Amy Bixby hand forges each piece of jewelry from high quality materials such as Fine and Sterling silver, 14K, 18K and 22K Gold, and quality all-natural gemstones. Amy uses ethically sourced materials as well as recycling metal herself in her studio workshop based in Seattle.
Jewelry Care
Good care of your jewelry will ensure life-long use. Although this is mostly common sense, here are a few tips to help keep your jewelry looking great.
* Avoid direct contact of your jewelry with chemicals such as chlorine, hand sanitizer and other cleaning products.
* Refrain from wearing your jewelry while swimming or playing other sports.
The best way to clean your jewelry is to use warm soapy water (dish detergent) and an old toothbrush. Scrub gently and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. For pieces with a brushed finish, use a pot scourer with a gentle circular motion to revive jewelry to it's original matte lustre. When not wearing your jewelry for long periods of time, store in a zip-locked plastic bag to avoid tarnishing. If you would prefer, Amy Bixby Jewelry happily offers complimentary lifetime cleaning, shipping costs excluded.
Ring Size
It is important that you have your finger sized by a professional jeweler to ensure an accurate measurement. Wide ring-sizers need to be used when a wide band is being ordered. International sizing is easy with a simple conversion. All of Amy's rings are available custom made to any size including quarter sizes. If you do not see your ring size listed please contact Amy or select "other" and add it the "special instructions" section of your order.
Artist Bio
Amy Bixby grew up on a sheep station in the South Island of New Zealand. Dry, rugged and rocky hills contrasted by weeping willows and a meandering river bed not only provided a study in contrast but an opportunity for exploration and creativity. Amy's aesthetic as an artist remains influenced by the farm’s environment. She often uses contrast in her work; juxtaposing colors and textures, and employing a combination of mixed and patinated metals. Her jewelry is often described as vibrant and tactile, serving as a form of self expression for those who wear it.
Amy was raised to appreciate all things handmade, part of this stems from the Kiwi “do-it-yourself” mentality. She hand forges every piece in her studio workshop in Seattle and uses finishes that are beaten or matte to reveal the natural tone and appearance of the metal. Amy believes that jewelry is extremely personal and the best part of her job comes from customer interaction. It’s the individual stories that accompany each custom design or unique purchase that linger with Amy long after the piece is completed.
Education:
* Otago School of Art, Dunedin, New Zealand – Bachelor of Fine Arts
* Otago School of Art, Dunedin, New Zealand – Diploma in Jewelry & Textiles
* Kings College, Dunedin, New Zealand – Certificate in Fine & Visual Arts