Next up in the line up of Finalists for the Saul Bell Designer Awards 2010 Bead Category is Jill Hurant.

Jill Hurant, Morganville, New Jersey.

When Jill describes her work as "Fine handcrafted work in 22 karat gold..."  she ain't kidding about the fine part.  Obviously gifted with as much patience as talent, her designs are intricate yet immaculately crafted, with every tiny bead, wire andjump ring neatly in place to create complex designs that suggest both fragility and strength.  Using advanced crochet, weaving and chain mail techniques her jewelry has a unique and enviable style. 

Trained at the Jewelry Arts Institute of Manhattan, Jill quickly fell in love with jewelry making and was fascinated with how basic sheet and wire could be manipulated into complete and complex works of art.  It is a process of transformation that translates well into her designs.

She enjoys using traditional jewelry making techniques, saying that it takes her "back in time to another place."  It is certainly clear that she is both dedicated and passionate about her art.  "It’s the process of hand fabricating the piece that is enthralling,"  she says. "The end result or the beauty of the piece is just ‘the icing on the cake’ for me."  Very beautiful icing it is, Jill!   Whether the pieces are designed with the means or ends in mind, there is no doubt that the standard of her work more than justifies her place in this year's finalist list.

You can read more about Jill and view more of her work at her website, http://www.jillhurant.com.