I began making jewelry and metalsmithing when I retired in 2005. I have not been doing it for long, but I realize it is a passion that has been long in the making. I taught for 30 years and was known for my earring collection. Students were always adding to my collection with gifts. Simultaneously, I was developing skills and interests that would ultimately contribute to my jewelry making.
I have always had the need to create. I realized in my early twenties that I could only go for a short while without doing something creative whether it was make a dress or create a new flower bed. The need to create has manifested itself in a variety of ways throughout my life. As a child I was forever designing clothes for my dolls. I have sewn since I was a teenager making most of my clothes. I dabbled in many handicrafts like quilting, stain glass, pottery, macrame, cross stitch, and crewel.
Simultaneously, I have always been attracted to the out of doors and nature. I love the beach and ocean life and the mountains and the flora found there. I am particularly fascinated with wildflowers and trees. I love to travel and see the beauty of the world. I am touched by the colors, texture and patterns found in nature. I could easily turn a half mile hike into an hour journey of exploration. It wasn’t until I retired that I found metalsmithing and jewelry making. For me it was a match made in heaven. I was able to take my need to create and my love of nature and incorporate the two into jewelry designs and wearable art.
Jewelry making has allowed me to merge all the crafts and skills I have dabbled in over the past 40 years into one venue. Everywhere I look I see patterns, textures and designs that drive my passion to create with metal. My pieces are mostly one of a kind. My love of nature is repeated throughout my jewelry designs. Some pieces are earthy and organic whereas others are sleek and geometric. I create pieces from silver, copper and brass often incorporating found objects, stones, shell and gems. I lay out the stones or objects and let them talk to me. I then utilize a variety of techniques; forging, fabricating and etching to create the look I envision for each piece. I tend to take on design ideas that stretch me to find creative ways to create my vision with metal. My skills and techniques are forever evolving which keeps me excited, intrigued and satisfied. I am currently exploring color and stone setting and look forward to seeing where this takes my designs.
My goal is to create unique, everyday art jewelry that is wearable and attractive. I truly enjoy wearing my pieces and hope you do too.
Jona Maiorano
Jewelry Artist and Designer
I have always had the need to create. I realized in my early twenties that I could only go for a short while without doing something creative whether it was make a dress or create a new flower bed. The need to create has manifested itself in a variety of ways throughout my life. As a child I was forever designing clothes for my dolls. I have sewn since I was a teenager making most of my clothes. I dabbled in many handicrafts like quilting, stain glass, pottery, macrame, cross stitch, and crewel.
Simultaneously, I have always been attracted to the out of doors and nature. I love the beach and ocean life and the mountains and the flora found there. I am particularly fascinated with wildflowers and trees. I love to travel and see the beauty of the world. I am touched by the colors, texture and patterns found in nature. I could easily turn a half mile hike into an hour journey of exploration. It wasn’t until I retired that I found metalsmithing and jewelry making. For me it was a match made in heaven. I was able to take my need to create and my love of nature and incorporate the two into jewelry designs and wearable art.
Jewelry making has allowed me to merge all the crafts and skills I have dabbled in over the past 40 years into one venue. Everywhere I look I see patterns, textures and designs that drive my passion to create with metal. My pieces are mostly one of a kind. My love of nature is repeated throughout my jewelry designs. Some pieces are earthy and organic whereas others are sleek and geometric. I create pieces from silver, copper and brass often incorporating found objects, stones, shell and gems. I lay out the stones or objects and let them talk to me. I then utilize a variety of techniques; forging, fabricating and etching to create the look I envision for each piece. I tend to take on design ideas that stretch me to find creative ways to create my vision with metal. My skills and techniques are forever evolving which keeps me excited, intrigued and satisfied. I am currently exploring color and stone setting and look forward to seeing where this takes my designs.
My goal is to create unique, everyday art jewelry that is wearable and attractive. I truly enjoy wearing my pieces and hope you do too.
Jona Maiorano
Jewelry Artist and Designer