The Ancient World

Inspired by the ancient world and the sea, I often find myself wondering what ancient and primitive people that lived by the sea would have done with sea glass. With this inquiry in mind I strive to make jewelry that is rustic, natural and handmade in look and feel. I have always loved objects from antiquity, not just for their craftsmanship and natural materials but for what the elements have done to them over the ages.

I use thick gauge precious metal wires such as sterling silver and copper. The wire working methods I use were developed by ancient nomadic people who made jewelry with a few basic tools such as pliers, cutters and hammers etc. This method is called "cold work" as it is solderless and is considered to be a jewelry art form unto itself. I learned cold joining and wireworking techniques from a renowned jewelry artist and teacher in San Diego, California and continue to take classes with her on a regular basis.

Although solderless, wire work done this way results in strong jewelry because of the thick wire gauge. Strength is gained as the silver is work-hardened during the jewelry making process. Links made this way are often stronger than lighter gauge wire that has been soldered. The result is jewelry that looks handmade bearing a few gentle tool marks that is in keeping with the organic look of sea glass. This jewelry does not have a commercially produced look and looks handmade because it is.

When making sea glass jewelry I ask myself these two questions. With proper care could this piece last a lifetime and beyond? Can it be cared for easily by the owner for years to come? Precious metal wire fits these criteria, drilled sea glass will not fray or cut through wire as it does stringing materials. Ancient wire working methods make it possible to create sea glass jewelry that is durable and if cared for properly will last for generations.