http://www.bethpohlman.com

"...granulation is considered the most complex goldsmithing technique" - New York Times, October 11, 2012

About beth pohlman jewelry

Hi!  I'm Beth, designer and maker of beth pohlman jewelry.  I am a one-woman operation working out of my home studio in Baltimore, Maryland.  All of the jewelry is hand-made by me out of recycled fine and sterling silver.

I started out my young adult life engrossed in the history and literature of the ancient world. However, through the twists and turns of fate, I found myself getting my degree in Metals & Jewelry from Towson University and loving it. Reading may fill my mind, but making filled my soul in a way that nothing else had.

After graduating, I was lucky enough to get a Studio Technician position at the Maryland Institute College of Art.  Over time, I started to develop my production line and to sell it at medium-sized retail craft shows on the east coast as well as do several wholesale shows, launching my wholesale business. I have sold my work in dozens of stores around the country.

A couple of years ago, I took a workshop at MICA about the ancient art of granulation.  I became immediately hooked on the jewelry of the ancient world and determined to bring this almost lost technique to the modern age. This challenging and unusual form of fine metal-working has changed the look and direction of my work and  has allowed me to make jewelry that I am passionate about.

The Project

I have been accepted to show my work at the American Craft Council show in Baltimore in February.  ACC is a very selective, juried show that highlights the best of craft in America. The show has a great reputation and hundreds of people who apply every year do not make the cut. The last few years I have done the Wholesale section of the show, but this is going to be my first time in the Retail section.  This means, that where I needed one of each of everything in the past, now I need as many as I can make to sell to the public. 

This is where you come in:

  I have the time and energy to make a ton of work, and the skills needed to knock your socks off, but I lack the initial investment that a show so large will require.  All of the money raised will be used for materials, booth fee, and advertising. Any money raised beyond my goal will be used to expand my line even further, allowing the addition of gold elements and faceted stones, as well as the purchase of much needed tools and equipment.

I can't do this the way that it deserves to be done without your support.  I believe that there are people out there who value an object made by hand and with heart and who would like to help the evolution and preservation of a beautiful technique.

Woohoo! I made my goal:STRETCH GOAL TIME!

STRETCH GOAL #1: $6500 - GOLD! - I'm gonna add a line with a touch of gold! I've been dying to add some gold to my work for quite a while, but at $1700+ an ounce, it's been out of my price range. Having gold in some of my work will make me much more competitive and expand my audience. A lot of ladies out there are gold fiends, and I can't blame 'em!

Domestic shipping is included, to ship internationally please add $10

Special thanks:

• to the American Craft Council, for the opportunity
• to the community at the Jewelry Center for your unending support, encouragement, and inspiration
• to Joseph Hyde for the beautiful product shots that I used for my badge and in my video
• to Jan Baum and the Towson University Metals & Jewelry program - I never would have started down this path without your strong light leading the way
• to Zoe, Annie, and Kasimir for helping me out along the way
• TO YOU! for helping me reach my goal!