How Do You Define Art Jewelry? Our Members Share Their Answers

Jewelry That Makes You Think.

PHOTO ESSAY

Our Members Answer That Question

We asked our members to describe art jewelry and provide a photo of a strong example. As expected, their comments were diverse.

Joyce J. Scott calls art jewelry a revelation. “Unlike mass-produced pieces that satisfy one’s desire for personal adornment, art jewelry reveals the secrets kept by the hands in making. Whimsy, despair, joy, and material mastery congeal. The makers need to pass on what one’s fingers can’t conceal—a reckoning.”

“Contemporary jewelry (art jewelry) is much about the content and the communication of an idea, and not so much about decoration as such," says Sigurd Bronger. “The jewelry piece must always be a one-of-a kind piece—a unique piece—and not an edition piece.”

Another response: Art jewelry has no rules, and no right or wrong, and it shouldn’t be constrained. What’s sure is that art jewelry is a small package that contains big ideas. Check out what other members had to say. So … how do you define it?

Caption: (Top) Joyce J. Scott, Red, 2021, model: Aisha Butler, photo: Jeff Butler; (bottom) Sigurd Bronger, Carrying Device for 50,000 Spheres, 2017, necklace, gold-plated brass, silver, steel, magnifying mineral glass, leather cord, 60 x 20 mm, photo: artist

AJF LIVE WITH DAVID HARPER CLEMONS

Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 12 p.m. EST

Join us for a studio visit and discussion with David Harper Clemons. Last year, the James Renwick Alliance of Craft recognized Clemons as Master of the Medium in jewelry and metals for his excellence in craftsmanship, influence in the medium, and overall contributions to the field.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about how this thoughtful maker embraces the craft of metalsmithing and its collected history of techniques and objects. The resulting works,—rendered in metal and mixed media—and his handmade artist books are objects positioned across a spectrum, from vehicles to communicate ideas surrounding identity to forays into formal material- and process-based work.

To register, click here.

What time?

9 a.m. PST: San Francisco

10 a.m. MST: Denver

11 a.m. CST: San Antonio, Mexico City

12 p.m. EST: Toronto, NYC, Santiago

2 p.m.: Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro

5 p.m.: London

6 p.m.: Brussels, Paris, Oslo

7 p.m.: Capetown, Bucharest, Athens, Israel, Estonia

9 p.m.: Dubai

12 a.m. on January 27: Thailand

2 a.m. on January 27: Korea, Japan

4 a.m. on January 27: Sydney

6 a.m. on January 27: Auckland

Caption: David Harper Clemons, Donut Buoy No. 1 Brooch, sterling silver, wood, pigment, photo: artist

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AJF has the largest international audience of art jewelry buyers, collectors, makers, gallerists, and institutions in the world. We reach more art jewelry buyers worldwide than any other organization.

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