I have been exploring the possibilities of metalsmithing for 40 years. I started making jewelry in college, earning an MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1995. I also spent 7 years as an apprentice to a master goldsmith in a commercial jewelry business. Each of these taught me about designing and making jewelry in very different ways. The university studies helped my creativity grow by exploring possibilities, the commercial apprenticeship honed my craftsmanship skills at the bench.

emw metalworks custom designs.jpg — EMW Metalworks
from Elise Worman

“I enjoy the process of metalsmithing, there is a certain intimacy in the shaping and joining of small parts that is rhythmic in nature. I am also constantly amazed by the fact that an image/idea that begins in my mind is transformed into a physical reality”.

Contemporary Jewelry Design by Elise Worman

“My favorite process is forging. I make many hand forged pieces in silver and gold. I like watching the movement of the metal, I like the rhythm of the hammer. I enjoy moving the metal into tapering lines and graceful curves. That being said, forging has its downside... it is time consuming; each piece starts with a square rod of metal which must be annealed (the metal is heated to soften it), then pickled (put in a mild acidic bath to clean it), and then forged (hammered on an anvil). The forging process compresses the molecular structure of the metal (hardening it), therefore, each piece must be annealed, pickled, and forged numerous times before the final shape is realized. I find my inspiration in many places: The history of adornment cross culturally, The Arts and Crafts Movement, Japanese art, and in nature. My jewelry is a mix of one of a kind and limited production. It is meticulously hand-crafted, and of heirloom quality”.