My clients have used a variety of terms to describe my jewelry. Intricate. Delicate. Vintage. Classic. Probably the most flattering to me would be unique. I have been influenced by some of the greatest jewelers, if anything, in adding pieces to my own jewelry collection (or salivating over that which I cannot afford!). In college my favorite pastime was to go to thrift shops and buy vintage jewelry or visit the Virginia Museum’s extensive collection of Art Nouveau jewelry, as well as those pieces that came out of the Victorian era and the Arts and Crafts period. My favorite jewelers are Lalique and Faberge. While that may seem a bit trite, I can’t help but gravitate towards the flowing and organic styles of these two jewelers’ work. In designing my own pieces, I have always strived to incorporate a variety of inspirations, from days past or from more recent influences. But ultimately, I want to design and make pieces that are distinctive, truly one-of-a-kind.

As an artist, the most important quality to me is good design. This includes the right combination of color, texture, and patterns. Design has never been so important to today’s consumer. Function and practicality are just not enough. The various aspects of design in my work are color, texture, and structure. Texture in my work comes naturally, what with the different stones and their color variations, coupled with the solid feel of sterling wire. It is how I assemble components and wrap stones in wire that lend my own contributions to the piece’s texture and structure. I have developed a unique method of wire-wrapping beads and other components. I don’t just string beads onto wire; I wrap it around beads several times, resulting in not only a unique look, but an organic, rippling effect. Color of course also comes naturally; it is the combination of which that reflects my personality, my own personal taste. Traditional combinations are a large part of my collection, but the most interesting pieces to me are those that include colors you wouldn’t necessarily think go together, but somehow, they work.

As a businesswoman, the most vital aspect of my jewelry is quality. It is extremely important to me that my clients walk away understanding the value of the piece and appreciating it as something they will have for years and hopefully even pass on to their loved ones. I put so much time and effort into the design and execution of each and every piece of jewelry I make. My customers see that when they pick up my work and look carefully at the intricate and delicate beadwork and wire-wrapping techniques I employ. What they may NOT understand is the passion behind it. For years I made jewelry on the side, as a hobby, sold it from time to time when I had the chance. Now that it has become my career, my life, I put all the more into it. It has become a part of me so that if someone buys a piece of my jewelry, they are taking with them a little part of me. That may seem corny, but it is true. So it is all the more important to me that my jewelry is of lasting quality and design, something that will be cherished for years to come. I carefully pick out all the raw materials that go into J.dell Design pieces, from sterling silver findings to the best pearls and natural and semi-precious gemstones. While this may sometimes lead to higher prices, it is worth it. You get what you pay for!

But I am not in the jewelry business just to make jewelry and money. Artistic expression and progression are both stimulating and rewarding. I want so to share that with the women and men who buy my jewelry. It is my mission to provide my clients with that perfect finishing touch to an outfit, good quality jewels to make them feel beautiful. I also want to share my progress with other artists as well, particularly young and budding artists. An important aspect of J.dell Designs is to give back to the community, whether through volunteering in the artistic community, donating jewelry for silent auctions, teaching kids to make jewelry, or mentoring young artists seriously considering a career in art. The art community is as dynamic as any other and we cannot just take from it, we must also contribute and hence help shape its future. My dream has finally become a reality in that I can honestly say that I am a part of a community.

Previous Shows
Trunk Show a Big Success
In the News
Helping Others
Summer Salon 2003
Volunteering Activities
Arts Education
Apprentices
More About Teaching
Continuing Education
In the News Again
Cleaning Instructions

Jennifer Eubank
Artist's Statement
Connections