Gem Talk
Welcome to Gem Talk, where we explore the brilliance behind the world’s most captivating jewelry. In this edition of Vision in Gold, The Art of Eric Janelle, we’re stepping into the radiant world of master goldsmith Eric Janelle. For over two decades, Eric’s meticulous artistry and innovative designs have really made waves in gold jewelry.
Creating exclusively for Goldsmiths Gallery in Concord, NH, his pieces truly embody enduring elegance and exceptional skill. We’re going to explore what lies beneath the surface of Eric Janelle’s artistry and the inspirations that fuel his distinctive work. Our conversation today draws on the insights provided by Goldsmiths Gallery about their incredible creations and Eric himself.
Yeah, and what immediately stands out, I think, is the depth of Eric’s foundation. It’s not just the impressive span of his 20 plus years in the field, though that’s significant, but also his certification as a Jewelers of America Certified Bench Jeweler Technician. And this isn’t just a title you pick up.
It signifies a real mastery, a rigorous testing of the technical side of jewelry making, a dedication to the craft’s core skills.
Right, that technical mastery. It sounds like the bedrock of what he does there at Goldsmiths Gallery in Concord, NH.
So it sounds like he’s pretty integral to the gallery then.
Oh, absolutely. Crafting bespoke pieces for clients, bringing their visions to life.
Exactly. But also designing and creating his own unique pieces for the gallery too, things you can see and, well, acquire right there.
Okay.
So it’s a fascinating duality. He caters to individual desires and follows his own artistic path.
Precisely.
And a key element, especially in bridging that gap between a client’s idea and the finished piece, is his skill in wax carvings. They mentioned superb wax carvings.
Wax carvings.
Tell us a bit more about that. How does that work?
Well, for anyone maybe not familiar, it’s a really pivotal stage. Eric meticulously sculpts a model, a replica of the jewelry in wax, before touching any precious metal.
Oh, wow. So it’s three-dimensional.
Exactly.
It allows the client to literally see it, feel it, turn it over in their hands. A 3D preview, essentially.
Okay.
So much more than just a sketch on paper then. You get this detailed, tactile model. That must be invaluable.
Just for clarity, making sure every detail is right before you commit to gold or platinum, before taking that leap.
Invaluable is the right word. It offers remarkable clarity.
You understand the proportions, the textures, the overall presence of the piece. In a way, a drawing just can’t convey. It really fosters a collaborative process, minimizes misunderstandings, ensures the final creation is truly what the client dreamed of.
And this is where it gets even more interesting, thinking about the layers here. Before he was deep in the world of jewelry, he actually got a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine art from Notre Dame College back in 2000.
Right.
That makes you wonder, doesn’t it? How does that fine art background feed into his jewelry design?
It suggests more than just technical skill. There’s an artistic sensibility there.
Absolutely.
It’s fascinating to think about how those fine art principles—composition, balance, form, even how light interacts with the piece—likely inform his work. His fine art training probably gives him a visual literacy. Seeing each piece maybe less as just jewelry and more as a miniature sculpture, a wearable piece of art.
A wearable sculpture. I like that. And this wasn’t an overnight thing.
The gallery information mentions 16 years spent at Mark Knipe Goldsmith’s before his current role.
16 years. Yeah.
That’s a serious amount of time dedicated to mastering the trade, right? Really honing those skills through day in, day out practice.
It really speaks volumes about his commitment.
It does.
And think about the development. Those 16 years were likely an incredible apprenticeship, a deep dive into the practical realities of a goldsmith studio. He would have seen everything—different projects, materials, challenges—building up that practical wisdom that complements his art training.
Right. The hands-on experience.
Exactly.
And when we talk about what he creates, the materials mentioned are precious metals and gemstones.
Which immediately tells you something about the quality, the inherent value, the enduring nature of his work.
Yeah.
These aren’t fleeting materials.
No. And this connects directly back to Goldsmith Gallery’s own philosophy, doesn’t it? They talk about translating personal stories into beautiful, lasting symbols.
And crafting timeless treasures.
Right. So Eric’s use of these lasting materials really underscores that intention, creating something to be cherished—maybe for generations.
So it’s not just about his own vision, though that’s clearly important. He’s also helping others clarify their ideas and transforms them into reality.
That sounds very client-focused.
It does. It points to the nature of custom design being a real partnership, you know. Eric brings his technical skill and his artistic eye, but it’s in service of interpreting the client’s story, their desires.
Making sure the final piece reflects them.
Exactly. And all of this—his skill, his background, his approach—
Yeah.
It contributes to that reputation Goldsmith Gallery has for attention to detail and innovative artistry. He seems like a key part of that.
He certainly seems to be. And it’s interesting, the gallery information also notes that while they feature Eric prominently, they also showcase work by other recognized designer jewelers in classic style.
Ah, okay.
So they offer a range.
Yeah. Which kind of positions Eric’s unique work within a broader context of quality.
It lets clients appreciate different facets of fine jewelry design.
Right. It gives context.
So for you, our listener, what’s the key takeaway from this look at Eric Janelle’s artistry?
Well, if you value jewelry that’s not just beautiful, but carries real personal meaning and is crafted with exceptional skill informed by a genuine artistic sensibility, then Eric Janelle at Goldsmiths Gallery sounds like someone whose work is definitely worth exploring. That mix of fine art background and deep technical expertise seems pretty distinct.
I agree.
And it brings up a final thought—perhaps when you’re looking for a truly special piece, maybe something custom—the ability to really see the design beforehand, like with those wax carvings, and knowing the depth of the artist’s experience, that combination is incredibly valuable.
Eric Janelle’s mastery there, combined with his whole artistic journey, offers something compelling for anyone seeking lasting beauty and truly exceptional craft.
This edition of Gem Talk is proudly brought to you by Goldsmith’s Gallery, where timeless design meets masterful craftsmanship.
Discover more by visiting their website at goldsmiths-gallery.com or better yet, experience the elegance in person at Two Capital Plaza, Suite 107 at 57 North Main Street in downtown Concord, New Hampshire. Step inside, say hello, and find something unforgettable. You’ll be glad you did.
Thank you for joining us for this exclusive edition of Gem Talk. We hope this glimpse into the iconic designs of Eric Janelle has sparked your appreciation for the artistry, elegance, and enduring appeal of his fine jewelry. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an illuminating moment.
Our next edition promises even more rare insights from the world of exceptional jewelry. Until then, stay radiant.
