Business Details
48 Years
experience
Custom Sustainable Jewelry in Corrales, NM
Elkin Jewelers has been crafting exceptional wearable art since 1978, combining technical mastery with sustainable practices. Our founder, Richard Elkin, brings decades of expertise in metalsmithing, jewelry fabrication, and sculpture to create one-of-a-kind pieces that balance rustic textures with refined elegance. We specialize in hand-fabricated jewelry using 100% recycled precious metals, ensuring no new silver or gold mining impacts the environment. Our gemstones are rigorously sourced with certified conflict-free origins, including Kimberley Process diamonds that meet ethical standards. The studio's artistic philosophy centers on creating visual tension through juxtaposed materials while maintaining functional wearability. With over 40 years of experience, we've earned recognition at prestigious art festivals across the United States, including Best in Jewelry awards at Dallas City Arts and Las Cruces Art Fair.Our commitment to transparency in fabrication processes allows materials to guide form, resulting in pieces that feel simultaneously surprising and familiar. We serve discerning clients who appreciate heirloom-quality craftsmanship and environmental responsibility, offering both ready-made collections and custom commissions. Our educational background in arts education informs our approach to client collaboration, ensuring each piece tells a unique story. The studio maintains active participation in environmental initiatives, reflected in our partnerships with earth-friendly gem miners like Richard and Helen Shull in Nevada. This dedication to sustainability extends to our use of traditional mokume gane techniques, preserving centuries-old metalworking heritage while innovating for contemporary tastes.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Mokume Gane Techniques
Recycled Metal Fabrication
Conflict-Free Gem Setting
Heirloom Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of expertise in handcrafted jewelry fabrication
- 100% recycled precious metals with no new mining
- Certified conflict-free gemstones and Kimberley Process diamonds
- Award-winning designs recognized at major art festivals
- Collaboration with environmentally responsible gem miners
What people say
LOVE my cuff!
Perfectly fits
Beautiful jewelry
Great value
Stunning wearable art
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Transform personal stories into unique wearable art through collaborative design consultations. Our process incorporates client-supplied materials and heirloom elements into contemporary settings. Each piece receives individual attention from concept to completion, ensuring perfect fit and meaningful details.
Mokume Gane Techniques
Create distinctive layered metal patterns using traditional Japanese mokume gane methods. We combine 14k palladium white gold, 18k gold, and sterling silver to produce organic textures. This technique preserves centuries-old craftsmanship while offering modern aesthetic possibilities for rings and pendants.
Recycled Metal Fabrication
Craft eco-conscious pieces using 100% recycled precious metals. Our process eliminates new mining impacts while maintaining material quality. We work with gold and silver in various karats to create durable, timeless designs that align with environmental values.
Conflict-Free Gem Setting
Set certified conflict-free diamonds and gemstones in custom designs. We source materials through transparent channels including Kimberley Process diamonds and Nevada-mined turquoise. Each stone selection considers color harmony and structural integrity for lasting beauty.
Heirloom Restoration
Reimagine family treasures through careful restoration and modern reinterpretation. We incorporate existing diamonds and metals into new designs while preserving sentimental value. This service includes precise stone extraction and period-appropriate setting techniques.
People
Richard Elkin
Master Jeweler & Designer
Bench jeweler and designer with 45+ years experience in metalsmithing and jewelry fabrication. Trained in ceramic arts and sculpture, he brings artistic vision to wearable art. Recognized for innovative use of recycled materials and traditional mokume gane techniques.
Questions
What materials do you use in your jewelry?
We use 100% recycled precious metals and certified conflict-free gemstones, including Kimberley Process diamonds. Our mokume gane pieces combine 14k palladium white gold, 18k gold, and sterling silver.
Can you work with my existing jewelry?
Yes, we specialize in repurposing heirloom pieces. Our team can incorporate your existing diamonds and metals into new custom designs while preserving sentimental value.
Do you offer custom design services?
We provide full custom design services from concept sketches to final fabrication. The process includes material selection consultations and multiple design iterations to ensure perfect execution.
What is mokume gane?
Mokume gane is a traditional Japanese metalworking technique creating woodgrain patterns in metal. We use this method to produce distinctive layered textures in rings and pendants using gold and silver combinations.
How are your gemstones sourced?
Our gemstones come through transparent, ethical channels. We partner with Nevada miners Richard and Helen Shull for turquoise and variscite, and use Kimberley Process certified diamonds.
What awards have you received?
We've earned multiple Best in Jewelry awards at major festivals including Dallas City Arts and Las Cruces Art Fair. Our work has been recognized for innovation in sustainable practices and technical excellence.