BIO
Erika began her foray into jewelry and metalsmithing at the University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, PA, in 2001 as a crafts major. From the moment she stepped onto the fifth floor of the visual arts building she was hooked, relentlessly honing her skills through countless hours at the bench. Notable instructors, Sharon Church, Lola Brooks and Judith Schaechter, shaped much of Erika’s experience while still in school, bringing nothing short of their impeccable skills as craftsmen to the table.
Upon graduating Erika took a position as a bench jeweler at a high end fine jewelry studio, mastering her skills and the speed necessary to be a professional maker. With a year in the professional world having swiftly flown by, Erika was eager to work on her own designs again, and Erika Jorjorian Jewelry was conceived in 2005.
In addition to creating limited edition, and custom designs, Erika continues to further her education by taking workshops, classes and residencies at renowned schools such as the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Craft, Metalwerx and Peter's Valley. She has taught beginner to advanced level courses at the Worcester Center for Crafts in Worcester, MA, Metalwerx and in the high school summer program at Snow Farm-the New England Craft School, in Williamsburg, MA.
Erika’s biggest project to date was realized with the birth of her son Oskar in April of 2021, she has since been humbled by the balancing act that is motherhood and work. After taking several years off, Erika is thrilled to be spending more time in her studio creating and anticipates an exhilarating return to shows, teaching and at least another quarter century behind the bench.
AESTHETIC
Erika’s jewelry and metalwork draws inspiration from growing up in her dad’s industrial metal recycling shop, city landscapes, indigenous textile patterns, old - school hip hop fashion, the Art Deco era, and repetitive forms in nature. Erika loves to push the boundaries of size, color and the idea of preciousness, using materials such as antique buttons that have their own inherent aesthetic hierarchy. Using buttons as a focal point she is always questioning the norms we apply to high value jewelry, and the infinite possibilities for wearing them on the body.
PRODUCTION
All items are constructed completely by hand from start to finish by Erika in her studio. From sketching to rearranging raw materials like a puzzle, Erika saws, files, solders, sands and polishes pieces to a perfect finish. Buttons selected for use are carefully stripped of their backs, flattened and set as traditional cabochons in fine and sterling silver in conjunction with one of a kind semi precious gemstones such as rose cut garnets, rutilated quartz and labradorite.
INFORMATION AND POLICIES
Many items are one of a kind or limited edition, depending on the materials used. Antique buttons are often sourced from many different locations without consistency in availability. Erika will purchase buttons by the dozen and often mix and match for use in earrings, rings, and necklaces and will also buy individual one-off buttons never to be found again. Items listed in the shop will state if they are one of a kind or if limited edition and how many of an edition are available.
If you have buttons of your own that you would like to see made into a piece of jewelry, do not hesitate to get in touch!
Commission rates for work in Sterling silver begin at a minimum of $85 per item
Items made of Sterling silver and containing no stones or buttons can be easily made in multiples and for wholesale. Most finished pieces made of Sterling silver will also have a stamp of authenticity with maker's initials "EAJ" and .925 denoting silver content.
PAYMENT
All prices are listed in US dollars, acceptable forms of payment include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
If in stock, items will ship within two business days of ordering, for custom orders, items out of stock, and wholesale inquiries please email Erika directly at erika.jorjorian@gmail.com for production time
SHIPPING
All items will be shipped using USPS priority mail unless otherwise requested, fees for expedited service will be added accordingly. International orders will be shipped USPS first class international mail (this does not include tracking, for an additional flat fee of $35 tracking may be added).
Shipping Times-
United States- 2-7 Days, Canada- 10-14 business days, International-10-24 days
RETURN POLICY
Erika Jorjorian Jeweler and Metalsmith is not responsible for the ordering of wrong sizes, or change of heart upon receiving material, all items will be sold as is, with no refunds given unless damaged upon arrival. Do not hesitate to get in touch with questions about individual pieces, so that we can ensure that you are receiving exactly the item that you want each time!
CARE AND PRESERVATION
Metal oxidizes with time, changing color and sheen, sterling silver will develop a patina in the range of light gray to a dark gray color. Periodic cleaning with a polishing cloth will restore your original finish, avoid harsh chemical solutions that can damage the buttons and stones, and swimming or showering with your jewelry on.