Aspiring Jewelry Professionals Share Their Aspirations at TJS

Shaping Tomorrow's Gems: The Vision of Jewelry's Rising Stars

Discovering Passion and Craft: William Lew's Journey from Repurposed Spoons to Master Jeweler

William Lew, a student at Skidmore College, has cultivated his unique brand, ThingsWillFinds, by transforming antique and thrifted spoons into distinctive rings. His initial foray into jewelry, driven by a fascination with repurposing, evolved into a profound passion for the craft. Lew's ambition is to achieve the highest level of bench jewelry craftsmanship, constantly seeking challenges and learning from seasoned professionals. He is particularly drawn to traditional techniques like Italian goldsmithing and Japanese mokume-gane, aspiring to expand his technical skills and design perspective while continuously refining his artistry.

Camille Richard: Blending Tradition with Innovation in Bespoke Jewelry

Camille Richard, an apprentice to master jeweler Ronda Coryell, envisions a future where hand-fabrication and modern production methods like casting converge to create whimsical and intriguing bespoke pieces. Under her brand, Cam Hammersong, Richard is committed to sharing her knowledge by producing free online educational videos and hosting workshops, aiming to inspire a broader audience in metalsmithing. She values the diverse perspectives encountered in workshops, recognizing the shared human tradition of jewelry making that spans millennia.

Aaron Taylor: Embracing Industry Wisdom and Community in Jewelry Making

Aaron Taylor, a metalsmith and the newly promoted shop lead at Skeie's Jewelers, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Jewelry Symposium. He views the event as an invaluable chance to connect with pioneers in the industry and collaborate with fellow jewelers who share his dedication to pushing creative boundaries. Taylor looks forward to forging new friendships within the jewelry community and absorbing knowledge from the field's leading experts, further enriching his professional journey.

Kylie Weinzierl: Building a Community Hub for Artistic Expression

Kylie Weinzierl, a student at Boston's North Bennet Street School, dreams of establishing her own studio—a vibrant community beacon offering bespoke handmade jewelry, educational lessons, and events. With a preference for chunky statement rings and yellow gold wedding bands, Weinzierl consciously incorporates recycled metals into her designs and specializes in custom engagement rings. Her vision extends beyond personal creation to bridging the divide between art and craft, fostering a space where makers, educators, buyers, and enthusiasts can connect, network, and exchange ideas over craft coffee, fueling the creative spirit of the jewelry world.

Ron White: The Pursuit of Mastery and Narrative in Jewelry Artistry

Ron White, also a student at North Bennet Street School, is driven by the ultimate goal of achieving mastery in his craft. His ambition reaches to exploring innovative techniques and procedures to unveil new ways of presenting jewelry creations. White believes in infusing every piece with a unique story, adding authenticity and significance to his adornments. He aspires to create designs that resonate deeply, offering more than just beauty but also a rich narrative.

Amelia Zavagnin: Crafting Enduring Legacies Inspired by Nature

Amelia Zavagnin, currently studying at GIA in western Canada, draws profound inspiration from the majestic mountains and vast prairies of Alberta. Their timeless beauty, shaped over centuries, motivates her to capture this enduring essence in fine jewelry. Her objective is to develop a recognizable line of designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, creating custom pieces of exceptional quality intended to become cherished generational treasures. Zavagnin envisions a future where her unique jewelry pieces are instantly recognized and admired worldwide, carrying a legacy across time and place.