A Real Gem… unique jewelry from Eric Burris    

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the business.
I'm originally from Kansas, and moved to Tempe in 2000 to attend Arizona State University. I have a Master's degree in Jewelry and Metals. I teach jewelry classes at Scottsdale Community College and for the City of Tempe Cultural Services Department. I have a studio in Tempe and live with my wife, Gretchen and our two dogs, Millie and Lita. I started taking jewelry classes as an undergrad and was immediately hooked. I like working small-scale and getting very detailed. I've been making jewelry since the early nineties, but have just started to sell work in the last 3 years.

What is unique about your jewelry?
I use a technique called Mokume Gane, it’s a Japanese process developed by sword makers, but uses precious metals instead of steel. Mokume Gane, translated into English roughly means "wood grain metal". It looks very much like patterns you would see on wood.

What type of materials do you use?
I mostly use sterling silver and copper to make the Mokume Gane. I also use gold, brass, steel, wood, maps, and enamel.

What type of jewelry do you specialize in?  
I mostly make women's jewelry-pendants, bracelets, earrings, rings, pins. I also take on commissions, mostly wedding bands.

What is your hottest selling item?
Right now I have new work out that combines sterling and copper Mokume Gane with steel and wood. The pieces are all riveted together; this means there is no soldering, no joining pieces of metal through the use of a heat source.

What is the price range of your jewelry?
$60 for earrings
$150 for pendants/necklaces
$200 for bracelets

Where can we find your jewelry?
I don't have a store, but you can find my work at Made Art Boutique, Objects at Gainey Ranch, and G2 Gallery. I'm also a member of 515 Arts, a contemporary co-op gallery in downtown Phoenix.

What else should our members know about your jewelry?
Some pieces may look similar, but what is unique about Mokume Gane is the patterns are never the same.

If you are interested in Eric's jewelry, you can contact him at 480-225-7211

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