Diana Ferguson

Precious metals, gemstones and crystals, combined with intricate and time-consuming weaving techniques, are the building blocks for my jewelry designs. Using weave structures that are ancient, contemporary or out of my own imagination, I create classic jewelry designs for both women and men. In some pieces, I let the beauty of the metal and the complexity of the weave stand alone. In other pieces, I embellish—perhaps with a pendant I’ve sculpted from fine silver, an inlaid gemstone clasp or Swarovski pearls and crystals. The creation process begins with silver (standard, argentium or palladium sterling), solid 18kt gold or 14kt gold filled wire. From this wire, I create links of different sizes. Using these links as the basis for constructing the piece (many, many hundreds can go into a single design), I select a weave or weaves to use. Some weaves are round or tubular to create chain; others are flat to create mesh. The weaves are time-consuming and painstaking—you could call it a labor of love—but the work is focused and meditative, which is my joy. The end result is a lifetime piece of jewelry with wonderful tactile qualities and tremendous visual intricacies.