Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Martina Noble. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Martina , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Recently, someone asked me to personalize a necklace. Her daughter was adopting a child and she wanted me to incorporate their birth stone into the pendant. I was touched, honored and loved the idea of my work going from the mother to her daughter and eventually the child.

Martina , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Creativity is what pops me out of bed in the morning (and a big mug of coffee). After dabbling with various genres, I enrolled at the Revere Academy of Jewelry in San Francisco – and haven’t looked back. I love shaping metal with hammers, torch and files, and incorporating beautiful gem stones.

My favorite part of being a jewelry artist is that my work becomes part of somebody else’s life, of their story. An heirloom to be passed on, cherished. While jewelry has different, individual meanings – love, memento, honor, status – it is always very personal.

All of my work is carefully handmade in my studio, each piece unique, with attention to every detail My necklaces can often be worn in different ways, pendants having two sides rather than a front and back.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Pricing.

Most artists are not in it for the money, and small outfits like mine – I work 7 days a week, and it’s not all “playing” in the studio…

I love meeting people at shows, chatting about stones, my jewelry – whether they buy something or not. I want happy clients, who love what they purchase.

But, inevitably, someone will point at a $100 piece and say aggressively “how about I give you $80 for it ?!”. Or mutter loudly “I could make that for less. Pfft.” Gulp. The price covers materials, tools, supplies, utilities, show fees…

Most shoppers don’t know that of the $100 paid at a gallery, the artist will get between $50-65.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

A part of my mission is re- and up cycling. I collect my scraps, melt them, roll them out for the next piece.

Sometimes I buy vintage jewelry which is damaged, forgotten, out dated – and I’ll use parts of it in a new piece. I always wonder if I can capture some of its history and let it live on.

Contact Info:

• Website: MartinaNoble.com (new website coming early June)
• Instagram: @noblejewelery
• Facebook: @martinanoblefinejewelry

Image Credits
All images taken by me.