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Karin Jacobson

Karin is a Minneapolis-based jewelry designer who was first introduced to jewelry in high school, when she studied with another Grand Hand Gallery artist, Heinz Brummel.  In 1991 she began an apprenticeship which became a full-time job throughout college.  She graduated summa cum laude with a BA in History from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in 1997. After college, she set off on her own, using the traditional goldsmithing techniques she had learned in combination with her own non-traditional design style to create her own line of jewelry.

“Play is a central theme in my work. My inspiration comes from science fiction, comic books, mechanical toys and Japanese animation, so the look is futuristic and fun. I like pieces that make a bold statement so I use big shapes, clean lines and bright colors. Equally important is to maintain the same high level of comfort and craftsmanship, which I learned as a traditional goldsmith. My ultimate goal is to create pieces that are sculptural on their own and functional as jewelry.

“While fine jewelry has always been about beauty, craftsmanship and great design, I also want my work to be available to a broad audience. I use materials such as sterling and lab-grown or less expensive gems so that I can focus on form, and make innovative design affordable.”

Awards

Best Jewelry Designer - 2004 Best of the Twin Cities, City Pages
Grand Prize Winner - 2002 American Jewelry Design Council New Talent Competition

portrait: Christopher Felver