About Whitney Designs Ltd.

Throughout the 50 years that we, John and Linda Whitney, have been working in metalsmithing our goal has been to produce a smile on our patrons face by creating a jewelry work that is well crafted but very affordable. All of our work is made from beginning to end by using traditional silversmithing techniques of fabrication. When we started creating pieces in 1970 they were all sterling silver and 14 kt gold, but now we have expanded to other metals by adding red brass and copper. These copper based alloys and polymer clay have added in colors and oxidation that were not possible with traditional metals. We continue to experiment with polymer clay as a way to add a colorful story and surface design to larger jewelry. By using this clay we can make light weight pieces some with motifs inspired by African textiles and aboriginal art of the South Seas. The cut pieces of metal are lovingly shaped over silversmithing stakes and tree stumps with the use of forming and raising hammers. Then the work is assembled with gas soldering torches and silver solder. Depending on the design, we may continue to form with hammers and chasing tools, dap, or corrugate to achieve the desired effect. Natural stone embellishments are added to the designs to give it integrity. Our ever bonding love of the plasticity of metal and the joy of creating with our hands is our daily inspiration.Read their story