6 Rhode Island-Based Artisan Jewelry Designers
Shop these local craftspeople for one-of-a-kind wearable art.
Ginkgo Leaf Cluster Botanical Gold Statement Earrings by Lazuli Handcrafted. Photo from Etsy.com.
This article was created in collaboration with Rhode Island Commerce.
Nothing pulls an outfit together like a gorgeous piece of jewelry or statement earrings made by a local artisan. Check out these Rhode Island artists and jewelry designers for beautiful, one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, rings and more to bedeck yourself with or to gift a loved one. Valentine’s Day is coming up and there’s still time to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart.
Lazuli Handcrafted
Based in Newport, Lazuli Handcrafted sells pieces inspired by geology, a subject in which artist Erika Young earned a degree. The minimalist rings, earrings and necklaces are made using electroforming, a complicated chemical technique where copper builds up around the stone. This process gives each piece a unique finish and a natural look. Check out her selection of rings, which are perfect for stacking.
The details: Find Lazuli on etsy.com or on instagram.com.
Wampum jewelry from the Purple Shell. Photo from Facebook.com.
The Purple Shell
This Charlestown trading post features wampum jewelry and art handcrafted by many Native artists. Alan Hazard, a member of the Narragansett tribe, operates the Purple Shell and sells many jewelry pieces handcrafted out of the beautiful white and purple quahog shells. This wampum jewelry can also be found at the nearby Fantastic Umbrella Factory.
The details: 5219 Old Post Rd., Charlestown, 401-315-2213; 4820 Old Post Rd., Charlestown, 401-364-1060
Sand Hill Turquoise ring by Corkie Bolton. Photo from corkieboltonjewelry.com.
Corkie Bolton Jewelry
A metalsmith from Providence, Corkie draws her inspiration from the natural world to create timeless, high-quality jewelry out of silver and gold. Her earrings feature geometric shapes and her rings, bracelets and necklaces showcase stones in a delightfully minimalist way. Corkie is also the founder of the Metalsmith Society, an online community that supports other artists.
The details: Find her work online at corkieboltonjewelry.com or on instagram.com.
Jewelry from Hinge. Photo from from hingedesigns.co.
Hinge Designs
Beautifully unique, Providence-based Margaret Hinge hand-cuts stone to create these one-of-a-kind, statement pieces. Adorn yourself in drop earrings made from brightly colored polychrome jasper or in rings fashioned from dark blue lapis and neon-orange carnelian.
The details: Order from hingedesigns.co.
Monstera earrings from RA HA Jewelry. Photo from rahajewelry.com.
RA HA Jewelry
Founder Julia Sullivan has been handcrafting these delicate, metal pieces with her all-woman team in Providence since 2016. The jewelry is both minimalist and bold. Quirky and abstract, the earring collection features large earrings in the abstract shapes of Picasso figures or the Venus of Willendorf, as well as the simple yet striking hoop earrings. RA HA also has a selection of rings, necklaces and bracelets.
The details: Shop online at rahajewelry.com.
Polymer clay earrings by Refiner Jewelry. Photo from refinerjewelry.com.
Refiner Jewelry
Made from polymer clay, these funky earrings and necklaces are sure to turn heads. Designed by Providence-based artist Elizabeth, these brightly colored jewelry pieces use geometric shapes to create bold and elegant designs. The lightweight polymer clay is often paired with metal to create eye-catching pieces.
The details: Shop online at refinerjewelry.com.
