Keum-boo

Gold and oxidized silver is a perfect combination for the holidays, providing a gilded earthy jewel to highlight the colors of the season. Many years ago I took a workshop to learn the ancient Korean technique of Keum-boo; gilding 24K gold foil by hand to the surface of silver by bonding the metals with heat and pressure. I have been refining my use of Keum-boo and find I gravitate to using gold like a paintbrush to highlight textures I have created in silver. Thus, I’ve aptly named my newest pieces on the website Brushstroke Charm Necklaces. 

What is really special about this Art Jewelry technique is how the gold is hand applied to create unique design elements in the finished piece. It also creates a thicker layer of gold than you would find in manufactured gold plating, so it will stand the test of time. The gold and silver are bonded together permanently so you can care for them by cleaning with soap and water and a soft toothbrush whenever you wish to restore their original luster.

One of my Keum-boo charms will be on display at a New York City Jewelry Week event called Linked: Held Together by the Stay Gold Collective. Find more details on my event page here.

Keum-boo Necklaces

Explore Keumboo jewelry in my collection here

Golden Spiral Pearl Charm and Signature Link

Part of Linked: Held Together by the Stay Gold Collective NYCJW event details here

photo credit: Liz Kantner