South Carolina designer Kate Furman describes her “perfectly imperfect” jewelry as rustic with a refined feel.
Artist: Born and raised in Greenville, SC, Furman graduated with a BFA from the University of Georgia in Jewelry and Metalworking. She went on to earn an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in Jewelry and Metalsmithing.
Between and after college, Furman worked for several jewelry designers and taught jewelry workshops and programs. Since 2012, she has focused on her own jewelry designs and business.
Company/studio: Kate Furman Jewelry is based in the 547 Perry Art Studios in the Village of West Greensville, SC. In her small building, the full-time jewelry designer has a workshop and a showroom/consultation space.
In the beginning: Furman fell in love with jewelry making while attending Fine Arts Center in Greenville, South Carolina’s first public high school for the visual, creative and performing arts.
Art & materials: Handmade jewelry using gold, silver and precious but unique gemstones ($100 to $14,000).
Process: Using the technique called lost wax casting, she makes molds of original objects, hand carves waxes, sets gemstones and hand engraves pieces.
What’s popular:
- Alternative and unique engagement rings.
- Remakes of heirloom pieces.
- Custom work
- One of a kind jewelry ready to ship.
Favorite tools:
- A pneumatic graver for hand engraving.
- A regular graver for hand push engraving.
- Carving wax.
Inspirations: Nature, in general, from flowers (roses are a favorite) to twigs and seashells.
Special commissions: Engagement and wedding rings for Furman and her husband – and many other couples.
“It means so much to have someone pick me to make something as special for them as their engagement ring,” said Furman. “Or to remake their grandmother’s favorite jewelry into a style that they love themselves.”
Recent awards/honors:
- 2023 Best in Business South Carolina Winner in two categories: Best Woman Owned Business and Best Jewelry Store.
- Best of the Upstate Best Local Visual Artist. 2016 through 2019 and 2021.
Recent projects:
- A collection of unique diamond stud earrings, including rose cut grey diamonds and diamond slices.
- Illustrated the drink menu for 167 Raw Oyster Bar in Charleston, SC.
What’s next: A series of special rings featuring natural tourmalines, rose cut diamonds and hand engraved details.
Where to buy: katefurman.com and by appointment in her studio.
Connect:
- Facebook: katefurmanjewelry and katefurmandrawing
- Instagram: @katefurmanjewelry and @katefurmandrawing
- Pinterest: Kate Furman Jewelry
