emily zawislak

New Orleans jewelry designer Emily Zawislak uses traditional metalsmithing techniques to make striking, minimalist pieces, integrating faceted gemstones and the elegant luster of gold accents.

Artist: Born in Houston, Zawislak’s family moved around the country many times before they settled in New Orleans when she was a teenager.

After high school, she went to the College of Charleston, earning a BS in International Business and Spanish. She continued to move and explore, living in San Diego, Peru, New York City, and various travel stints before returning to New Orleans, where she has lived and worked for 13 years.

Studio: Based in New Orleans, the jewelry designer has a shop in a converted school next to the Industrial Canal in the city’s Ninth Ward.

In the beginning: Needing a creative outlet from her day job, Zawislak took a night class at the New Orleans School of Metalsmithing.

The class ignited a passion. She continued to study at the Instituto de Allende, in San Miguel de Allende. Throughout her studies, Zawislak gained insight and experience from much trial and error in her own shop.

Art & materials: Minimalist pieces of jewelry in sterling silver, high karat gold, and precious stones. Over the past few years, she has incorporated Keum Boo into her designs.

What is Keum Boo: It is an ancient Korean technique of fusing thin sheets of pure gold to sterling silver.

“I often build hollow forms to add volume and variability to my designs,” said Zawislak.

What’s popular:

Sterling and gold Keum Boo earrings ($150 to $450).
Stone Rings: faceted sapphires set in 22k gold on sterling silver hammered bands ($450 to $650).

Other favorites: Geometric cuffs and neck pieces with designs incorporating Keum Boo. The contrast of the yellow gold with the oxidized and polished sterling silver allows for striking design elements ($450 to $2,500).

Favorite tools: Acetylene torch, saw and Miter Jig.

Inspirations: Many, including: