Logan James Jewellery ‘Armour for the Modern World’

JewelleryPursuer
Oct 25
2 min read

Updated: Oct 27

Wearing Logan Jame's Swirl Plate Necklace and Ouraborus Brooch

Working with his team from the Pacific Northwest, Logan James has created a method of jewellery construction that is entirely his own. Paying homage to the classical processes of blacksmithing, and fully utilising his fine jewellery techniques, James has created what he describes as ‘Armour for the Modern World.’

Logan James, the head designer and the founder

James began jewellery making at just twelve years old, carefully honing his craft over the years with the help of master metalsmiths, and displaying a natural aptitude in the fine processes of goldsmithing. Today, his work celebrates the past and adorns the wearer with a distinctive mix of 18 and 22k gold with iron – expressing emotion through metal. Fusing the luxurious, soft and resplendent high-karat gold with the robust and tough properties of iron using a mixture of traditional and contemporary techniques,

James continues to push the boundaries of design through his beautifully wearable works. Celebrating the contrasting properties of the metals, and indeed the techniques used to craft these distinctive metals, James achieves a unique and timeless aesthetic through a balance of craftsmanship.

This ethos of honouring the oft-forgotten traditions of craftsmen, and ushering them into the modern world is of the upmost importance to Logan James’ practice. His work memorialises classical metalsmithing techniques whilst adding his own luxurious touch of vibrant gold and precious gemstones such as emerald and diamonds. His designs range in their inspirations, from 3rd Century Greek shields, symbolic Odes, as well as his own take on historical jewellery motifs like the ourobouros, ribbon, and wings. Symbolic and sentimental in both craftsmanship, design and execution, James’ jewellery ethos of ‘emotion through metal’ is captured perfectly.

Take James’ Spiral Plate Necklace, for instance, this eye-catching statement piece is crafted using both 22kt gold and iron, with 18ct gold findings. We were fortunate to try on this wonderful piece first-hand at Milan Jewellery Week. As Logan James explained to Jewellery Pursuer, these particular two metals are not the easiest to work with: “They do not want to work together.” However, under a skilled hand, the result shows a breathtaking patina, with vibrant gold accents and an almost archaic feel. When wearing a piece like this, “there is no other feeling but power,” James explains, and we can certainly attest to that.

Logan James and his team work collaboratively, pushing the boundaries of what these unexpected mixed metals can communicate. Working out of his studio in the Pacific Northwest, James is committed to balancing the longevity of classical metalsmithing and the continuation of contemporary jewellery design. Having shown for the first time recently at Milan Jewellery Week with Artistar Jewels to much success, Logan James is certainly a creative to watch!