Body of work
After studying dance, Georgia native Laura Wood was inspired to design sculptural jewelry that fits and flatters the body.
The company: Laura Wood Studios started in 2013 in Asheville, N.C.
The artist/designer: Grew up in Milledgeville and earned a degree in jewelry and metalsmithing from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in metal design from East Carolina University (N.C.). Wood also has studied at the Penland School of Crafts in Asheville.
Materials and process: Wood cuts and forms metal, and through pattern making, fabricates signature shapes before combining the shapes with precious stones for dynamic and kinetic jewelry. Most pieces are finished with an industrial enamel in red, black or white.
What's popular: The Double Lace earrings ($198). The earrings come in red, black and white and can be made available with a clip instead of a post.
Other favorites: The Lace Cluster Collar ($1,800), a bold look that drapes the body beautifully. Also the Fan earrings ($400 and up).
What's next: Teaching a workshop (May 28-June 3, 2017) at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Where to buy: www.laurawoodstudios.com and the Mora Contemporary Jewelry Design in Asheville ( www.moracollection.com ). In the Atlanta area, at the Signature Gallery, 3267 Roswell Road. Also at the 10th Annual Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show.
Pop rocks
In her Georgia studio, jewelry artist Helen Blythe-Hart creates what she calls wearable “rock gardens” from colorful gemstones.
The designer/artist: Grew up north of Chicago and spent her summers in Georgia with her family. Now living in McDonough, Blythe-Hart holds two degrees in jewelry: a BFA from Indiana University and a master's degree from Georgia State University. A metalsmithing artist and educator for more than 40 years, she also has studied gemology through the Gemological Institute of America extensively on her own.
The goods: Works exclusively in precious metals (high-karat gold and silver) and original jewels encrusted with colorful gemstones.
Inspiration: The fantastical forms of orchids (which she also grows) and ethnic adornments, which have the magical power to transform and elevate the wearer.
What's popular: Earrings, pendants and rings (often using opal jewels) in the $300 to $900 price range.
Big break: A metalsmithing museum in Germany purchased one of her sculptural pieces. The purchase allowed her to buy supplies and equipment that helped take her jewelry to the next level.
Claim to fame: Invented a revolutionary soldering method called "The Heat Zone" to help her students succeed with the torch.
What is new: Mixed metal statement pendants and colorful gemstone rings.
Where to buy: www.helenblythehart.com. In Atlanta, at the Topaz Gallery, 3145 Peachtree Road, Suite 177 (topazgallery.net). Also at the jewelry show.
Mad about metal
New Orleans metal artist Thomas Mann is best known for his techno-romantic line of jewelry, which mixes materials and often tells a story.
The artist/designer: Born in Allentown, Pa., Mann was introduced to metalsmithing in a high school jewelry-making class and later earned a degree in technical theater (set design and lighting) from East Stroudsburg University. Largely self-taught, the metal artist has lived and worked in New Orleans since 1988.
The goods: Jewelry and home accessories, including sculpture, mirrors and clocks.
What's popular: The "Heartbox" collection includes earrings ($200), necklaces ($130) and bracelets ($160). It features a red crystal heart loose in a sterling silver box, mixed with other tiny "found objects," such as glass balls and brass dice.
Fun (or unusual) request: Asked to design a yad for a family. A yad is a Jewish ritual pointer used to follow the text while reading the Torah.
What's next: Projects involving large-scale, movable public sculpture.
Where to buy: www.thomasmann.com or the Thomas Mann Gallery in New Orleans. In Atlanta, at the jewelry show.
EVENT PREVIEW
10th Annual Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show
The show, which features 30 jewelry artists from 15 states, will run for three days.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 13. Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. Tickets are $10 and include entrance to the library and museum. AtlantaContemporaryJewelryShow.com.
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