Mixed Metal Jewelry

Gorgeous rings, earrings and bracelets by Susan Mulvey

Rings with lapis, $195; with garnet, $210; with tourmaline and a gold bezel and thin gold band, $575. Photo by Charley Freiberg

Susan Mulvey likes to swing a hammer. She is always thrilled by what happens when it hits metal — sterling silver or gold. It bends, it flattens, and it retains the impression of the hammer or the texture behind the metal. The practiced effects of this simple tool can be seen in her jewelry, from rings to earrings to bracelets.

Mulvey, of Marlow, has been making metal jewelry for more than 40 years. She started at 20 with a workshop at the Brookfield Craft Center in Connecticut. From there, she continued to hone her signature style of classic, graceful curves for earrings, eventually adding semi-precious stones to her earrings, rings and bracelets. The simple bezels for the stone settings add to the elegance of each piece.

Her inspiration? “I don’t look at a tree and say, ‘Ah, jewelry.’ I just like flowing things,” she muses.

As a member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Mulvey exhibits at the annual Sunapee Fair and her work is available at most of the League shops. In addition, find her pieces at Exeter Fine Crafts and Sharon Arts Center in Peterborough.