Celebrate International Women’s Day With 4 Inspiring Female Jewelry Makers

Today on International Women’s Day, we are spotlighting four special women who bring fresh eyes and interesting techniques to making jewelry. Each of these artists won an award in 2022 and continues to create unique designs and find creative ways to practice the business of making jewelry. Be inspired by these female jewelry makers and learn more about their backgrounds and inspiration. 

Ope Omojola: Combining Lapidary, Glasswork, and Metalsmithing

Nigerian-born jewelry designer and founder of Octave Jewelry Ope Omojola is based in Brooklyn, New York. Ope first picked up a soldering torch at a weeknight class at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. Years of independent experimentation and exploration led to Octave’s signature style. She is known for creating wearable sculptures that speak to personal style, history, and memory. Ope combines hand-cut stones with lampwork glass and sterling silver details. Ope is the 2022 winner of the Halstead Grant, which recognizes emerging jewelry designers who show exceptional promise in the industry.

Mallory Weston: Anodizing Titanium

An artist and educator in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mallory Weston is the winner of the Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) 2022 Young Artist Award, which acknowledges promise, innovation, and individuality. Mallory explores the connection between nature and technology, both through material and concept. For her prize-winning series, she worked with anodized titanium. In addition to its uses in consumer electronics and aerospace, it provides a vivid color palette for representing plants. Mallory is a member of JV Collective and an assistant professor in the Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM program at Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

Ashley Bebley Adesiyan: Molding and Forming Polymer Clay

Jewelry artist Ashley Bebley Adesiyan owns It’s All Culture Jewelry in Chicago, Illinois. Ashley creates dramatic jewelry using polymer clay. She says it’s “style without noise to elevate your look” and each piece is carefully designed and curated to help you express your unique sense of style. The Etsy editors choose the design award winners to spotlight the very best in unique or custom handmade pieces on Etsy. Ashley wants people who wear her jewelry to feel bold and beautiful.

Julie Glassman: Cloisonne Enameling

Since Julie Glassman found metalsmithing at age 14, it has shaped the direction of her life and work. Julie graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan with a degree in jewelry and gems. She specializes in cloisonne enamel. Julie attributes the inspiration for all her work to her mother and her battle with cancer. Like heirloom jewelry passed down through generations, her mother’s memory is her muse. Julie lives in western Colorado.

Celebrating Jewelry Artists

These women, along with many others, are bringing new voices and perspectives to the long tradition of making jewelry. Their dedication to the craft and their innovative approaches to the business of jewelry making inspire us, their students, and metalsmiths worldwide.

Who is your jewelry artist super-shero? We’d love to hear about her in the comments.