GIA Alumni Collective - Golden Gate Chapter

Join us May 21 to learn about the art and history of the use of machines in jewelry making.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/by-means-of-tools-metalsmithing-and-machines-tickets-1988352672368?aff=oddtdtcreator

“By Means of Tools - Metalsmithing and Machines”
📅 Thursday, May 21 • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 Piedmont Center for the Arts - Piedmont, CA

David Cole will explore the art of the machine, providing an illustrated overview that delves into the intersection of technology and aesthetic expression. He will explore the role of machine tools within the realm of jewelry spanning both historical and modern contexts to show how mechanical precision has evolved. His presentation will detail the use of milling machines, lathes, ornamental turning engines, and pantographs. He will examine significant works produced through these mechanical means, highlighting notable examples by Faberge, Wendy Ramshaw, Friedrich Becker and Cartier. Cole will also discuss the craftsmanship of watch firms like Breguet, who, like Faberge, perfected the art of guilloché—a mechanical engraving technique that creates complex, radiating sunbursts and fabric-like textures, elevating industrial tools to the level of the finest ornamentation. This will be a unique lecture on metalsmithing and jewelry. Following the lecture, we will open it up for a Q & A.

About the Presenter:
David Cole is a practicing metalsmith and Senior Adjunct Professor at California College of the Arts. His work ranges from fine jewelry, made with precious metals, to large-scale public art and architectural details for historic buildings. The importance of craftsmanship and a sense of stewardship for the techniques and tools he has acquired over the last thirty-five years drives his love of making. Recent projects include five new copper roofs and design details for the pagoda at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Currently, he is working with his collaborator, Michael Brown, on a suspended, kinetic sculpture for the City of Lafayette. His work can be seen at www.svartvik.com and www.kinematicslab.com.

🎥 To respect the speakers’ copyright, this event will not be recorded or shared afterward.
🎓 Your registration fees fund GIA Scholarships.
👶 First‑time attendees register for free, please email us ([email protected]) before registering.
🍷 Beverage will be served. Register by May 15 to receive a $5 early bird discount.
🚪 If you will be paying at the door, please email us to RSVP your spot.
🗣️ If you know someone who would be a great speaker, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out at [email protected]

Come join us in Piedmont at our next lecture:

By Means of Tools - Metalsmithing and Machines! by David Cole

Piedmont Center for the ArtsPiedmont, CA
Thursday, May 21 • 7 PM - 8:30 PM Lecture

David Cole will explore the art of the machine, providing an illustrated overview that delves into the intersection of technology and aesthetic expression. He will explore the role of machine tools within the realm of jewelry spanning both historical and modern contexts to show how mechanical precision has evolved. His presentation will detail the use of milling machines, lathes, ornamental turning engines, and pantographs. He will examine significant works produced through these mechanical means, highlighting notable examples by Faberge, Wendy Ramshaw, Friedrich Becker and Cartier. Cole will also discuss the craftsmanship of watch firms like Breguet, who, like Faberge, perfected the art of guilloché—a mechanical engraving technique that creates complex, radiating sunbursts and fabric-like textures, elevating industrial tools to the level of the finest ornamentation. This will be a unique lecture on metalsmithing and jewelry. Following the lecture, we will open it up for a Q & A.

David Cole is a practicing metalsmith and Senior Adjunct Professor at California College of the Arts. His work ranges from fine jewelry, made with precious metals, to large-scale public art and architectural details for historic buildings. The importance of craftsmanship and a sense of stewardship for the techniques and tools he has acquired over the last thirty-five years drives his love of making. Recent projects include five new copper roofs and design details for the pagoda at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Currently, he is working with his collaborator, Michael Brown, on a suspended, kinetic sculpture for the City of Lafayette. His work can be seen at www.svartvik.com and www.kinematicslab.com.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/by-means-of-tools-metalsmithing-and-machines-tickets-1988352672368?aff=oddtdtcreator

You Missed This!

You missed this! Blackamoor Jewelry with Nia Tahani

Thursday April 25!
Stewarding Blackamoor Jewelry: A Retrospective of a Beloved and Controversial Jewelry Motif

Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:15 to 7:00pm - Networking
7:00 to 8:30pm - Presentation and Q & A

World Affairs Center/Commonwealth Club in Union Square
at 312 Sutter (at Grant), SF 94108, CA
Parking at Stockton Sutter Garage

Travel through time with estate jewelry dealer, designer, and jewelry historian Nia Tahani of The Gem Corps as we explore the nuance and depth of Blackamoor jewelry. During this lecture, you’ll have the opportunity to see rare pieces of antique and vintage blackamoor jewelry, a form of decorative art depicting people of the African diaspora, and dive deeper into the history, the controversy, and the evolution of the collectors’ sphere. Following the lecture, we'll open it up for a Q&A.

Nia Tahani is a jeweler, matron of decorative arts, and an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, guided by an insatiable curiosity for timeless pieces. A cross-cultural expert in jade, Blackamoor, and vintage as well as antique jewelry, her work is driven by the belief that adornment is our birthright, relating her passion for jewelry and gemstones through storytelling and deep material knowledge. Nia is also the designer behind Sweet CHAIRiot, a first-of-its-kind culturally informed Modern Heirloom. Connecting the ritual of adornment to art, history, and culture is at the center of everything she does.

When:

Cost: $35
Beverage will be served.

Register by April 15 to receive a $5 early bird discount.

Kind Reminder:
Remember your registration fees fund GIA Scholarships!

First time attendees have free registration, please contact us at [email protected].
If you will be paying at the door, please email us to RSVP your spot.

Registration at Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stewarding-blackamoor-jewelry-tickets-1986209923348?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’re Looking for a Treasurer!

With our current Treasurer relocating, our Chapter is seeking a new volunteer to oversee our finances. We thank her for her dedicated service and are now looking for a member with budgeting experience to help lead our chapter. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Thank you!

Have you ever been to the Sinkankas Symposium held at GIA? This is your year...Burmese Gemstones is the topic.
https://www.sinkankassymposium.net

A great exhibit on Obsidian right next to our display

The GIA Alumni Collective - Golden Gate Chapter Display at the East Bay Mineral and Lapidary Club Show. This weekend at the Newark Pavilion 6430 Thornton Ave, Newark, CA 94560 10-5 Sat Sun
Excellent displays and fun activities and buying for all!