KELVIN J. BIRK

After a series of renovations, England's Buckingham Palace presently sets on fifty acres of land and is known for its extensive library, and art collection. England is also home to featured jewelry designer Kelvin J. Birk.

The philosophy of many artists, whether jewelry or otherwise, is to push the limits of convention branching out into unchartered territory.

They will implement unusual techniques, or materials, to cultivate creations of great beauty and intrigue.

Recognizing life's cyclical pattern of decomposition and renewal, Birk incorporates used jewelry items, including rings from broken engagements and heirlooms, refashioning the gemstones and metals into distinctive, new works.

The finished work challenges perceptions of value, and sentimental attachments commonly associated with jewelry. "Throughout life we lose, and we gain. There is always destruction and loss but out of that come new things and a new order," he says.

An accomplished metalsmith, Birk primarily renders "recycled" pieces from 18- and 22-karat gold and sterling silver.  He then adds accents of peridot, and ruby into ring designs with very innovative and unusual stone settings. Some settings are large, crown-like receptacles filled with a combination of crushed stones that resemble snow cone treats.

Other ring designs are misshapen, and irregular like sculptures with suspended granules of gemstones that literally overlap the setting without crumbling.


It is a daring and fearless aesthetic but undoubtedly eye catching with its unique beauty. Birk allows his intuitive abilities to take over asserting a bold, fresh approach.
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Photo 1 (top right): 18-Karat Gold Two Claw Cluster Ring with Crushed Citrine and Peridot
Photo 2 (bottom left): 18-Karat Gold Freeform Ring with Sapphire