Sabrinah's Artisan Adornments

Custom Jewelry (my definition)

A beautiful piece of custom jewelry is the result of a synergistic relationship between the client and the jeweler.  Together, they work to invent a special piece of jewelry that is truly unique and made entirely to the client’s specifications.

 Why wire? I have an obsession with wire.  It can be fused, forged, woven, twisted, and placed through gemstone beads.  It can be fine and flexible or thick and strong.  Wire is a perfect medium for custom jewelry because it is virtually limitless as far as the possibilities of creating new and interesting pieces.  Almost any type of jewelry can be made from precious metal wire.

What Inspires Custom Jewelry?

Travel experiences:

 Using gems to capture the colors and feel of places like the Islands, an Italian Vineyard, a Coral Reef, or Desert;

Nostalgia:

 Creating a jewelry design around an item such as a tiny photo, trinket, shell, coin, etc., that has meaning, high personal value, or brings back great memories.

Gifts and Remembrance:

Basing jewelry colors or designs on life events such as weddings, graduations, birthdays, new babies, or anniversaries;

Turning old into new:

 Transforming antique or deteriorating jewelry into a new piece that can once again be worn and cherished.

The Creative Process of Precious Metal Wire Jewelry

About the Art

The jewelry that I create is entirely hand-fabricated using wire weaving and wire wrapping techniques.  I take pride in the quality of materials used and the craftsmanship demonstrated in each jewelry piece.

My wire jewelry journey began with learning basic wrapping skills through tutorials and then expanding on those skills through self-teaching.  I have been wrapping and weaving wire for 8 years.  In early 2010, I acquired accreditation as a Jewelry Professional from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

On average, a wire jewelry project takes about 6 to 8 hours.  I spend time sketching, gathering materials for the design, and then shaping and wrapping wire.  The main challenge with wire jewelry is to keep the gemstone held in place using wire ONLY.  Weaving wire creates a very strong hold, and I never use glue, pins, or any other method for securing gemstones.

During the creation of each new jewelry piece, I learn not only about jewelry construction and design, but also new things about myself.  Some pieces take many, many hours and give lessons on patience and trust.  I feel that very piece has made a large contribution to the development of my skill set in wire weaving and jewelry design.

My longest running project is the Watermelon Tourmaline Bangle, which took around 22 hours to complete.  This bangle stayed on my bench for over a year and a half as I worked on other projects in between.  It is one of my favorite pieces for many different reasons.  I feel that it is beautiful and mysterious and as I look at it I am remember the lessons taught- well worth the beauty it holds.

Watermelon Tourmaline Bangle

Tools & Materials

A wire jewelry studio does not require nearly as much space as many other jewelry studios because most of the tools are small and simple.  I routinely use many different types of pliers and cutters, a small torch, a bench block with a few jeweler’s hammers, a jig, a clamp, a flex shaft, and sometimes a magnifying glass.  The sterling and fine silver wire comes on spools and is cut to certain lengths, shaped by hand, forged using my bench block, sometimes torched, then finished by oxidizing and/or polishing.

All gemstones are purchased in person and require travel and hours of hand-inspection and selection.  I have developed strong business relationships with my vendors and usually do not have a problem finding specific stones upon customer request.

The Passion to Create (THE most important part)

After trying many different types of Art throughout my life, wire jewelry has become my creative outlet.  It is meditative and therapeutic, and can sometimes be obsessive.

Although there are times when projects do not go as smoothly as planned, it is very satisfying to me to solve problems and overcome challenges within the creative process.  Sometimes I can do nothing except think of new designs and innovative ways to hold gems in wire.

Creating jewelry is my passion.  It makes me feel that I am doing my part to bring beauty into the lives of individuals as well as to the world.  I hope that by owning and wearing my jewelry inventions you will feel that same sense of beauty and satisfaction within yourself.

About the Artist:  Sabrinah Cooper is a Wire Jewelry Artist and Accredited Jewelry Professional from Hershey, Pennsylvania who specializes in custom wire jewelry design.  See Sabrinah’s latest designs at http://www.SabrinahsArt.com