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. I value the subtle marks of handwork that give each piece its individual character, while maintaining the precision and care that fine jewelry deserves.

An image showing the artist working on chasing and repousse

Before becoming a jeweler, I worked in science, and that analytical background still influences how I approach my work. I enjoy understanding how things work, experimenting with techniques, and solving problems. Yet I’m drawn to organic forms and the irregularities found in nature. I often begin with a plan, but as a piece develops, my work becomes more intuitive, and I enjoy following unexpected directions.

After years of making jewelry, I completed an intensive 78-project traditional goldsmithing program and continued my education in chasing and repoussé, goldsmithing, and stone setting. That technical foundation gives me the confidence and freedom to explore my own ideas.

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

View Artist Résumé
A sterling silver necklace shaped like a heart, filled with a honeycomb pattern and a bee. Some of the honeycomb has gold in it.

Jewelery Ramblings: A Jeweler’s Journey

I maintained a blog called Jewelry Ramblings from 2020 to 2026. I’ve recently decided to turn my energy to other endeavors, but as I reread the entries, I realized what a wonderful record they were of my journey as a jeweler.

I’ve gathered them into a book and made it available here, hoping that others might find a little inspiration in following along.

Read Jewelry Ramblings