Creating beautiful objects has become my mission in life. Working with precious materials and knowing that someone with a discriminating taste will eventually cherish and care for the work focuses my intention and attention to the process. When a collector understands a piece, its meaning and inspiration, a connection occurs between artist and appreciater. This is the unique and lively relationship that encourages my evolution as an artist.
My methods of building are very traditional. I fabricate the pieces with sheets and wires of high karat gold. Hand tools are used to cut, form, and fuse or solder the jewelry. Patience is critical. There are very few short cuts and sometimes design changes are intuitively made along the way.
Inspiration is never a problem. Designs begin with drawings and grow from there. Long before I commit to building a piece I study it esthetically and technically (to make sure it will last) in drawings. Due to the slow nature of the techniques, I create a limited number of pieces. I strive for balance in my life and find sanctuary - and inspiration - by spending time in the natural world. My home is in Maine and I spend my free time hiking, camping, and biking in the Mountains. India has also become a home away from home for me; I travel there annually to study the culture, spend time trekking and to buy gems in Jaipur. Wherever I am, I find my place - and what surrounds me inspires me.

Stephani Briggs

Fine Jeweler