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A New Leaf
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/01 - Winter
Every time Elizabeth Haskins handpicks a semi-precious stone for her exquisite gold, sterling, brass, and copper jewelry, she turns over a new leaf…literally.
Nine years ago, after she lost her son, she designed the Dreaming Tree with one leaf symbolically falling from it. Since then she’s created scores of leaves, each one unique in shape, color, texture, form, and surface. These leaves are her poetic tribute to Life regenerating and everlasting.
While all her work has personal resonance, nothing pleases her more than someone connecting with a piece of her jewelry, assigning their own special meaning to its beauty and spirit.
Haskins has a Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts, with emphasis on silver-smithing and jewelry design from Georgia State University. She is the real deal. She can design, cast, and create anything from a chalice to a bowl to filigreed utensils, to repousse´ 3-D creations to necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, pins, and more. It’s easy to see her impressive fashion adornments as functional miniature sculptures.
Haskins is one of a disappearing breed of fine metal masters. Very few students pursue smithing these days, When asked why, she said, “First of all, it is difficult and laborious work, not for the faint of heart. Second, many people gravitate toward silver clay, avoiding the technical complexities of silver metal work.”
Haskins works with 10 and 14K yellow gold and sterling. Jeweler’s bronze is also a favorite. It has the beauty of gold without the cost. Excellent craftsmanship and keeping current with trends are the keys to her success. She says she started out with very complex, large pieces, vessels and utensils. Over the years people have pared down to simpler lifestyles and it reflects in the clothing and accessories they wear. She says, “Remember when we got dressed up to go on an airplane? Now we wear jeans.” So she adapted her designs to trending fashion and modern lifestyle.
To see more of Haskins’ creations, visit Smitten at 468 Main Street in downtown Highlands. Hours are 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Wednesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday through Tuesday. For a private appointment, please call Bonnie at (828) 482-2377. Contact [email protected].
