Why does art jewelry so often seem to be about the art and so little about the body or the wearer? I took this question with me to Munich Jewellery Week, on assignment from AJF. Across four days, I asked artists, designers, students, and gallerists to share their thoughts on it. Art jewelry as identity […]
Art or Adornment? Where Does Art Jewelry Stand? Read More »
It was everything I imagined my first time would be like. Magical, filled with surprises, and deeply satisfying. I’m talking, of course, about my first time attending Munich Jewelry Week. What happens when a beautiful European city gets turned into a contemporary art jewelry box for a week? This city-wide event brings together artists, gallery
Your First Time Is Always Special Read More »
Art Jewelry Forum took 17 travelers to Santa Fe, in the high desert of New Mexico, May 12–15, 2025. The temperatures were mild, the downtown area lush and green, with blooms everywhere. Garlands of dark red dried chiles festooned the buildings and lampposts. Our focus was on Native American jewelry. We saw so many beautiful
Santa Fe Diary—2025 Read More »
When collector Lois Boardman wore her gold nosepiece, by German jeweler Gerd Rothmann, to the supermarket, customers averted their gaze. It was strange and, she supposed, may have appeared to be a prosthetic. The piece was not a false appendage. It was made using an impression of Boardman’s real nose taken with the help of
Lois Boardman entered eternity in Pasadena, CA, on April 21, 2025. There is little doubt that she planned to accompany Pope Francis, wearing her Gold Nose, cast by Gerd Rothmann, and adorned by Nancy Worden’s necklace titled Gilding the Past. Like the dinner gatherings of historical persons in Van Loon’s Lives, her presence would have
May 2025, Part 2 Right now, we all could use a treat. It feels good to get a terrific piece of art jewelry for ourselves while celebrating and supporting artists and the galleries who show them! Art Jewelry Forum’s international gallery supporters celebrate and exhibit art jewelry. Our bi-monthly On Offer series allows this extensive network of international galleries to showcase
May 2025, Part 1 Right now, we all could use a treat. It feels good to get a terrific piece of art jewelry for ourselves while celebrating and supporting artists and the galleries who show them! Art Jewelry Forum’s international gallery supporters celebrate and exhibit art jewelry. Our bi-monthly On Offer series allows this extensive network of international galleries to
May 2025, Part 1 AJF is pleased to share the news about our community. Is something missing? The success of this compilation of compelling events, news, and items of interest to the jewelry community depends on your participation. If you’re a member of AJF at the Silver level or above, you can add news and
Ancient necklaces, rings that enclose secrets, hairpins, gold belts, and inlaid bracelets: these are just some of the jewels preserved at the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, in Milan. It stands in the neighborhood called “Fashion Quadrilateral,” where the major couture designers have their showrooms. It is easy, therefore, to understand how these masterpieces of goldsmithing from
Ancient Jewels and Unique Goldsmithing Masterpieces Read More »
For me, one of the standout shows at this year’s Munich Jewelry Week was Goodness, a collaboration between jewelers from Aotearoa New Zealand and students from the Deutsche Meisterschule für Mode, the city’s school for fashion design. Twenty-six pieces of jewelry were displayed on a collection of capes hand made from natural calico by a
Aotearoa Jewelers Mixed It Up with Munich Fashion Students Read More »
April 2025, Part 2 Art Jewelry Forum is pleased to share the news that members of our community find noteworthy. Is something missing? The success of this compilation of compelling events, news, and items of interest to the jewelry community depends on YOUR participation. If you’re a member of AJF at the Silver level or
April 2025, Part 2 In this moment, things are … highly weird (that’s putting it lightly) … and we all could use a treat. It feels good to get a terrific piece of art jewelry for ourselves while celebrating and supporting artists and the galleries who show them! Art Jewelry Forum’s international gallery supporters celebrate and exhibit art jewelry.
