Patty Bolz began her career as a designer and goldsmith in 1980. Since that time, she has maintained a studio and a home in Camden, Maine, where she lives with her husband and three children. Over the years, Patty's work has won numerous awards, and has been exhibited in galleries and shows throughout the country, and has also been featured in books and publications on contemporary jewelry design.


Gold & Gemstone Rings
Emerald-cut stones and trillion-cut stones.
Top: Rhodolite Garnet with Tanzanite.
Bottom: Green and Pink Tourmaline.

Patty's jewelry, which has been described as a stylistic blend of ancient and contemporary, is constructed in 22k and 18k gold using traditional goldsmithing techniques. These include fusing, soldering, forming, repousse, and engraving, among others. With these techniques, she strives to achieve form and balance within each piece.


Gold & Black Onyx Pendant
Pendant with 12 x 6 x 8mm high dome stone.
Shown in Matte Black Onyx.
Lightweight snake chain.
Size ~5/8" across.

While Patty sees jewelry as wearable adornment, she also believes that a successful piece must be capable of standing alone as a work unto itself. As in sculpture, all of the elements in a form - both metal and non-metal (including gemstones and non-precious materials, such as steel or slate - must work together within a single vision.


Gold & Gemstone Bar Pin
5 x 3.5mm oval stone.
2.7mm round diamonds.
Blue & Orange Sapphire.
Size: 5/16" wide, 1" long.
4 x 3mm pear shape stones.

Along with the overall form, the application of surface texture is integral to Patty's work, and is achieved through a variety of methods - fusing, engraving, stamping, hammering, stippling, chiseling, sanding, etc. Texture often serves to connect the various elements in a piece stylistically, and adds visual dimension to her jewelry.

Artist Statement

I regard my jewelry not only as personal ornament but as sculpture. A successful piece must be able to stand on its own artistically while being comfortable and wearable. My inspiration comes from the textures found in nature, diverse architectural elements, and from the unique characteristics of the high-karat gold and the gemstones with which I work.

I am particularly drawn to ancient jewelry, and when designing my work I strive to achieve a classical sense of timelessness, while also maintaining a contemporary element. As a jeweler and a designer, I work to bring something of this presence into my work - to create pieces with a fullness of form and a richness of detail. My designs combine a classical sense of timelessness with a contemporary appeal.