WEARABLE SCULPTURE

Aquatic forms and patterns inspire the bold yet elegant jewelry of artist Shana Kroiz.

The artist: A Baltimore native, Kroiz started doing art in high school at the Baltimore School for the Arts. She later earned a fine arts degree from Parsons School of Design and a master's degree from Towson University.

What's popular: Her lightweight, double-sided sculptural earrings ($150 to $380). They are hand-carved in wax and electroformed in silver and 18k gold over copper and enamel. Also popular: the one-of-a-kind enamel earrings ($600 to $950).

Other favorites: Enamel necklaces ($1,800 to $4,800).

Fun (or unusual) request: Create a bracelet inspired by a tattoo on a customer's wife.

Big break: Started the Baltimore Jewelry Center at the Maryland College of Art when she was 25, and concurrently was published in Susan Grant Lewin's book, "One of A kind: 50 American Art Jewelers Today."

Where to buyShanaKroizJewelry.com. In Atlanta, at the 11th annual Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show. (See details below.)

METAL MAVEN

Betty Helen Longhi, a master metalsmith, produces graceful, flowing forms from flat sheet metal that allows her sculptural jewelry to be strong yet quite light.

Betty Helen Longhi, a nationally recognized metalsmith, incorporates various texturing techniques with forging and shell forming in her finely crafted jewelry.
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The artist: Longhi started working metal in her last year of high school and continued studying at the University of Wisconsin, where she graduated, and the Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 1983, her then-hobby became a business: Fluid Expressions in Metal. She maintains a studio in her lakeside home near Lexington, N.C.

What's popular: Her beads, which are made by forming a strip of metal and then wrapping it into a shell-like object. Most of the beads are large and are put individually on a cable to wear as a necklace. Prices for beads start at $270 for a simple silver one to $700 for bimetal and more complex designs. Also popular: earrings ($180 to $400).

Other favorites: Larger collars as show pieces ($1,500 to $3,500). "It is fun to see people try them on and occasionally buy them."

Big break: After nine years of work, she and her co-author Cynthia Eid published "Creative Metal Forming." In its first printing, the book sold out in six weeks. It is now in its third printing.

Where to buy: Fluidformsinmetal.com. Also at the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery in Winston-Salem, N.C. (Piedmontcraftsmen.org). In Atlanta, at the 11th annual Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show. (See details below.)

DRAWING ON METAL

In her jewelry designs, Deb Karash draws on metal to blend colors and create patterns that are uniquely hers.

The imagery in Deb Karash’s work ranges from modern geometric forms to elaborate flora and fauna.
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The artist: Karash, an Illinois native, grew up collecting antique jewelry and later earned a master's degree in jewelry and metalsmithing from Northern Illinois University. She began selling her work about 30 years ago. She moved to Asheville, N.C., in 2007 to open a studio at Marshall High Studios in Marshall.

What's popular: Flower pin/pendants ($390 and up) and, lately, her geometric work and insects, particularly for special-order clients. Most pieces can be worn as a pin or a pendant.

Other favorites: Earrings ($160 to $300).

Fun (or unusual) request: Repair a brooch that was lost in the snow and found months later on the driveway.

Where to buyDebKarash.com. In Atlanta, at the jewelry show.

THE 11th ANNUAL ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY SHOW

The show, which features 30 jewelry artists from 16 states, will run for three days (Nov. 3-5) at the Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10. Parking is free.