Susan Barth's fascination with three dimensional art and ornament was always there as a child, but her formal exploration began after being accepted into New York City's High School of Art and Design, where she studied sculpture for two years. Later on, she decided to take an intensive six-month course in jewelry making, where she first learned about lost wax casting.


'Earth Elements with Peridot' Ring Set
Silver, Gold & gemstone rings
Textural ring set in 18k yellow gold and oxidized silver.
Bezel set 4x6mm cabochon cushion shaped Peridot.
Sold as set; available in half sizes.
$910

Lost Wax Casting
A casting technique in which a carved wax model is placed in a container that is then filled with investment plaster. After the plaster hardens, the container is fired to melt or evaporate (lose) the wax. The result is a plaster mold suitable for casting metal or molten plastic.


'Sea Grass' Earrings
18k Gold post earrings.
Black 9mm x 10mm freshwater pearls.
$890

Considering Susan's background in sculpture, lost wax casting turned out to be her ideal medium. She then apprenticed for five years at a jewelry firm in New York City, after which she worked for Barry Kieselstein-Cord, a well known New York jewelry designer, for six years. working on the creation of his collections.


'Earth Elements' Ring Set
An earthy interplay of color and texture.
Bezel-set 5-pt. diamond in largest ring.
18k white and yellow Gold
Sold as set.
$1845

After that, Susan switched back to freelancing once again, which allowed her the time and flexibility to begin the development of her own work. A few years later, she launched her collection at the ACC Baltimore Craft Show, and was awarded the 1998 Award of Excellence for Jewelry by the American Craft Council.

Barth is adept at combining contrasting metals and textures. A piece is never complete until she's found the perfect combination and composition.

Inspiration
"In art and in nature, it is always the simplest of forms that inspire me," Susan says, "be it the subtlety of an architectural detail, or the perfect symmetry and beauty found in the arrangement of petals before a flower blooms. It's in this simplicity that sparks a deep emotional response in me."

Philosophy
Susan's work has been described as subtle, understated, and elegant - which was always her intention. "My pieces are designed to be just one element in the visual story a person tells about themselves, as they present their individuality and uniqueness."