Designer Spotlight: Barbara Berk- Handwoven Metals

Aqua Rhapsody This one of a kind 950 woven platinum (3 11/16” H x 1 1/4” W x 1/2” D) with a 31.08 ct aquamarine drop carved by Sherris Cottier Shank and cultured pearls. Designed by our friend Barbara Berk. Here's her website: http://www.barbaraberkdesigns.com/html/one_of_a_kind.html. We also have a few of her pieces in our gallery: http://www.spiralz.com/siteimages/Galleries/showroom/showroom.html

Barbara makes each of her pieces by hand. She actually weaves the metals, whether she works with gold or platinum. Here's an excerpt from her site on the process of making the Aqua Rhapsody:

"The process was extraordinarily fun and rewarding. I began by sketching various shapes for a pendant, and then interpreted those shapes in pipe cleaners to find the one most pleasing. When the best pendant form emerged, I wove it in silver to test my ideas in metal, and determine the approximate dimensions for the drop. Only then, when every detail of the design was technically correct, did I create the final pendant in platinum."

Barbara's work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Her work is also exhibited in other museums and shows across the US. For a list of the exhibits, follow this link: http://www.barbaraberkdesigns.com/html/meet_barbara.html

I'm sure you'll agree, every piece by Barbara is a wearable work of art.