Tiny Bubbles - Differences Unite Us

Materials: Sterling silver, 24k gold
Dimensions: 1/2 x 6 inch

Keum boo is an ancient Korean gilding technique where gold is fused to silver. This piece is very different from the Cactus necklace.

Photo credit: Larry Berman

Francine Ruth
Sagamore Hills, Ohio. USA

I have really been creating jewelry since I was about 7. I always love to accessorize with jewelry.

While I did not follow my passion as a career, I did have a renewed interest in it several years ago. I began taking classes as a stress reliever from my “real” job. There is not a class I can pass up - I am always looking to learn new skills.

Since I am a product of the 80’s, I LOVE gold and the mixed metal look. It is because of this that I love working with mokume gane and keum boo.

I also do not think that jewelry should take a one size fits all approach and that is why I have so much diversity in my collections.


Ganoksin hosts the jewelry list Orchid, with over 13,000 list members from all over the world, speaking from a wide range of technical and aesthetic experiences. The exhibition theme grew out of a desire to celebrate the creativity encompassed in this wide variety.

Artists were free to interpret the theme in any way they chose. Each artist could submit up to six pieces. Interpretations include uniting different materials into one cohesive form; intellectual and emotional “unitings”, where the meaning of the piece unites multiple concepts; the uniting of time - past, present and future; and a number that focus on the harmony created when uniting multiple materials and/or concepts.

The work submitted involved a wide range of jewelry techniques, from very traditional to very cutting edge, as well as using materials from traditional precious metals and gemstones to “re-purposed” and “up-cycled” materials.

The exhibition showcases 330 images chosen from entries from over 111 artists representing 26 countries.

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Serbia, Spain, Trinidad, Turkey, UK, USA, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands

Many of the participants began their interest in jewelry at a young age. Some are relative newcomers to the field, and some have over 35 years of experience as professional jewelers and goldsmiths. While some grew up in families that were goldsmiths, and followed in those footsteps, others only began creating jewelry as adults.