Process & Materials:
I specialize in hand carving and the art of painting with glass on precious metals. My technique is an innovative version of the centuries-old French method of enameling called basse-taille. I carve an original design in graphite using traditional engraving tools, spending hours, often days, detailing the carving. With an EDM (electrical discharge machine), the graphite carving is attached to a positive electrode, and a steel block is attached to a negative current. An impression of my carving is burned into the steel block to make the die. Using a 500-ton press together with the die, I coin each piece in fine silver or 20k gold. These pieces are then hand-tooled and polished, forming the base for enameling. It is here where the work is brought to life, adding depth and light with the application of enamel, fine grains of colored glass. Several layers are fused to the metal by firing in a kiln at 1500 F. A final polishing completes the piece, sometimes accented with gold and gems.


I have found Fine Silver .999% pure silver, is the most compatible of precious metals to enamel on. Fine silver allows the enamels to be true in color, brilliancy, and transparency. The base for the majority of my work is .999% silver. I often add high karat gold to accent the details of my carvings. Most of my designs can be customized into a setting made of 22k & 18k gold. The enamels I use are from France, Japan and England, high quality transparent colors that make up a beautiful palette to work with.