About
Holly Gonnella Jewelry
My Jewelry
Hello, my name is Holly Gonnella and I am the maker and designer here. I have a love for raw hammered metal and a minimalist design ethic when it comes to making handcrafted Jewelry.
What I hope to bring with my artisan jewelry are choices that not only accentuate your creative and personal flare but also promote the uplifting joy of personal expression.
All of my work reflects the hand-of-the-maker, which is to say, the work embraces imperfections and exudes handmade qualities.
holly
Designer and Maker
About
I am a lifelong maker who has handcrafted over 50,000 objects.
I started out as a potter in Portland Oregon where I set up my studio in a collective pottery space, one of the great experiences of my life. Many years later I decided to take one of my many artistic hobbies, jewelry making, and do this as a full-time craft.
I fell in love with the immediacy of making works from metal in that on any given day, numerous designs can be conceived of and finished. Learning how to make jewelry is ongoing and a truly fascinating project for me.
Lately, my work reflects my love for bold graphic shapes and a lighthearted approach to design. It feels exciting to explore work that feels contemporary with a strong design statement.
I feel that the objects in our lives should bring us joy and help us to live our best lives, whether we are simply getting ready to go on errands or feeling a bit dazzled by our accessory choices as we prepare for an event.
All my jewelry is created at my metals and design studio in Southern Oregon, USA.
How I make things
My studio is located in Phoenix Oregon, a short drive from Ashland and the California border. In the studio, I have access to a wide array of materials and tools that help me to express myself through metal.
Using traditional silversmithing and fabrication techniques, I work from metal sheet and wire. I keep plenty of gemstones around to inspire designs.
Some of my new brass work is laser-cut locally from my original designs. This lets me achieve a crisp line quality. I have a good time turning it into proper handcrafted jewelry with my hammers and surface treatments.
The metals I use
Materials
You will find that I produce quite a variety of jewelry in various metals. As a creative person, I feel the need to explore and experiment.
For my silver jewelry, I use Argentium sterling, which is made from 100% recycled scrap, it is hypo-allergenic and low tarnish. Other metals include fine silver, brass, copper, 18k gold, and 14k gold-filled wire. These metals have a percentage recycled, and some are salvaged from the local scrap yard.
Local Market
If you share a love for local markets, you are my kind of people! Thriving local markets create togetherness, culture, and provide a better quality of life for all.
You can visit my booth in beautiful downtown Ashland Oregon on Saturdays (when the weather is agreeable) at the Lithia Artisans Market.
Check my Home page for market dates.