North Carolina jewelry artist Jason Janow describes his rustic yet refined designs as “precisely nature.”
Artist: Growing up in Amherst, VA, Janow loved the outdoors and took an early interest in jewelry.
Later, at age 30, he made a career change and enrolled in Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC, where he earned a degree in the jewelry program, which prepares individuals to become professional metalsmiths. After college, Janow settled in Asheville, where he has lived since 1999.
Company/studio: Jason Janow Jewelry, based in Asheville, started in 2005. His studio is located in Miya Gallery, which he co-owns, in nearby Weaverville. Miya carries local and regional fine craft with a heavy focus on handmade artisan jewelry.
In the beginning: In high school, Janow created his first piece of jewelry: a necklace of shark’s tooth, hand carved beads, and leather.
Art & materials: Jewelry made using found objects, such as tree bark, twigs, river rock, cast in silver bronze and gold, with gems as well as diamonds. Jewelry includes necklace, cuffs and rings.
What’s popular: Recently, the Lacey Twig Diamond Ring in white gold ($1,000 to $1,500 and up) based on diamond carat weight.
Process: Lost wax casting, as well as stone setting and fabrication.
Inspiration(s):
- Art Deco and Art Nouveau
- Early arts and crafts philosophy
- Local and familiar materials
Special commission:
- Recently, recreated an Indian pendant with carved peacocks. The peacock is the national bird and represents strength and power. Its feathers symbolize immortality and immunity to evil.
- A couple of years back, designed a ring with a two-carat diamond and rubies. The stones were the customer’s family heirloom.
Recent project: Wedding rings for a local couple in bark cast in 14k white gold combined with 18k yellow gold.
Where to buy: jasonjanowjewelry.com
Get social: Instagram: Jasonjanowjewelry
