Wingostarr Jewelry is made up of Mallory Wingo and Jason Self. They’ve been together for seven years, have a 4-year-old little girl and have been making a living off of their jewelry designs for two years. They make electroformed and wire-wrapped jewelry together full time in their small home in Georgia and have amassed a social […]
jeweler spotlight
Rio Jeweler Stories: Notch + Fletch
This new Rio Jeweler blog series explores some of the stories from the #RioJeweler community. #RioJeweler is a way for jewelers to share moments from the bench on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Designers from around the world use the hashtag to chronicle their stories, their work and their lives as jewelers. We couldn’t be more amazed […]
Behind the Bench: Ana Cavalheiro takes readers inside the studios of jewelers from across the globe
Ana Cavalheiro pondered exposing the space behind the jeweler for years. Something about the creative area where a person’s inspiration comes to life compelled her—it stuck in her mind. But, as a busy jeweler herself, she couldn’t find the time to get the concept down on paper, or rather, up online. She finally launched SpaceUnseen.com […]
Influencers in Jewelry Design: Sam Alfano
Sam Alfano is a gifted gun, knife and fine jewelry engraver. He’s also an inspired teacher and a savvy businessman. On top of all that, he produces a series of instructional videos, hosts the engraving forum EngraversCafe.com, which has over 10,000 members worldwide, and runs a tutorial website, iGraver.com. And that’s just the beginning. Sam […]
Influencers in Jewelry Design: Linda Darty, Renaissance Woman
Today’s “Influencers in Jewelry Design” post continues a series by Marlene Richey that celebrates the most influential and important shapers of contemporary jewelry design. This time, Marlene spotlights metalsmith, master enamelist, and renaissance woman Linda Darty. Linda has played a pivotal role in advocating on behalf of the integrity and versatility of the art form of enameling. Take a look at her story and then tell us how Linda’s work has influenced you. Join the conversation—we want to hear your jewelry Influencer stories!
John Sartin’s Textures, Treatments & Techniques
Have you signed up for Rio’s annual Winter Workshop yet? Get to know John Sartin, who will be teaching a two-day intensive on textures and treatments that will enrich your designs and expand your conceptions of jewelry. This class is a must for beginning metalsmiths!
Influencers in Jewelry Design: George Sawyer & His Alchemy-Voodoo-Magic
Today’s “Influencers in Jewelry Design” post continues a series by Marlene Richey that celebrates the most influential and important shapers of contemporary jewelry design. This time, Marlene spotlights the extraordinary talent and groundbreaking contributions of George Sawyer. George was the first to bring gold mokumé gane to the market as jewelry and the first to use precious metals in his patterning. How has George’s work influenced you? Join the conversation—we want to hear your jewelry Influencer stories!
Thanks for Giving: Toolbox Initiative Helps Fellow Jewelers with Your Generous Donations
A jeweler in West Africa will typically own a hammer, pliers or tweezers, and a few other odds and ends that they keep in a hand-made toolbox. Since The Studio’s initial post about the Toolbox Initiative—a project that aims to provide West African jewelers with commercial tools and materials that are rarely available to them—Tim McCreight and Matthieu Cheminée have received donations of hundreds of tools and several ounces of silver to support the project. Read on to learn a little more about these skilled metalsmiths and to make a donation to this fantastic project.
What Are You Working on Now? Show Us What’s on Your Bench AND Enter Our December Contest!
What inspires you these days? What materials have you been experimenting with? Nearly every month we present you with another “What are You Working on Now?” contest, in which we invite readers to submit a picture or two and a description of what’s on their bench right now. Well, this month’s winner, Beth Beck, has won a $20 Rio credit, and December’s contest has officially begun—show us your stuff for a chance to win!
Saul Bell Design Award Winners, Christi Anderson and Anna Mazon: The Stories Behind the Artists
Christi Anderson and Anna Mazon were winners in the Metal Clay category of the of the 2014 Saul Bell Design Award and I recently had the good fortune of getting to know each of them a bit better. Read on to hear the stories behind these talented artists. Then begin thinking about what you’ll create for the 2016 Saul Bell Design Award competition!
Influencers in Jewelry Design: Alexander Calder and The Bauhaus
Today’s “Influencers in Jewelry Design” post continues a series by Marlene Richey that celebrates the most influential and important shapers of contemporary jewelry design. This time, Marlene spotlights the lasting impact of Alexander Calder and The Bauhaus, both of whom have had a far-reaching influence on industrial design, fine art, and jewelry making for decades. How have these design greats influenced you? Join the conversation—we want to hear your jewelry Influencer stories!
Saul Bell Design Award Winner Merry-Lee Rae: The Story Behind the Artist
Go behind the scenes and hear the story of another 2014 Saul Bell Design Award winner. Merry-Lee Rae took first place in the Enamel category and I spent some time getting to know her recently. Take a look to learn more about what makes Merry-Lee tick, then get started on your own masterpiece for the 2016 Saul Bell Design Award competition!