As a self-taught jewelry artist, my greatest joys are the challenge of creating one-of-a-kind pieces and the ability to give a gift of my creativity to those who buy my work. Jewelry requires a delicate balance of design elements in order to create functional, comfortable, wearable, yet lovely art that enhances the beauty of the wearer.

In pursuit of these goals of functional and appealing design, I have focused on the versatile medium of wire. I began concentrating on developing my wire skills when I found myself eager to incorporate wire into every design, starting with handmade clasps that give a unique touch to each piece of jewelry. As I researched wire jewelry design, I was greatly impressed with the diversity of styles and techniques to be learned. Wire can be coiled, sculpted, woven, textured, wrapped, and joined into chainmaille jewelry. The possibilities are endless.

As a complement to the versatility of wire, I incorporate a wide range of color into my jewelry. Color has so many moods, from the cool sophistication of sterling silver chainmaille to the sparkle of Austrian crystal and the diverse hues of semi-precious gemstones. The challenge of finding the perfect colors for a piece of jewelry allows me to explore the diversity of natural and manmade materials available. In my search for materials, I try to incorporate handcrafted items whenever possible. I use handmade lampwork glass beads from Iowa artists and hand-cut gemstone cabochons from American lapidary artists. I also use beautiful handmade Hill Tribe and Bali silver from the cottage industries of Thailand.

I continually work to develop new skills and explore new methods and designs in order to ensure my work remains unique. My self-education in jewelry design and creation has been greatly enhanced by studying the techniques of many great wire and jewelry artists online. I would especially like to thank Eni Oken, D. K. Heath, and the many other gifted artists at the Creative Wire Jewelry forum.

— C.S. Swarts