debra lynn gold

Atlanta metalsmith Debra Lynn Gold views jewelry as a three-dimensional art form that is meant to express both the maker – and the wearer.

Artist: Born and grew up in Chicago. She graduated from Indiana University with a BA distinction in psychology and an MFA in jewelry design and silversmithing.

She moved to Atlanta in 1983. In addition to her own design work, Gold has 50 years of teaching experience at both the college level and in community arts programs.

In 2007, Gold and fellow jewelry artist Leigh Griffin founded the prestigious Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show. Gold served as executive director of the annual event until stepping down in 2023 to devote more time to studio work and travel.

In the family: Well into Gold’s career, she learned that her paternal grandfather had an iron working company in New York City.

In addition to making purely functional things like fire escapes, he also built some of the more decorative footbridges in Central Park.

“I never knew him, but I’m very proud of my ancestry,” said Gold. “My love of metals must have been in my DNA.”

In the beginning: Took her first jewelry class (by default since the ceramics class she wanted was full) at a small art school in Mexico while spending a hippie Summer there during college.

“It was love at first solder joint,” said Gold who returned to college to complete her MFA.

Art & materials: Primarily hand-forged and fabricated sterling silver jewelry. Added color comes from colored aluminum and, more recently, gemstones. ($150 to $2,000, but earrings mostly $250 to $350 and necklaces $350 to $600).

“My bold, confident constructions and use of space appeal to people who are similarly confident and self-expressive,” Gold said.

Favorite or must-have tool: A particular half-round file that creates much of the distressed surface in her work.

Special or unusual requests: Invited to design and oversee the construction of a contemporary 10-foot-high bronze and glass altar cross for Holly Cross Episcopal Church in Simpsonville, SC.

“It’s thrilling to see one’s ideas manifest in such a ‘gargantuan’ scale and to think of it inspiring people over many years to come,” said Gold. “Plus, I got to ride the industrial scissors lift up and down from the elevated niche.”

Recent honor: Gold’s work will be featured in a museum exhibition called “Contemporary Studio Jewelry in Georgia” in Statesboro (Oct. 29-Dec.1) and Savannah (March 11-April 3, 2026).

Craft scholar and decorative arts historian Ashley Callahan is curating the show in conjunction with Georgia Southern University. She also writes frequently for Ornament magazine.

What’s next:

· 17^th Annual Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show at the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. March 8-9.

· Annual Carter Center Auction June 26-29 during the Carter Center Weekend at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Gold will donate a fabricated sterling silver necklace and earrings set to the fundraiser.

Where to buy: