I grew up in a jewelry family. Not jewelry collectors, but in the foundation of the industry itself, handmade fabrication and design. I remember as a child watching my father work at his jewelry bench with endless curiosity. The tools, the well practiced movements, watching the metals transform from a block of nothing into a wearable piece of art, I was enamored with the concentration and skills required.
As I grew older my father started showing me the basics and I became obsessed. The natural next step for me was attending a professional six-year trade school to learn the art and skill of manipulating metals through classes and apprenticeships, earning my formal goldsmith degree at the age of eighteen.
ARTIFEX (AHR-ti-feks) (n.)
Etymology: from Latin. ars (art, skill) and -fex (maker/doer)
Definition: 1. artist; craftsman 2. skilled creator
“MERLO ARTIFEX” is both the culmination of everything I have learned so far in my decades working in the industry and the beginning of everything in my mind I need to bring into existence. The name is formed by my family roots and the ethos of how I choose make jewelry.
I didn’t create this brand to sell jewelry, I created it to be able to design jewelry and create art without limitations. The pieces I want to make, in the way I want to do it. I create wearable art. Everything is a choice and I choose to do it like this. 100% handmade.
What I know to be true:
1. There are no shortcuts, I do every step in house in my studio by hand myself, no outsourcing means I have full control of every single step of the process from start to finish, my personal guarantee on the quality.
2. Materials matter. I choose to work with only premium raw materials. Silver, gold, and ethically sourced stones. Materials that are made to last a lifetime.
3. The jewelry I make is made to outlast you. This jewelry is a future heirloom. It is made to be passed down generation to generation. It is made the way things used to be, with the highest quality in mind, design, and production processes.
4. Choosing to buy jewelry intentionally is a more sustainable way to consume. I choose to make quality jewelry designed to last a lifetime, not made to break and end up discarded in a landfill. The jewelry I make is made to live your life in. This is the kind of jewelry that becomes your signature piece.
5. Human made art has inherent value. In a world of AI, automation, and individuality disappearing by the moment I choose make slow jewelry by hand. Intentional with every detail and designed to last. One piece will take days or sometimes even weeks. I believe that time is well spent.
Time is the most valuable currency we possess. I choose to spend mine creating jewelry that will last. Jewelry that will stand up to daily wear and hold the memories of your lifetime. Jewelry that can be passed through generations and become an heirloom. Jewelry made by a real human. Jewelry that is beautiful because of its unique differences. Handmade, always.
Welcome to Merlo Artifex.