Description
Vintage Sterling Silver Handwrought Stuart Nye Maple Leaf Pin Large
About Stuart Nye Jewelry:
https://stuartnye.com/about
In the depths of the depression, Stuart Nye bought some second hand tools and a little silver. Without any experience in jewelry or metal work, but with good taste, an eye for beauty and faith in himself, he began to make a few simple bangle bracelets. Through trial and error he learned the nature of his materials and began to fashion silver into the leaves and flowers so characteristic of our jewelry today. From that day in 1933 when Mr. Nye began, his shop has changed in many ways. It has moved from an attic room to a garage to the rustic building built especially for our use in 1948 which is now called “The Shop”.
The original work was in Sterling Silver and this continues to be the most popular. product. Copper was added during the metal silver price explosion in the winter of 1979-80.
Over the years the Nye shop invented many of it own production methods. Workers are trained in the shop and seldom have had prior training or experience in metal work or jewelry making.
Nye jewelry is “fresh” and “different” and prices are fair. The tools of the trade are still simple ones. Chisels from old files, and punches from nail sets or common nails. Cutting tools and chisels from tool steel along with hammers and anvils large enough to remind one of the old blacksmith shop.
The beauty of Nye jewelry does not come from the tools. It comes from the inspiration that nature can give to a man who will take the time to look and from the skill and dedication of the man’s crafting. Nye craftsmen are mountain people with a heritage of craftsmanship known for making works or art.
