Below is a directory to the artists who appear in the Pocket Program.

JOHN & CAROLYN RUFF

Home Springfield MO Website: johnruffjewelry.com
Photo of JOHN & CAROLYN RUFF

Biographical Info

My first interest in making jewelry came about as an escape from final biology exams. The interest in jewelry grew, interest in microbes waned, and in 1971 I left graduate studies at the University of Illinois, escaping permanently from academia into the world of metalsmithing.

I have always enjoyed working with my hands, learning new techniques, trying new materials. At this time, Iā€™m working primarily in gold and gemstones.

Using a vocabulary of simple shapes, I create pieces both figurative and architectural in form.

The layered metal technique mokume gane has satisfied my search for a complex surface to enclose within these forms constructed as pendants, bracelets and rings. Gemstones are also a fascination. I now cut gemstones adding them to my stone collection of 40 years. These I set in rings and pendants.

My wife, Carolyn, joined me in this endeavor in 1977. Together, we seek to make pieces of lasting craftsmanship and enduring aesthetics. We would love for these pieces to be passed from one generation to the next.

Categories: jewelry