Jeannius Designs

Jeannius Designs...
Filigree Jewelry with a Twist!

My name is Jeanne, and I create handcrafted jewelry out of sterling silver strands of wire I cut, bend and solder into place. My work is a blend of Old World craftsmanship and American innovative design.

Each piece is a unique, miniature work of art!

Website: Jeannius.com

Classic, yet innovative design...

Filigree is a classic technique dating back to Ancient times. Many different cultures have their own distinct filigree techniques and styles. It is somewhat of a lost art here in North America.

My filigree is based in the Norwegian style of filigree I learned while in visiting in 1988. I have fused this beautiful technique together with my American heritage to create my own, unique style of filigree jewelry using a more freeform style, gemstones, pearls and beads.

Wire by wire...

Each handcrafted piece is made from individually cut and shaped, thin sterling silver wires. Each wire is then soldered by torch to the other wires in the piece. Some people have confused my work with wire wrapping, but this is a totally different technique which employs silversmithing methods.

I use a lot of gemstones, often combining more than one stone in a piece to give it a unique look. I also love to find and cut stones into cabochons!

Bridal Designs...

I've found that my work has appeal to the Bridal industry, and I'm working on a line of bridal jewelry. After all, every wedding and bride is unique! Shouldn't the jewelry be too?

Everyday...

My filigree designs are durable, classic and eyecatching. they can be worn on special occasions or with everyday blue jeans!

Demoing at Clasp Convergence

About the artist...

I learned the very basics of how to shape and solder filigree wire while visiting Norway in 1988. I came back to the USA, bought silver, equipment and stones and began to further teach myself this technique. I developed my own style and continued to work with filigree even after moving to Norway when I got married in 1991. I’ve since added many skills to my repetoire, including lapidary and casting. In 2005, my two daughters and I moved back to the USA after 14 years abroad, settling in Asheville, NC and am pursuing my dream of creating beautiful jewelry.

Silver Threads...

I recently wrote a book, Silver Threads: Making Wire Filigree Jewelry, published through Kalmbach Publishing. It’s a how-to book on making filigree jewelry. The book contains general how-to techniques, examples of filigree from around the world, 12 detailed, step by step projects and suggestions for polishing and design.

Visit Silverthreadsfiligree.com for more information!

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