JJ Singh

Making jewelry, to me, is a wonderful example of an art form that requires the meeting of the creative with the technical. The design and conceptualization of body adornments has seemingly no end, but can our tools and techniques produce what we envision?

Over the years, the desire to create a specific ring, or bracelet led me to explore both traditional and modern techniques in the jewelry and lapidary fields. Much of the techniques in metalsmithing have remained constant over the centuries but our efficiency has increased with the development of new and faster tools. Traditional techniques such as soldering, enameling, cutting, sanding, and stone setting have been done for centuries and continue with minor modifications today.

In the last 20 years, things really got interesting with the invention of Precious Metal Clay.  It was discovered that you could shave fine silver down to microscopic molecules and combine it with water and a natural binder to create a putty like substance that could be worked like clay. The clay could then be fired in a kiln and extreme temperatures, and the organic binder would burn away leaving a pure metal in its wake. This invention has opened up the door to entirely new design opportunities for modern jewelers.

My jewelry is created using a combination of traditional and modern methods to create a unique look that is highly textured and often juxtaposes materials and design elements.  I enjoy working with clients on customized and one of a kind pieces and often collaborate with other designers of other art forms in the studio.

When not in the jewelry studio, I can be found feeding our chickens, tending to honey bees, or working as my children's private Uber driver in the DC metro area. :)

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