Meet the Maker

I’m Carol Korte, a jeweler drawn to the beauty of things that aren’t quite perfect—the uneven edge of a flower petal, the texture of a weathered shoreline, the shifting blues and greens of water.

I make my jewelry by hand at the bench using traditional metalsmithing techniques. Fabrication, hand engraving, stone setting, chasing and repoussé all play a part in my work, leaving subtle evidence of the maker behind. Rather than striving for mechanical perfection, I want each piece to feel unmistakably handmade.

An image showing the artist working on chasing and repousse

Before becoming a jeweler, I worked in science, an experience that shaped the way I observe, experiment and solve problems. After years of making jewelry, I undertook intensive traditional goldsmithing training, completing a 76-project program designed to build technical skill and precision. I have continued to expand those skills through specialized training in chasing and repoussé, goldsmithing and stone setting. That technical foundation gives me the freedom to work more intuitively and continue developing a style of my own.

Nature is the thread running through much of my work. Garden blooms and wildflowers are obvious influences, but there are quieter ones too—mountain streams, stones worn smooth by water, and the ocean. The ocean brings back memories of childhood summers spent with my grandparents and is still a place I return to when I need to reset.

I work primarily in precious metals and natural gemstones, with a particular affection for Montana sapphires and their remarkable range of blues, greens and unexpected colors. I see the stone, the metal and the handwork as equally important parts of the design, often using gemstones as small points of color and light within the metalwork.

The result is jewelry that is organic without being overly delicate, refined without losing the marks of how it was made, and intended to become more personal with time.

Made to be worn daily and cherished by future generations.

Selected Training
Microsetting Academy — Ian Barnard · 2025
Metalsmiths in Florence — Officine Nora, Florence, Italy · 2022
Jewellery Training Solutions — Peter Keep, Perth, Australia · 2019–2021
Chasing & Repoussé — Davide Bigazzi, California · 2018
Chasing & Repoussé — Liza Nechamkin Glasser · 2016

Selected Exhibitions & Recognition
Invited Artist — Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts · 2023
UNIQUES — Society of North American Goldsmiths · 2019
Secret Gardens — State College Framing Company and Gallery · 2019
Two Solo Jewelry Exhibitions — Bellefonte Art Museum · 2017

Professional Memberships
Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG)
Washington Guild of Goldsmiths
American Craft Council

View Artist Résumé