We spoke earlier in a previous nibbet about Art Smith, member of a cadre of studio jewelers who blazed many trails in the 40’s and 50’s. This bold necklace was designed and made by Smith in the late 1950’s. Silver, turquoise, rhodochrosite( the pinkish opaque stones), chrysoprase, and garnet cabochons, the simplicity of its elements is counterbalanced by the complexity of the design. Look at how the curve at the back equalizes the weight of the front motifs, so it won’t shift on the neck when worn. Although the side motifs are similar in design and outline, the differing scales and offset placements of the cabochon stones recall Suzanne Belperron’s wise placement of bezel set cabochons in her pieces. Note how the negative space created by the sweeps of silver lighten the appearance and relieve the eye. Art Smith was the only prominent African American studio jeweler in this time period. His work is highly recognizable for its balance, large scale, and sinuous metal forms, and is much sought after by jewelry collectors who prefer the Studio jewelry sensibility.

Build it.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Grow it.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.