North Carolina jewelry designer Emily Rogstad translates architectural details and everyday objects into wearable pieces.
Artist: Born and raised in East Calais, VT, Rogstad got her start working with metal in the eighth grade at her public high school, which had a metals and jewelry studio.
From there, she was hooked. Rogstad went to Maine College of Art in 2013 and earned a BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry. After graduating, she moved to Penland School of Craft (NC) for the Core Fellowship program from 2014-2016.
Studio: Emily Rogstad Jewelry formally started in Asheville, NC, in a rented 50-square foot studio space in 2017, although she had been selling her work for many years. Rogstad now works from her home studio.
Art & materials: Jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings and broaches, using mainly sterling silver, vermeil and semi-precious gemstones. Recently, she has started working in solid gold as well.
What’s popular: Earrings. Everyday link earrings and hoops start at $50, while more elaborately fabricated pairs range from $200 to $500.
Other favorites: Chains, chains, chains! Simple chains start at $150.
“I love the repetition of chain link making and the variety of possibilities that it presents,” Rogstad said.
Favorite tools: A good set of pliers.
Special commissions: Floral bridal earrings, with the flowers representing those in her bouquet.
Recent project: Making wooden spoons and chip carvings.
“I’ve been having a love affair with wood carving,” said Rogstad.
What’s next: A three-artist exhibit “Time and Again,” at Pistachios, a contemporary jewelry and objects gallery in Chicago. May-Aug. 8.
Where to buy: emilyrogstad.com. At her site, find links to the current galleries that carry her jewelry. including Mora in Asheville (moracollection.com)
Get social: Instagram: @emilyrogstad
