Constance Wicklund Gildea Jewelry

Over the years, we've fallen in love with a

technique called keum boo - a technique

where thin pieces of 24K gold are fused

directly to the surface of silver

using heat and pressure.

Each piece of jewelry made by

Constance Wicklund Gildea 

is a work of art. We are especially

intrigued with her pieces that feature

the keum boo technique using shapes and
textures from actual leaves.
She has other collections of work
that feature techniques such as
 engraving and embossing,
and they are equally as lovely.
But it's the keum boo pieces
that consistently draw our attention.

Here are some of our favorites.

Each shows the intense effect that 24kt gold

can have when it's fused on silver.
And we especially love the oxidation on
these particular pieces; it enhances
that striking contrast
between the gold and silver.

Here is her oxidized Leaf Cuff.

 

This alternate version of her oxidized Leaf Cuff

is studded with diamonds.

 

We love her oxidized Leaf Earrings from this collection.

 

And this pair of earrings is studded with diamonds.

Here's an example of a bead from this series.

This artist has developed very controlled methods

of pattern and design development, and

her focus on mixed metal pieces

produces gorgeous work.

We admire it for the imaginative designs,

creative use of materials and techniques,

and superb skill of the artist.

We are inspired!

Pamela Pereyra Jewelry

We admire work created by
metalsmith Pamela Pereyra.
Her intensely personal approach to design
is accentuated by the distinctive

handmade mark of the artist.
One gets a sense of motion
in many of her pieces.
 And each combination of
 shape, contour and texture
 seems like a little
piece of wearable modern sculpture.

As an example, we love her hammered
necklace and earrings.
Graceful yet intense at the same time
they're visually and tactilely intriguing.
And filled with energetic motion.

Here's the necklace from that series.

One of this artist's signature looks is the

lotus flower with layered petals.

It's especially noteworthy because it

features moveable parts.

Again, we get that sense of motion in her work.

It's simply elegant.

And we really like this piece from her

Kinetic series - the wearer can decide

 how she'd like to mix and match

the pendants each time she wears it.

It can be worn with
all the pendants together,
a few at a time, or just one for
a simpler effect. Each variation
is proportional, balanced and harmonious.

 

We admire the natural organic textures

of each piece and how each of the simple pieces

becomes more layered and more textured
 to create more energy.

Enjoy!

Cynthia Eid Jewelry

Jewelry created by Cynthia Eid is awe-inspiring.
Sometimes delicate and sometimes strong,
it is always dramatic.

Her sculptural jewelry is created by
various metalsmithing techniques;
her main tools are hammers
and a hydraulic press.

We tend to appreciate an artist's work

better when we understand the techniques

and processes that go into its creation.

As she explains on her website, Cynthia uses

techniques such as fold forming where

a flat sheet of metal is folded in various

ways (she mentions terms like

anticlastic forming and synclastic forming),

and the effort results in a dramatic new

three-dimensional form.

We especially love the addition of a

thin layer of gold to many of her silver pieces,

a process known as keum-boo or kum boo.

And we appreciate the way she expresses

 her love for her work:

The paradox that “soft”, fluid-looking metal has evolved from flat, stiff rectangles though force, determination, and tenacity enchants me. I am entranced by the metal’s progressive transformation --- through hammering, persuasion, and struggle --- from a lifeless plane of metal toward an object of vibrancy, unity and fluidity.

Let's take a look at some of our favorite pieces.

This necklace is called Changing Sides -

made with Argentium Sterling Silver

with 22K Kum Boo, Reticulated Silver,

and 14K Gold. 

 This necklace is called Sea Grass-

made with Reticulated Silver, 22K Kum Boo,

Argentium Sterling and Patina.

 

 

Here is a bracelet called Sea-Ish IX

made with Sterling Silver.

Here we see "3 Floral Folded Rings" -

made with 18K Gold and Sterling bi-metal.

 

We are inspired by her unique jewelry designs.
Each is the result of intricate processes, 

superb craftsmanship and an eye for subtle detail.

Elegant and organic, each piece
is delightful and dramatic.

Are you inspired?
Let us know what you think.

We welcome your opinions.