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Palladium Radiates with pearls

the art of working Palladium is shown off here: hammer formed jewelry is scattered across the sketchbook of renderings in this clever image by Peden+Munk.

all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

Green Business Network seal of approval

I am pleased to announce that Alexandra Hart, metals artist/designer goldsmith has been awarded the Green America Business Seal of Approval. The seal is presented to businesses that go beyond product and service quality to set the highest standards in environmental sustainability and social justice, and work to solve, rather than create, environmental and social problems.

To be considered for the Seal of Approval and earn a listing in the annual National Green Pages™, businesses complete a rigorous screening process to ensure they meet Green America’s standards for the environment, community and labor. More Green Business Network information can be found at www.greenbusinessnetwork.org. This along with premier listing at http://www.ethicalmetalsmiths.org/ helps us promote and raise awareness on our continued and ardent work to make a difference in the jewelryindustry and the world as a whole!

blue moon shines like opal

the latest simple moonstone ring set in sterling glows blue like opal

She loves it!

all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

Silver Blue & Gold Event

exquisite gallery with warm and playful atmosphere is the highlight of August's "First Thursdays Art Walk" in Laguna Beach: live music and champagne celebrate the evening's interactive jewelry experience!

kind words from Studio Jewelers

Newly working with a very special gallery: Studio Jewelers in Madison, WI. The ART of jewelry shows off here!

http://studiojewelerswi.com/index.html

Palladium, the precious bargain!

Hard to believe precious metal prices these days but rare and precious palladium is still a bargain- showing off here with a natural coarse texture with a sprinkling of diamonds!
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

pretty in PINK

Preparations for a opening night ring event August 4 at the Silver, Blue & Gold jewelry gallery in Laguna Beach next week, both colorful stacking rings and contemporary bridal sets will be on display among the other treasures!

This is a princes cut pink sapphire bezel set on a slender yet solid ring shank in 18k gold
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

Materials Conference Presentation, FIDM July 19, 2011

I have found that the concepts I explore in my art parallel the events in my life and career as a metalsmith. The overarching theme in my work is tension between allure or attraction, and deterrence or protection as this idea informs my art, my life and my business practices.

In much of my work I explore the concept of “ allure of aposematic form.” In nature, an aposematic form is a signal to warn or repel predators from potential prey. Yet some of these forms are strikingly beautiful to perceive. They are alluring—these same defensive elements are powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. I have been inspired to abstract such elements often deriving them from sea creatures or desert plants, borrowing a defensive or protective gesture or idea and exploring it in a piece. This same “push/pull” seems to resonate more broadly in business and life choices.

We are confronted with market demands, or difficult clients, or economic downturn, late and non paying galleries, metals prices and even natural disasters!
We can preserve and protect our career by maintaining a competitive edge, keeping up with new technologies in marketing and process, finding income source to build security, tirelessly educating and building your market, and by means of using sustainable practices.

Attraction and promotion is the number 1 purpose in the business of our industries. Its our “job” to attract customers, buyers, employers; or business partners, collaborators, colleagues, or even students, and of course the press, in order to get established and function in busniness. Meanwhile, the other side of the business is that of Protection. Our aesthetic integrity, job, income, even our entire industry, not just the environment, need preservation.

Socially and environmentally responsible practices, I believe, are the responsibility of both designers and end consumers. Fortunately the “green movement” and concepts of Ecology and Sustainability are finally in the news and becoming fashionable! As a designer working with rare materials, I have important choices to make about sourcing in order to protect the future use of these resources. By only working with reputable suppliers which fit my sustainable vision, and educating the consumer as part of my business mission I hope to make a difference.

Specifically, my business tactic up to this point has been to simplify my entire collection by using only 100% recycled precious metals from Hoover and Strong, Stuller and my local caster, and since 2006 not purchasing colored gemstones from any other companies than Fair Trade Suppliers. I only purchase diamond melee from two sources both of whom abide by the Kimberly Process and provide the UN Conflict Free declaration on every invoice. The only occasions when I handle gemstones from unknown sources is when I am working with customer-owned stones in custom settings.


From the start I have been educating consumers and sharing the Ethical Standards in my own business as well as sharing links and further research opportunities online and this month will launch a new searchable site with expanded Sustainable Jewelry information- this is a preview of one of the pages.

