Stuart Nye is a costume jewelry brand based in Asheville, North Carolina. It is known for its handcrafted jewelry inspired by nature, especially flowers and leaves.
History
The founder was Stuart Nye, who in 1933, during the Great Depression, bought some used silversmithing tools and some silver. Despite having no experience in costume jewelry or metalworking, Nye learned to create jewelry by shaping silver into leaves and flowers.
At first, Nye and his assistants worked exclusively with sterling silver.
During World War II, when silver and many other metals were in short supply, copper was added to the range.
In the winter of 1979–1980, when silver prices rose sharply, Nye switched to brass.
Expansion of the workshop: at first, jewelry was sold in the workshop, in 1948 a chain of stores opened.
Collections
Some of the Stuart Nye jewelry collections:
Dogwood — a design inspired by the flowers outside the studio window in the mountains of North Carolina.
Calla Lily — a line of jewelry.
Flower motifs: pansy, trillium, galax, thistle.
Leaf shapes: maple, oak, willow.
Traditionally, all products are marked “NYE” inside the cone.
Technique
Stuart Nye jewelry is created by hand. Simple tools are used: chisels from old files, punches from nail sets or regular nails, hammers and anvils, reminiscent of an old forge.
