A North Carolina Business
Crown Forged is a small-scale United States based artisan Jewelry/Engraving Company founded in 2019. I created Crown Forged to allow myself artistic expression through precious metals, gemstones and hand engraving. With this craft and expressions I am able to help people capture cherished memories, feelings and experiences. Each piece is created by hand in my personal home studio, with precision fabrication, stone cutting and meticulous stone setting. I strive for each piece to strike a conversation, be united with expression or to embrace the craft of jewelry.
About
An Artisan’s Introduction,
Jeff Smith
Some of the first steps on my ongoing journey.
In 2006 I left my small home town in Ohio to pursue Art and follow my passion at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. With a new environment came new friends and opportunities. These friends introduced me to the Jewelry and Metals Program, and I quickly became obsessed. From then on precious metals and gemstones would be my media to create Art.
With the teachings of professors Cappy Counard and Sue Amendolara, I was able to lay a strong foundation in design and metal craft.
My Apprenticeship
After I graduated with a BFA in Metalsmithing/Jewelry Design and BS in Art Education on focused on getting a jewelers apprenticeship to better hone my craft an advance in stone setting. Many Jewelry stores required 1-3 years work experience to be hired. I took a position as a polisher to get my foot in the door. During that period I was able to learn and practice only after my required work was finished for the day. After a 1 year and 3 months I was finally promoted as a Jeweler and took another step forward on my journey. I worked and grew with this company for 10 years.
Learning Hand Engraving and Stone Cutting
Continuing my pursuit of gaining more knowledge in the craft I decided to teach myself Hand Engraving in 2019. It was extremely challenging but with the help of the online engraving communities I was able to achieve my goal. After practicing for 3 years I finally felt comfortable incorporating it into my work. Hand engraving has now become one of the most enjoyable processes of my craft.
Cutting gemstones has always intrigued me because finding the right stone is difficult. In 2022 I was fortunate enough to become friends with a fantastic stone cutter and jeweler, Ryan Quantz. Ryan was happy to teach me the ways of gem cutting, a gift I am very thankful for. Gemstone cutting gives me near endless freedom and expands my creativity. Designing and cutting a rough stone into a gem is a fascinating experience.
The Path Ahead
As my business develops I remain dedicated to quality and refining design. Through hand and engraving and stone cutting I will craft a uniquely elegant collection of work. I am excited to expand my offerings of various engravings, loose gemstones and jewelry through this business. Thank you joining me on this journey and supporting my passion.