In the Studio with Jeweler Heather Guidero

Jeweler Heather Guidero at work on a piece in her Providence studio. Photo by Rue Sakayama, courtesy of Heather Guidero.

Heather Guidero is a Providence artist who can wear her work. If you catch her on the street you might find her adorned with a ring, necklace, or earrings of her own creation. In her pieces she leverages a range of stones, from hypnotic black jasper to patterned dendritic agate. She crafts silver cuffs that feature richly crosshatched carvings. Each object she makes shows off her astute sense for craft as well as an eye for materials that are a joy to observe. A fine jeweler with a bold, graphic, and highly refined aesthetic, she is a consummate maker and an artist to know.

Heather Guidero, Carved Cuff Bracelet, 18k gold, oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut aquamarines. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Jewelry is often described as miniature sculpture. Asked about this, Heather replies, “We could have an hours-long discussion on the word jewelry, associated language, and the miniature sculpture analogy, but for now let's just say that jewelry contains multitudes!”

She goes on to explain her practice, saying, “Regarding my own work, I design and fabricate functional, wearable pieces using a wide array of stones that incorporate recycled metals. I approach the design process as a problem solver, looking at the piece in progress through the eyes of a designer and maker who draws inspiration from modernist design, architecture, and the light and shadows I observe in my urban environment. What excites me most right now is using strands of cut stones in new and unexpected ways - turning them on their sides and covering planes of silver with colors and shapes to form mosaic-like compositions.”

Heather studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a goldsmith in New York before returning to Providence in 2005. Today, she is based in a bright studio at 50 Sims in the heart of the Valley just across from The Steel Yard, where she has previously taught classes. Her busy workspace features traditional jewelry making tools that have served artists for generations. On a recent visit, multiple pieces were in process and the artist was preparing to send new work to a stockist in the United Kingdom. In addition to her studio practice she continues to share her knowledge with others, too. Coming up in October, she will be co-teaching a class on Creating a Life in Contemporary Art Jewelry at the renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee alongside Jessica Armstrong, owner of the contemporary jewelry gallery Pistachios in Chicago.

For Heather, Providence is a home-base for a career that has seen her work span geographies. She says, “I love being a part of the ongoing story of jewelry design and manufacturing in Providence. As the former ‘Jewelry Capital of the World,’ many niche jewelry manufacturing and supply companies remain in the area, which makes Providence a special place for jewelers and the metalsmithing community. There is also so much happening in Providence regarding shows and artist pop ups, as well as opportunities and places to exhibit. The downside is that it remains extremely difficult to make a living as an artist relying solely on local support and sales; many friends and colleagues who do so have representation and clients in other areas of the country.”

Heather Guidero’s bright studio at 50 Sims in Providence is a busy place. Photo by Rue Sakayama, courtesy of Heather Guidero.

Heather’s jewelry can be found in galleries, shops, and boutiques in twenty states as well as abroad in London and Dusseldorf. SF MoMA, the Princeton University Art Gallery, and the Norton Art Museum all sell her work in their stores. Heather is firmly established as a name with national and international recognition in the jewelry field. The broad interest in her work is a testament to an artistic vision that is exciting to a diverse clientele.

Reflecting on how she hopes her collectors interact with the jewelry she makes, Heather says, “My hope is that the wearer feels like the best version of themselves when they wear a piece, and that it brings them confidence, comfort, and courage wherever their journey takes them. I frequently hear from customers that the pieces created for them become daily wear, which brings me great joy and satisfaction.”

Heather Guidero at work using traditional jewelry-making tools. Photo by Rue Sakayama, courtesy of Heather Guidero.

Jewelry is a special artform in that it is made for, and comes to life on, the body. These are objects of beauty that accompany their collectors on everyday travels. Pieces of jewelry can be powerfully associated with those who have worn them, becoming treasured family heirlooms in the process. Heather’s work engages deeply with all the exciting facets of jewelry tradition.

Asked how someone newer to the world of fine jewelry can begin their own collection, Heather says, “Investigating (and following) jewelers and jewelry galleries on social media is a great place to start. I highly encourage seeking out places and events (such as the RISD alumni and student sales) to experience the work in person. A jewelry collection is highly personal, and it's not unusual to start with smaller pieces as you get to know yourself, what you like to wear, and why you are drawn to particular pieces and jewelers.”

Collectors of all experience levels should follow Heather Guidero’s remarkable practice. She is a great artist as well as a generous and patient teacher. It is an exciting point of pride that a jeweler of Heather’s caliber is making work in Providence and sharing it with grateful admirers across the nation and around the world.

Heather Guidero, Mosaic Rings, 18k gold, oxidized sterling silver. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Learn more about Heather Guidero and shop her latest collections at www.heatherguidero.com and register to take the class she is co-teaching at Arrowmont by clicking here.

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