New equipment in her studio allowed Laura Wood to use a new method of pressing forms. The result is a power statement– her Amulet Earrings: Evil Eye, made of sterling silver with a patina finish. $180.
Gregory Burgard uses an ancient technique, pate de verre (paste of glass), to make one-of-a-kind translucent pieces.
San-Francisco based Sarah Hassler experiments with non-traditional materials in jewelry, combining acrylic and bakelite (as in this mint-colored necklace) to create her designs.
Genevieve Yang’s work is inspired by the phases of the moon, star maps and wild mountain landscapes. This Simple Landscape Cuff is a mix of 18K gold, oxidized silver and diamonds.
The jewelry of Boston-based metalsmith Melissa Finelli, is forged by hand in silver or 18k gold by heating the metal and then hammering it to sculpt it into life. This solid 18k gold Scribble on a 14K gold and silver chain is $1,800.
For her jewelry, Shaya Durbin selects ethically sourced stones and recycled metals, which is designed to bring out the natural beauty of the gem. This pink sapphire ring from her “Shimmer” collection is $900.
Looking for alternatives to gemstones in her work, Tamra Thomas-Gentry became fascinated with historic cord-braiding techniques. She combines her beautiful textiles with traditional metal handicraft to create pieces like this intricately braided necklace.
These vintage watch dial earrings ($40) from Carlos Montanaro are made from using repurposed antique pocket watch mechanics from the 1700s to the early 1900s.
LONG GONE are the days when women shied away from buying jewelry for themselves. Motivations range from the chance to get exactly what you want to rewarding an achievement to marking a milestone (a parent’s death, retirement or even the end of a contentious divorce). Virginia-based Elizabeth Locke was one of the first (in the late ’80s) to appeal to women buyers with her neoclassical, handmade 19K gold jewelry. Since then many independent designers have emerged to fill the market gap between the very high end and the inexpensive.
If you’ve been eying a one-of-kind bauble, there’s no better opportunity to find that special piece than the Smithsonian Craft Show. The best craft jewelers in the country will be displaying their wares all under one roof. Of the 30 jewelry exhibitors, 12 are new to the show this year. Among this talented group are Laura Wood, a current resident artist at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. Her jewelry is made from brass that is cut, formed, powder coated and occasionally embellished with precious stones and sterling silver. Using techniques such as riveting, Sarah Hassler combines hand-cut, hand-dyed, found acrylic and bakelite parts with sterling silver. Her main goal is to create pieces with clean lines that are durable and comfortable to wear. Gregory Burgard‘s colorful glass pieces have a magical translucent quality. Genevieve Yang‘s lunar landscapes on her jewelry are inspired by a month-long wilderness adventure in Wyoming. It’s not hard to see why Shaya Durbin‘s pink sapphire ring would be just the kind of treat one would want to purchase for one’s very own.
See the photos above for examples of the work of these show newcomers.
The four-day show and sale will take place April 25–28 at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. N.W. in Washington, D.C. The nearest metro is Judiciary Square. Admission is $20 at the door, but get your ticket for the show in advance at Smithsonian Craft Show and save $3. Hours are Thursday, April 25, 10:30am to 8pm.; Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, 10:30am to 5:30pm and Sunday, April 29, 11am to 5pm.
