EVENT PREVIEW
Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show (Nov. 6-7)
A one-stop shop for jewelry lovers, the ninth annual show features 30 nationally recognized jewelry artists, including the three designers featured here, from across the country.
The jewelry show runs 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 6 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. $10 at the door (includes admission to museum). AtlantaContemporaryJewelryShow.com.
Textured and layered
After a 16-year career as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, Atlanta’s Leigh Griffin hung up her wings and began a second career as a fine jewelry designer.
The artist: More than 20 years ago, Griffin began apprenticing with Regina Imbsweiler, a master goldsmith in the Atlanta area. She later discovered her love of metallurgy, and she alloys most of her own gold and other metals.
The company: Benchwork, Griffin's studio, is located in Grant Park. The studio was once a church.
The goods: Hand-woven copper and sterling silver earrings ($80-$250); mixed metal earrings (silver, gold, shibuichi, which is copper and silver) with gemstones ($160-$800); mixed metal with gemstone necklaces ($800-$3,000); and rings ($180-$700).
Claim to fame: Co-director (with Debra Lynn Gold) of the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show, now in its ninth year.
Where to buy: www.leighgriffinjewelry.com. In Atlanta, at Topaz Gallery, 3145 Peachtree Road, and the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show, Nov. 6-7.
Modern weave
Florida’s Linda Bernasconi once worked as a theatrical agent in Chicago, promoting the artistry and talent of others. Then she picked up metalwork as a hobby and discovered her own special talent.
The artist: She earned a degree in theater and worked as a longtime talent agent in Chicago. She started metalwork as a hobby, but as her interest in metal art grew, Bernasconi went on to study at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco and at other metal workshops across the country. She opened her studio in 2007 in the Florida Keys.
The goods: Rings ($20-$1,100); bracelets ($250-$1,200); necklaces ($125-$495); and earrings ($125-$695).
What's popular: Hand-woven rings ($195-$700) and stacking rings in mixed metals with diamonds ($20-$375).
Fun request: Her tax attorney once did her a favor, so as a thank you, she hand-pierced 1040 and W-2 and made sterling silver cuff links.
Claim to fame: As an agent, she "discovered" Eric Stonestreet of TV's "Modern Family."
Where to buy: www.bernasconidesign.com and www.artfulhome.com. In Atlanta, at the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show, Nov. 6-7.
Instant impact
In high school, Danielle Miller discovered her passion for metals. She planned to concentrate on sculpture in art school. But after taking a jewelry-making class as an elective, Miller switched her focus.
The artist: She graduated from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia.
The company: Miller began Danielle Miller Jewelry while still working under a master goldsmith after college. During this time, she worked on her own designs at night and on weekends and began selling at craft shows. In 1998, she was able to devote herself full time to her own business. In 2001, she moved to Greenville, S.C., and opened her studio.
The goods: Earrings ($120-$1,000); cocktail rings ($200-$2,000); bracelets ($200-$3,000); necklaces ($250-$3,000); plus engagement and wedding bands ($400 and up).
What's popular: Raw-surface gemstone pendants ($200-$500) and Stick and Stone earrings ($120-$140).
Other favorites: Big cocktail rings.
Inspiration: She grew up in a steel town in Pennsylvania, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills juxtaposed by the geometric shapes of bridges, railroads and industry.
Fun project: She conducts popular "make your own wedding band" workshops in her Greenville, S.C., studio.
Claim to fame: American Jewelry Design Council's 2010 New Talent Honorable Mention.
Where to buy: www.daniellemillerjewelry.com. In Atlanta, at the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show, Nov. 6-7.
About the Author
