Jan McClellan makes unique art jewelry that is created from silver, gold, and unusual gemstones. She has been making jewelry for over 30 years. She learned her craft at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Oregon and at Revere Academy in San Francisco, and by practice, practice, practice.


Sterling Silver & Chrysocolla Ring
Stone size: 25 X 10 mm
Top size: 1 3/4" X 7/8"
$149

After designing a setting for a stone or stones, Jan uses the method of fabrication, which means she starts with silver or gold sheet and wire, cutting (using a jeweler's saw), shaping (forging, repoussé), and texturing (hammering, chasing and reticulation) the metal. A bezel is made using very thin flat wire, and forming it around the stone and soldering it to the base piece. All parts are soldered together, the piece is cleaned (pickled in mild acid), the stone is set into the bezel and the piece is polished for a final finish.


'Deep Magic' Boulder Opal Pendant
The background is textured Argentium Sterling Silver that resists tarnishing. The boulder opal gemstone has great depth with vivid flashes of blue and green. It is surrounded by a 22k gold bezel and has accent stones of Chatham created Emerald, natural blue Sapphire, and Iolite set in 18k gold. Size: 2" x 1 1/2"
$650

Jan specializes in doing custom work for her customers, and they often pick out a stone from the cabochon pages on her website, and she and the client work together to design the piece, creating unique jewelry that fits their personal taste.


Turquoise, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold Pin
The silver in this handcrafted brooch is formed using the methods of repoussé and chasing.
$189

Inspired by the artifacts found in Northern Europe, Britain, and Iceland, Jan recently started doing some sand casting using the same methods (with a few modern refinements) as the ancient Vikings. She also researched their writing, which is known as Runes, and she decorated the resulting pendants with some of those symbols.

Artist Statement

I've Lived in Klamath Falls, Oregon for 50 years and think this is a great place! My late husband, Stan, and I reared our six children here, and now I am enjoying our 18 grandchildren. If that isn't enough to do, about 20 years ago I retired from the regular job force, and began in earnest to work at my craft which is jewelry making - using silver, gold, and gemstones.

Up until a few years ago I did the craft fair circuit in Oregon, California, and Washington. Then the Internet thing kept me too busy, so I retired my tent, sold my van, and am staying home. Rather nice. I love gemstones that are unusual, that have their own story. Finding that story and translating it into a piece of jewelry gives me great satisfaction.