Hello!
Thanks so much for your interest! All Laurel O’Brien jewelry is handmade in a tiny Ithaca, NY studio. The majority of pieces I make single-handedly, starting with design through to production and polish! Occasionally I get some much appreciated help from my husband Alex. His specialties are the hammered / twist leaf earrings and silver or brass bangles. If you visit us at a show or event he will probably be there too, helping out.
Officially I started as a business about 6 years ago and my love of jewelry making and art goes back much further. I attended college for metal-smithing & earned a bachelors in fine Arts, this is where I learned many of the techniques I use today. My favorite techniques include hand sawing (also known as piercing), Forging/ hammering, riveting, soldering and forming!
In my studio you will find a mix of new and old tools, spools of wire, sheets of metal, gemstones and honestly usually a little bit of chaos. My father gave me my first tools including my favorite “rail -road” anvil, which he made. He is also my go-too when I can’t figure out how to fix a torch, belt sander or metal-shear ( just a few recent things….) Favorite tools are my hammers, many from dad, others I bought new or at yard sales. Each hammer has a unique purpose and leaves a different imprint….I love them all!
Inspiration comes from nature, geometry, history and my everyday surroundings, so really wherever I can find it! Materials used include sterling silver, copper, brass, gold, 14k gold-fill and a variety of gemstones. I strive to keep my pieces affordable and my work space and production as environmentally responsible as possible. Thanks again for your interest and support of handmade work!
Laurel
Laurel O’Brien Jewelry: Shop
