Michael Michaud

Artist Michael Michaud was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Westport, Connecticut. He currently resides in Fairfield, Connecticut with his wife Tricia and their three children Nicole, Shane and Michael. Starting as an apprentice mold cutter in 1973, Michael soon became a master precious metal caster and mold maker. In 1976, seeking even more knowledge, Michael moved on to Rochester Institute of Technology's prestigious School for American Craftsmen. While studying under esteemed designers Hans Christenson and Gary Griffin, he mastered many of the techniques he uses today to capture the beauty and exquisite detail of nature in metal. After graduation in 1980, Michael returned to the jewelry manufacturing community and worked for some of America's leading jewelry designers.

Caitie Sellers for AMA

Caitie Sellers, a VCU Crafts department alumni, devoted her summer of 2008 to teaching a group of 7 young Mayan women from different villages in the Highlands of Guatemala how to craft sterling silver and semiprecious stone jewelry by hand. The Mayan culture greatly respects creativity and beauty in the world around us. They say that the fundamental force of art is to help us recuperate our true nature as human beings. Highland Support Project volunteers like Caitie, helps indigenous Mayan women to learn valuable skills that they are paid fairly for. This opportunity enables the women to further their education and earn a supplemental income, all while continuing to live in the Highlands with their families.

Taxco Jewelry

In this beautiful little town in the Sierra Madre, the ancient, winding streets resound all day to the delicate hammers of the silversmiths turning out unique silver jewelry, which has carried the name of Taxco all over the world. In 1521, shortly after Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez arrived in Mexico, he learned that some of the Indians living south of what today is Mexico City were paying Moctezuma -the Aztec Emperor- in blocks of silver and other metals. Soon, tons of silver were being extracted from the mountains of the area called "Tlachco" - which the Spanish later named Taxco (Tash-co) - to be sent to Spain in ships for as long as three centuries until 1810 when Mexico became independent. In 1930 the city of Taxco was declared a national colonial monument.

Jades

These hand carved jades represent a day, have a special meaning and influence over things and people. The parameters given are based on the astrological views of the Mayans, the elders and priests carefully handle and produce the information and meaning of each stone. Each symbol has a particular meaning explained in each of the individual page and are entirely based on the date you were born. The specific information to your birthday can be provided via email once you have sent us your actual birthday.

Dori Csengeri

Dori Csengeri's universe is inspired by fashion and art. Dori’s unique jewellery is impeccably hand sewn at her atelier, by experienced embroidery craftswomen, in an ancestral technique of assembly by needlework of silky cotton cords. Dori’s intriguing designs are born from her love of colour and the long tradition of hand embroidery and textile design.

Tagua Jewelry

Asta International offers unique designs and accessories from South America. Each unique piece is extraordinary, memorable work of wearable art that is made using ancient techniques adapted in South America. This jewelry is superbly handcrafted by local artists that use the finest raw materials. Asta International collaborates with master artists across South America. Proceeds from jewelry sales provide local artisans with fair wages and help support their families.