Enjoy the gorgeous portfolio of jewelry artist Ben Harju. See more of his work by visiting his website.
Necklace of sterling silver, fine silver, emerald, garnet, tourmalines, hessonite garnet, by artist Ben Harju
I have always loved metal and creating with my own two hands. When I was a kid, I spent summers on my grandparents’ farm building sheet metal forts and taking apart appliances just so I could figure out how to put them back together.
Sterling silver, 14k gold, garnet, emerald, smokey quartz, by artist Ben Harju
After high school, I worked as a welder building semi-tractors. The bending of metal, long days and hard manual labor gave me a true sense of accomplishment. I became obsessed with fabrication. The first time I first picked up silver and gold wire was in 2010.
Necklace of sterling silver, fine silver, 14/20 gold fill, aquamarine, forsterite peridot by Ben Harju
Once I started twisting and creating jewelry out of wire, I found myself unable to stop. Every piece of wire used in my jewelry is perfectly placed with both intention and attention to detail in mind. Natural and faceted gemstones go hand-in-hand with metals and jewelry. I absolutely love staring at the beautiful colors in gemstones. I use some of the finest hand-picked gems in my jewelry, making sure I not only show off the stones themselves, but also the metal designs.
Necklace of sterling silver, fine silver, 18k yellow gold, 14k yellow gold, 14/20 gold fill, watermelon tourmaline, fire opal, bi-color tourmaline, star garnet by Ben Harju
Although I mainly work with wire, I have recently started working with metal fabrication. I find that a mixture of both wire work as well as solid metal forms compliment each other as well as provide a form of jewelry that is rarely seen.
Necklace of sterling silver, fine silver, 14k yellow gold, star garnet, opal by Ben Harju
I am constantly inspired and eager to begin crafting my new designs and love to create wearable and unrepeatable art. My latest style can only be described as elegant sci-fi. To be able to use materials that came from Earth is both an honor and a privilege.
Sterling silver, fine silver, tsavorite garnets, tourmaline, by Ben Harju
I believe it is an innate desire for humans to create. There are those who create nurturing environments for children to grow. Others create skyscrapers for us to work in and enjoy staring at.
Brooch of sterling silver, 14k gold, emeralds, tourmaline by Ben Harju
I create wearable art. I don’t make jewelry as a political statement. I don’t make jewelry as a message to the people. I make jewelry because it is what I love to do. I only hope that you are able to enjoy looking at and wearing my jewelry as much as I enjoyed creating it. Peace and light.
Necklace of sterling silver, fine silver, tsavorite garnets, opal by Ben Harju
Ben Harju invites you to follow him on Facebook.
Gorgeous jewelry! Thanks for sharing:)
Saw one of your pieces in Portsches today and would love to see more of your work. You are a very talented Artist who thinks outside the box. Are you selling your pieces elsewhere or only at Portsches?