Pride & Archive Jewelry Design by Summer Merritt
About The Artist
Summer Merritt • Weaverville, NC
Jewelry • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS
I create modern jewelry pieces from exotic hardwoods, blurring the line between art and fashion. Unlike traditional jewelers, I use wood as the foundation of my work. Each piece is meticulously shaped and carefully crafted by hand to achieve a smooth, high-polished finish. I intuitively respond to the wood grain and consider every angle to add depth and dimension to the work. The natural oils from the wearer's skin condition the wood over time, creating a symbiotic relationship between the jewelry and the wearer. I also handcraft my own clasps and metal details using precious metals to complement the quality of the wood. My ultimate goal is to challenge the perception of wood jewelry as a DIY accessory and showcase its potential as a high-end, artisanal form of wearable art.
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Q&A with the ArtistTell us how your work is made.I create jewelry using sustainably sourced hardwoods, shaping each piece by hand with sanders and hand tools. After shaping, I meticulously polish the wood from 120 to 7000 grit, achieving a silky finish often mistaken for stone. The dense hardwoods offer a high luster and unique grain patterns. No stains or dyes are used, showcasing the natural colors and textures. The wood is finished with a natural conditioning oil, bringing out additional grain details. I then design and handcraft precious metal details using silver, gold fill, and vermeil, integrating them into the wood with a secure technique. Custom clasps are added to complete the chains. |