The word artisan is tossed around frequently these days, isn't it? Artisan cheese, beer, clothing, even artisan pet food!

In the world of jewelry-making, an artisan is someone who is skilled in the applied art of metalsmithing. Metalsmithing is the act of crafting useful objects from metal. Artisan jewelry is known to have existed as far back as 7000 B.C. We ladies have loved our bling for a LONG time!

An artisan crafts his (or in my case, her) jewelry using many of the same processes that have been used for centuries. Metal is heated with fire and manipulated using tools to form something completely new and different. Sometimes natural gemstones are incorporated into the metal pieces as well. (I love it when that happens!)

I take great pride in knowing that when you purchase an LJ Artisan Designs piece of jewelry, you are getting a wearable piece of art that is lovingly crafted by hand using natural materials that have been hand-picked just for that piece.

Yes, it's easy and cheap to pick up jewelry from a big box store that has been machine-made overseas, but my goal as an artisan is to craft jewelry that shows the world your unique, confident style as well as your appreciation for the personal, artistic touch of an artisan.

I invite you to take a look at my selection of artisan-made jewelry. Take confidence in the fact that LJ Artisan Designs jewelry has been created using high quality materials and techniques so that you can have a beautiful piece of wearable art!

If you're interested in taking a peek into my process, check out this video of how I make my Cheyenne copper leaf necklace! You can see the necklace here in my shop!

November 22, 2016 — Leah Johnson