by Lee Hall

Created on: May 11, 2008   Last Updated: August 07, 2010

Is jewelry an art-form or just a craft? To even begin to make a judgment about the question one must first define what is art as apposed to craft. Once you have discerned this then you can analyze each objectively.

Art is a creative process that is integral to the individual who is trying to create something. It requires visualizing what is wanted and then translate that mental image into something substantive. Whether the medium is a painting, or sculptures in bronze, wax, wood and the list goes on. An inert product is manipulated into something that either is emotionally engendered by the person, or is meant to engender it in others. Each medium of expression touches the person who uses it or those who find a resonant note in themselves while examining it.

Craft relates to an individual who has skill, i.e. craftsman, in rendering an item from abilities that are achieved from either formal training, or a trial and error learning process. Many people can, with great skill, complete a project but are unable to conceive that project. Just as the Artist can conceive the idea but may not be unable to translate it and has to have a craftsman/artisan bring it to fruition.

I have dealt with many artist that design a piece of jewelry but who have no talent in bringing it to a workable product. The craftsman can tell them what will or will not work depending what is trying to be achieved. This also happens in reverse, when a craftsman ask for help in designing a piece.

You can not separate these two forms without understanding that both can, and have, often been melded into a single individual. If you have ever been to a jewelry store, looking to have a piece of jewelry made for yourself, you will quickly realize that you can run into all three aspects. You will find the sales person that fancy themselves as the creative individual who will draw out and design the item for you using your guidance. Their is also the person who will craft the item with great skill if you give them a picture. There is also that person who will happily sit for several hours drawing or carving out the design you have in mind giving suggestions and insight until he has a working piece. He will have you come back at different points to refine the item until the piece is finished to your satisfaction. He embodies both aspects of artist and craftsman.

Often I've heard the jewelry salesman say "I'll have my jeweler, or benchman, get on this right away." After a conference with the guy in the

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