In art, the Renaissance inspires the emergence of a new linear perspective and innovative techniques focused on rendering a more natural reality in painting and sculpture, particularly. The famous David, by Michelangelo, is a remarkable example of high Renaissance art. Other forms of art, including jewelry, were greatly influenced as well.

Prior to the Renaissance, as we have seen in previous articles, jewelry served primarily as an expression of wealth as well as cultural and religious beliefs. It is during the Renaissance that jewelry’s purpose as adornment becomes increasingly significant. Jewelry, at this time in history, truly became an expression of personal appearance and beauty. This new focus also changed the perception toward gemstones, which became prized for their unique attributes, such as shine, cut and color and these attributes’ ability to enhance ones’ beauty. Diamonds became popular during the Renaissance, as did new methods of cutting and new shapes.

At the same time, jewelry continued to be associated with wealth as an object to collect and protect. This, it turns out, is another shift in purpose. During the Renaissance, accumulating jewelry allows those who have the privilege to do so to secure their wealth. Jewelry became a widely used form of currency at this time.

To be continued…

The youngest soon approached me with a drawing. Another freely granted gift. This must be our Snap Shot for today then, I joked to Teresa. “Yes,” she smiled, “We support all forms of art.”

Evenings can go by in a flash when there is just a moment to put into a project and little ones demand attention. They sat quietly at their art table, for now. Mom needed to focus. I walked away with a piece of rainbow.

Downstairs, Silvio has begun work on new jewelry for a Jeffersonville client. He explains that she has brought him several pieces over time, three rings, among others; one to re-size, one to reset and a third he made from one of her relatives’ old engagement ring.

“This time she brought in some rough, uncut turquoise she had purchased some time ago in New Mexico. We talked about it and came up with a design for a ring and a necklace. Maybe next time I can talk about how I make the bezel around the stones.”

I walked away with a piece of rainbow and a plan.

Silvio stood behind his display case, admiring a new wooden bowl he had just placed on top of it. This is the new receptacle for his business cards and it is spectacular. It was hand crafted by Craig Hall, of Pleasant Valley Woodworks. In fact, he and Silvio were visiting just as I walked in.

Cherry Burl Bowl - Craig Hall - Pleasant Valley Woodworks

“It is made out of a cherry burl,” he explains. A burl is a rounded outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree. “The shape of the burl determines the shape of the bowl on the outside and the inside. The edge is the natural edge of the burl when it is separated from the tree.”

The turquoise inlay provides a natural accent, as though it had been there all along. Craig favors this method to fill small cavities in the grain of the wood rather than using saw dust. The specks of color provide a rich contrast. Pure beauty.

A customer walks in. She apologizes for interrupting. No apologies necessary. She immediately notices Silvio’s wedding band and asks if he can make a larger one. “Yes, I can, but I would have to actually make a new ring.” “How long would that take?” she inquires. “About two weeks.” They chat for a while. Everybody chats with Silvio, naturally.

A few moments later, we return to our previous conversation. “Now I have to make the wedding band for the bride,” says Silvio, holding a roughly cut fine silver ring. “I measured her engagement ring very precisely so I would have all the details I need to make a wedding band that will fit perfectly against it. It’s quite a challenge to work without the other ring.”

Jewelry making and wood working are acts of deliberate transformation. They take elements from nature and give them a voice and a story. As sculptors often claim, the final expression was there all along. This is what the artist reveals, more so than his own vision. In truth, the two are one and the same.

Craig’s beautiful and unique wooden bowls are available at The Village Sampler.

Cherry Burl Bowl - Craig Hall - Pleasant Valley Woodworks

Gold Cloisonné Ring - Middle Ages

During the Middle ages, the majority of Europe adopted Christianity. At that time, monks were required to learn trades in order to support themselves financially. Jewelry craftsmanship was the trade of choice for many. Consequently, the world’s jewelry was produced largely by Christian monks during this period.  Jewelry symbolism changed remarkably at this time, moving toward the prevalence of designs expressing the Christian faith.

The first independent jewelry guilds were created then. They implemented best practice methods and quality inspections. At the same time, the booming population resulted in higher demand and increasingly sophisticated methods of fabrication and designs. However, precious metals and stones were reserved to the wealthy.

It is interesting to note that uniques styles and fabrication methods remained central to the art of jewelry making in Celtic cultures long after Christianity began to spread in Europe. Christian influence had yet to reach further west.

To be continued…