SUSAN McDONOUGH JEWELRY
The Process of Granulation
In my studies, I became fascinated with the Etruscan process of Granulation. Granulation is a very ancient process involving tiny spheres formed under heat through the scientific process of colloidal adhesion, precisely placed on a prepared surface and then fused with a mouth torch using breath to control the heat of the flame.Granulation is exacting and time consuming, requiring concentration and precision.
It begins with alloying 18k and 22k from 24K gold, creating and sorting the granules, and creating sheet using a hand-cranked rolling mill. Creating, cleaning and surface preparation of the components, fusing the bezels and granules, and joining components and findings with controlled fusing. Then it is ready for light sanding and polishing and a good thorough cleaning before setting the stones.
I set the cabochons or faceted stones using a microscope, a hammer, and a specially-made setting tool using traditional time-tested techniques.
After a final polish, I like to give my pieces a brushed-down matte look with a brass brush and soap.
Sustainability & Respect
As the jewelry industry and its consumers learn more about the negative aspects of the gemstone and precious metals trade, all parties involved have recognized the need for change.
I do my very best to purchase only from trusted, ethical vendors. Each piece I make, whether an upcycled Heirloom Remake or a dangly pair of silver earrings, is thoughtfully and ethically sourced and created with recycled metals from Rio Grande, Stuller and David H. Fell; certified members of Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and the SCS Recycled Content Certification.
All diamonds sold by Stuller comply with the World Diamond Council System of Warranties and the Kimberly Process and are CONFLICT FREE diamonds.
Meet the Best Studio Dogs hard at work keeping the vibes right here at SMJ!
Southern Highland Craft Guild MEMBER
Susan McDonough is a proud member of the SHCG, one of the strongest craft organizations in the country, representing just over 800 makers in 293 counties from nine states. In an age of mass
production and global imports, the connection to fine American craft and the individual maker is more significant than ever.
ABOUT Susan McDonough
Susan McDonough
I’ve always been drawn to jewelry. On people, in books, in lush glossy magazine advertising, in museums, especially museums! Any display that shows the underside and the inner workings draws my attention like a magnet. You can tell a lot about the construction of a piece from the back. I have learned almost as much from old jewelry boxes and museums as from books, universities, craft schools, and trade schools.
My innate curiosity; a passion for understanding the process of how historical pieces were made and why and for whom on what occasion, has taken me on an educational journey I could never have anticipated. But here I am, decades later, still fascinated with the process of jewelry.
GALLERIES:
Archipelago Gallery - Rockland ME
Winter Works Gallery -Monhegan Island, ME
Portsmouth Museum of Fine Art-Portsmouth, NH
Bellagio - Asheville, NC
The Wells Gallery at the Sanctuary -Charleston, SC
Ellenette - Portsmouth, NH
Ignite Gallery - RAD Asheville, NC
SHCG Online Gallery
SHCG - Biltmore
SHCG - Moses Cone
SHCG - Folk Art Center
and has had her work published in 100 Artists of New England, (Rooney, 2011).
Susan is a Member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/members/susanmcd/
Susan is also a member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/
Check out her SHCG Member Page here: https://www.southernhighlandguild.org/member/susanmcdonough/
Susan is featured on the PBS show, A Craftsman’s Legacy—Season1: Episode 5 "The Goldsmith" http://www.craftsmanslegacy.com/episodes/season_1
Rio Grande Interview with Susan: http://riograndeblog.com/on-the-road-with-rio-susan-mcdonough-on-misty-monhegan-island/