Ideas for a studio jeweler from Carlos Cabral

A studio jeweler living and working from the suny lands of Mexico, Carlos Cabral shares with us some of his handcrafted jewelry. A studio jeweler with more than 20 years experience, enjoy some pics of his work!

Love and passion for jewelry making.... and teaching

He has experience not only making jewelry but also teaching it at his own workshop.

The picture on your left is the Abacus Pendant, the techniques used to make it were forging and dapping with an oxidized and textured finish.

A studio jeweler is in essence an artisan, an inspired artist that kindles his experience from the inception of an idea up to the manufacturing process. Artisan jewelry is akin to a studio jeweler, as both share a love and passion for craft.

Studio jewelers tend to attempt not to force the design or the playfulness; they are more interested in spontaneity. Spontaneity is not randomness or lack of control; it is more about developing a fluency of expression which demands dexterity and imagination.

Carlos Cabral embodies love and passion and expresses that to his jewelry.

His jewelry design retains a natural quality, some kind of fluent gesture and respect for the material.

Cabral’s contemporary designs let the material reveal itself, expressing and idea or feeling through an honest approach to the techniques that make the piece possible.

This is the Erizo Pendant (hedgehog pendant) which I find very beautiful. It has been manufactured by means of forging, dapping and sawing.

The slight variations of light coming from the texture of the structural semi-dome gives the pearl a great background and lets it stand-out.

The artistic and conceptual creation of jewelry

An organic feel to Cabral’s designs is associated with his spontaneous use of materials. It is evident in the finished piece the process of manufacturing that took place and how it serves the artist’s purpose.

I believe that studio jewelers are extremely brave because it is one of the most demanding career choices for a jeweler.

To be able to sustain a studio implies a whole-hearted dedication to the craft with unbelievable talent for design and an eye for business. In other pages and in the near future I will write about the business aspects of jewelry and the very key marketing efforts that every jeweler should do.

Patari Pendant to the left.

Being a studio jeweler is often linked with teaching in order to further develop the craftsman’s practical expression.

Studio jewelers incarnate the idea of individuality and of an artist’s growing sense of responsibility for his craft.

Studio jewelers live the unitary idea of craft where maker and designer are the same.

My favourite jewelry design by Carlos Cabral

It is an authenitc Mexican pearl embedded in a silver "sun" that has been delicately forged and hammered to create an exquisite texture and a fabulous satin effect. I love it!

Just picture yourself at a sunny beach, wearing a soft white linen dress with this amazing sun pendant against your sun kissed skin, walking at the bubbly edge of the sea hand-in-hand with your loved one.... wow, my idea of a good weekend. Agree?

The simplicity of the form and the aligning of the hammered lines toward the pearl are a straight-forward and bold approach that manages to enhance the beauty of the pearl.

Carlos Cabral embodies the evolution of the craftsman.

Respecting and learning from tradition but also stretching far the boundaries of design with the mark of the hand deliberately left visible.

His brilliant studio jewelry designs can be seen at his web-site: www.Carlos-Cabral.com

Our next jewelry designer is a UK born jeweler living in Australia and making "fantastic" women in sterling silver. Have a look at the work of a joyuous jeweler.

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