Because of this long term promotion of ethical/sustainable business practices, I have been invited to speak to industry professionals on several occasions as being listed as a founding member of their directory of Ethical Metalsmiths.

But we can’t do it all – its IMPORTANT not to claim more than we can guarantee
CURRENTLY IN THE NEWS:
Many companies claiming “eco/responsible” are not as thorough as they claim.
Wal Mart’s “Love Earth” jewelry line, gold from big polluters, made in Bolivian Sweatshops

The increase in pricing is having a “gold rush” effect, many countries including USA/California!- this is where our VOTE counts when anti pollution measures get on the ballot!

Child labor in Tanzania- 8-14yrs old in Mererani
Harry Mushi, set up “Good Hope Programme “rehabilitation facility for kids from mines (common story of cycle of poverty)

Even Cell Phones! Coltan: like pacemakers, jet engines and hearing aids, 67% coltan supply is in Congo!
If you are like me its easy to feel overwhelmed-

We must not lose sight of our own integrated vision, must work locally and diligently to do our part, and it will Attract customers! Here are some photos from my happy customers!

You can revel and excel in your sustainable practices and vision-
Attract and protect- This concept has helped me hone my message AND the style!

(all jewelry images and text copyright Alexandra Hart-please contact for quotes+images)

studio projects for the whole family

So much talent shining in this family- everyone had a chance to make jewelry!

Speaking @ FIDM Materials Conference July 19th

Egyptian Winged Globe Ring

Here's an unusual engagement ring: 18k gold open winged ring surrounding customer's ruby with white diamond accents. Rendered on a CAD file- seen in the background.

radiant palladium

YES, Pd.950- the rare and precious sister of Platinum, great properties for forging and fabricating as you can see
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

blue, green and gold

just made this playful ring to celebrate summer sun and sea: 1.88ct tw blue-green and green sapphires around a fabricated 18k (recycled) gold band
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

Crowning Achievement!

the latest press- MJSA Journal's July issue article about the conception and production of the 18k Swedish Bridal Crown for my client, thank you Shannon and Tina!

hammered bracelet frenzy continues

the bold, hand made, hammered gold bracelet is all the rage: this fold formed and cross peen hammered cuff with diamond accents is for someone who enjoys both drama and wearability!

all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

baroque beauty

these large freshwater baroque pearls reminded me of the Vermeer, "Girl with a pearl" because of their nice size (20x12mm) and lustre (photo does not do justice). Set with hammered 18k gold leaves which spiral from the top. What do you think?

all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

palladium at its best!

the latest engagement ring for a Milwaukee Gallery's customer who wanted something different and artful: palladium fits the bill and accentuates the lovely stones!

all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

Niche ON THE MAP!

The "art jewelry' "made in america" "artisanal" "hand made" option for LAS VEGAS JEWELRY WEEK! We are ON THE MAP (thanks, InStore Magazine)

some great fashion show shots

from the Friday night event, Evolution Transformed team shots by City Beat

feather wrap ring

18k shimmers when hammer formed and burnished, with diamond accents
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

InStore Magazine: good message, great jewelry!

InStore April issue featuring my Sunburst necklace, to illustrate Launching a New Line for retailers, great message for this market during this unusual economic time for jewelry and precious metals!

girl scouts IN STUDIO

Molly and Allison came to the studio to interview a jeweler, learn about the career and try their hands in a project, here's some of the shots from their visit:

red, white and yellow

red ruby set in rich yellow 22k gold bezel, with natural rough diamond offset to the side on bright white sterling silver and 22k gold hammer formed band.
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

for the love of pearls

wow, these pearls are special! baroque natural color freshwater pearls with incredible lustre in sizes upwards of 20 mm. one lucky client.

oval delight

convex meets concave curves with this 18k gold ring with oval diamond
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

sand dollar with diamonds

inspired by a 19th century engraving of sand dollars and other ocean life, this sterling pendant uses a thick scrap of sterling and is set with natural fancy colored diamonds
all designs copyright Alexandra Hart

San Diego Magazine!

San Diego Magazine covers the Art Meets Fashion project, 3 page spread starting with OUR piece!

garden jewelry

Bejeweling the garden with ceramic sculpture