Debbie Olin

Artisan Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings

I create limited edition jewelry. My style and skillset developed over decades and continues to evolve. My approach is to first immerse myself into a new technique, then push it to see if I can produce my personal vision of what the technique might do. I am influenced by both vintage jewelry and my stash of wonderful design elements.

I’m all in when it comes to chainmaille - the ancient history, complex weaves and infinite variety 0f texture, pattern with fluid movement. My goal is to learn one new weave a year. Once I understand the traditional version, I start playing with different gauges of wire, mixed metals, glass rings, and semi-precious stones. I never work in stainless steel, as it is too hard on my hands and lacks shine. My spools of wire are typically sterling silver, silver-filled, gold-filled or rose gold-filled. I tend to weave as tightly as possible without losing flexibility, ensuring that the weave will hold once off my worktable and worn. Each design is documented as a “recipe” - 44 bracelets, 51 necklaces, and 52 earring styles and counting. I like the option of going back to a nice design but quickly wander as I imagine the weave’s potential.

I am grateful to all who wear my designs. This website is not intended to be a gallery, instead a window into what I am working on. Perfection and process drive me, so I work slowly. Periodically I have enough inventory for a show. You can always find my work at the Paoli Road Mercantile. I manage the Marquette Atwood Art Walk so you can always find me in my driveway the first Sunday in May. If the stars line up, I try to do 2 additional shows per year which I announce on social media. I invite you to explore my work by clicking on the projects below. You will find more on each weave plus links to my store.