McKenzie Jewelry Arts

McKenzie Jewelry Arts specializes in crafting silver and gold jewelry using real twigs and plants as molds and inspirations for rings, earrings, and pendants. Our unique process faithfully replicates the intricate details of these natural forms, capturing their essence in every piece. Each item is a one-of-a-kind creation, as no two castings are identical—a testament to the individuality inherent in nature's designs.

This reticulated silver jewelry is designed and hand crafted by Jeff McKenzie, here in the Pacific Northwest. Sterling silver is an alloy, commonly consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. To reticulate the silver, Jeff repeatedly heats and then quenches the silver in an acid bath. When the sterling silver is heated, copper oxides are produced on the surface of the piece. Quenching in an acid bath removes the copper oxides. This "depletion gilding" creates a thin layer of pure silver on the outside of the piece, leaving the copper inside. Once the silver piece has been heated and...

  Jeff McKenzie is a craftsman, goldsmith, silversmith, jeweler, designer and graduate gemologist. Jeff is the manufacturer of Paul Wagner's North Coast Collection jewelry, and his own personal line including reticulated silver and other various gemstone and metal designs. He was a jewelry store owner/operator in Olympia, WA for 19 years and has been making jewelry since 1984. Before getting into the hands-on end of the business, Jeff worked for Zale Corp in their headquarters in Dallas, Texas then moved into retail jewelry sales before apprenticing as a goldsmith. He is passionate about making jewelry and is constantly striving to...