb Jewelry

Jewelry created by Lynn Cobb ranges across
a broad spectrum of design.
From gorgeous florals inspired by
Georgia O'Keeffe and Judy Chicago,
to pieces reminiscent of nature, sea life and
architectural elements, each piece is a visual delight.

I find her Flower Series pendants 
 utterly dazzling and dramatic.

Working with fine-silver Precious Metal Clay,
and embellishing her work with elements
such as 22K gold granulation,
enamels and gemstones,
each three-dimensional design is simply stunning.

Here are a few examples of her
meticulous work.

 

To see more of her sophisticated

Precious Metal Clay creations

visit Lynn Cobb's shop.

Style is in the Details - Genevieve Flynn Jewelry

With metalsmithing skills that are impeccable and
 designs that are meticulous and sophisticated,
it's easy to admire the luscious jewelry
created by Genevieve Flynn.

Her work spans several collections and
while each is intriguing and charming
 in its own way, I find myself enamored with 

her Flower Ring collection the most.

These pieces are positively luminous!

My favorite ring happens to be this one

made with sterling silver petals

 with a tourmaline set in the center.

It's so beautiful it looks like

 it was just picked from the garden.

This gorgeous light-blue enamel flower is also
made with silver petals. By including color
and a freshwater pearl it makes a
completely different statement.

And this vibrant ring features enamel on fine-silver

petals that are sweetly nestled within

textured copper outer petals.

There's so much vitality in this jewelry

it's rather easy to forget that these blossoms

began their lives as metal. 

And there's a lot more to see at Genevieve Flynn's website.

Making a Statement - Francisca Bauzá Jewelry

Statement jewelry is meant to make a statement.

Necklaces created by Francisca Bauzá

make a bold statement - both in terms

of color and size.



First, let's talk about the colors.

Simply stated, they are beautiful.

 This artist's collection features enameling

 on copper and silver.

Some of the colors are 

 gentle and muted.

They look like gently brushed

watercolors - a mere whisper of color.

Then there are the deep jewel tones

that almost vibrate with intensity.

It all works together in visual harmony.

Now let's talk about the size.

The separate components

are fabricated in a range of sizes

and when all the components come

together the result is a

gorgeous, oversized

statement piece that

can take your breath away.

The combination of size and color

creates a necklace that makes

an audacious statement.

It's a perfect combination.

Here's an example. 

This floral necklace uses a range of

warm tones from the

 palest shades of blush, carnation and rose

to deeper shades of ruby, magenta,

scarlet and russet.

This pleasing palette provides luster and depth

that is wonderfully captivating.

 

And the effect when worn is bold and strong.

It's a real show stopper.

Other pieces in this collection feature

colors like topaz, amber,

goldenrod and mahogany.

Again, each component blends
harmoniously with the others.

Working with a cooler range of color

also provides

interest and visual intrigue.

Here's a gorgeous example of her work in blue tones.

 From the tiniest hint of robin's egg blue and aquamarine,

to dabs of cerulean and splashes of turquoise,
each color adds depth and interest to the necklace.

This necklace is stunning.

The play of light and color

in each translucent color creates

luscious, glossy surfaces with mottled effects.

Creating variegated hues and patterns

on each metallic component allows

the artist freedom to combine

color and effect in endless combinations.

The final result is eye catching.

As I said earlier,

statement jewelry is meant to make a statement.

If you make a statement be prepared

for a reaction.

These pieces will

always spark a conversation.

And attract lots of attention.

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Don't say I didn't warn you.

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For more photos of this

collection you can visit the artist's website.

Melissa Huff Jewelry

Enamel is a remarkably versatile medium,

and there are so many different ways

that one can approach it.

In champlevé the metal is etched and the

enamel is inlaid into each recessed portion.

When fired, the effect is bold and direct,

 and that's what we love about the

art jewelry created by Melissa Huff.

There are many variables to take into

account when working with enamels,

such as stress factors between the

hardness of the glass and

the softness of the metal. Combine these

 variables with other stress factors in the 

layering of each color of enamels which

can often crack or otherwise refuse

to bond and one begins to understand

just how intricate and elaborate

the process can be.

We find Melissa’s explorations of color

range from subtle to intense and each piece

is strikingly beautiful.

We love the nuanced gradations of colors.

The combinations create specific palettes

of color that we find very satisfying.

It’s apparent that the time, focus and energy

devoted to each piece must be immense.

Her mandala series of brooches are

especially interesting. Based on

cross-sections of roots and stems

each features a multitudinous

riot of recessed cells

that unite as a cohesive whole.

This one is called Orchid Mandala.

 

 

Here's a piece called Core Mandala

and here's one called Flow Mandala

 

We enjoy how this artist can stretch

 the boundaries of jewelry

into pure art.

Each piece is geometric yet flowing,

meticulous yet relaxed.

We admire it all.

Enjoy!