Metalsmithing Projects Inspired by Spring 2023 Jewelry Trends

✓Let the Interweave Knits Winter 2024 issue transport you to a winter wonderland of cozy knits! This remarkable edition features 14 extraordinary projects to immerse yourself in the uniqueness of specially crafted yarns.

Brush up on basic metalsmithing skills or expand your repertoire with these stylish metalsmithing projects inspired by Spring 2023’s top jewelry trends. We rounded up the projects we think best encapsulate this season’s trends into a collection so you can make them all or combine the techniques as you like. Combine dark patinas for sterling silver with found objects and luscious stones for jewelry that’s right on trend.

Create Dramatic Effects

Rich Black Patina Jewelry project by Marthe Roberts Shea — Rich Black Patina Jewelry by Marthe Roberts Shea

Dark patinas are not new by any means, but their popularity has resurfaced with a vengeance. Marthe Roberts Shea’s project above is a fairly easy technique to add a rich, black patina to your silver jewelry by using liver of sulfur. You can complete the technique in less than half an hour!

About the Artist: Marthe is a jewelry artist who teaches metalsmithing in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Articulated and hinged elements have contributed to her jewelry being described as “Industrial Chic.” These elements allow the pieces to move with a fluid motion. Some of her designs are big, bold, and scream for attention, while other pieces quietly ask for a closer look to discover their details and true beauty.

Use Found Objects

Found Enamelware for Jewelry project by Wei Lah Poh — Found Enamelware for Jewelry by Wei Lah Poh

Using diamond tips in a flex shaft and black patina, Wei Lah Poh shows you how to use your vintage serving pieces to create a stunning necklace with a great story! Found objects are a super hot metalsmithing jewelry trend for Spring 2023, and this project is such a unique take.

About the Artist: Wei Lah Poh was born in Hong Kong and was raised with a multicultural state of mind. She studied art and design in New York, California, and Rhode Island. Wei Lah Poh’s current body of work is based on found enamelware. She is deeply fascinated with the history of enamelware and investigates this subject in the context of how it can be jewelry. It is an ongoing investigation on how these found objects can become adornments. You will be inspired to look at thrift stores—or your own belongings—in a new way.

Get Technical

Cybernetic Barrette project by Roger Halas — Cybernetic Barrette by Roger Halas

Incorporate technology into your next project by trying out Roger Halas’s Cybernetic Barrette. Using a combination of materials that you probably have around the house, create a showstopping piece with an 18-gauge sterling sheet, a 22-gauge fine silver sheet, 14-gauge sterling wire, two circuit boards, one piece of dichroic glass, and one barrette attachment.

Dichroic glass displays multiple different colors depending on lighting conditions. The dichroic glass is the centerpiece of the barrette, and the color variants are sure to add a mythical quality to your project!

About the Artist: Roger Halas uses imagination and fine craftsmanship to create jewelry and accessories inspired by science fiction, fantasy, and horror. His work has been commissioned for films including DC’s Aquaman and Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Highlight the Stone

The Uncut Version Ring project by Noel Yovovich — The Uncut Version Ring by Noel Yovovich

Put your metalsmithing skills to work when you make this fun and fresh prong-set ring. A natural cut aquamarine adds beauty and intrigue to this project. Work it up in an afternoon to wear it for a night out!

Tip: You can use any uncut gemstone for this project depending on your style! These imaginative prong settings create the perfect setting for any of your favorite stones.

About the Artist: Noël Yovovich is a full-time professional jewelry artist working in a wide variety of techniques, including metal clay as well as traditional metalsmithing, and innovative methods like titanium coloration. A lifelong artist, Noël is also a potter, sculptor, and painter, but has primarily focused on jewelry for the last 20+ years.

Create Depth

Pierced Overlay Silver Pendant project by Marie-Chantal Nadeau — Pierced Overlay Silver Pendant by Marie-Chantal Nadeau

Polish your sawing and overlay skills by creating this beautiful pendant that combines openwork, depth, and a gemstone. The pendant utilizes texture and layering to create a unique design that’s perfect for any occasion.

You can look down through the pierced top tier of silver onto the uninterrupted layer beneath for an immediate sense of depth. With its dark patina, the bottom sheet makes it obvious that the bright silver above lies on a different plane.

About the Artist: Marie-Chantal Nadeau is a jewelry artist who makes her creations in Costa Rica. She spent many years in the mineral business, which has led to a passion for fossils, leaves, and other textures.

With so many wonderful, trendy ideas, which metalsmithing project will you make next? How else are you incorporating Spring 2023’s jewelry trends into your own creations? Let us know in the comments!

Bring the Trends to Your Bench