Susan West Redefines Artisanal, Ethically-Made, Sustainable Modern Jewelry.
For 28 years, many of the world’s most unique, creative, modern, non-traditional pieces of jewelry have been found nestled in the mountains of Asheville in idyllic, historic Biltmore Village.
blue goldsmiths, after being displaced post Hurricane Helene, remain at the top of the list for many Asheville vacationers looking for impeccably designed jewelry, and it’s easy to see why.
Master Goldsmith Susan West designs and handcrafts one-of-a-kind, iconic, wearable sculptures that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious. She carefully sources exclusively conflict-free natural diamonds and flawless natural gemstones and uses 100% recycled eco-friendly gold for her work.
West’s love affair with metal is in her blood. Her father was a talented mechanical engineer who designed, patented and manufactured textile machinery. As a little girl, she loved to watch her dad and his team weld, influencing and bending the metal at will.
It wasn’t until she found a black-and-white family photo of her great-grandfather blacksmithing that she realized her burning desire to create was something gifted to her through generations of master artists. In college, her passion for creating blossomed.
“I’ve always been a maker,” said West. “I was awarded an apprenticeship in blacksmithing, crafting furniture and accessories. Anything with metal and fire, I was in.”
The transition from blacksmithing to a gold smithing apprenticeship was a natural progression for her.
After graduating from design school, she moved to the mountains from the piedmont of North Carolina to begin a goldsmithing studio. She built her aesthetic and vision to last for decades and make a name for itself in the world of jewelry design.
West specializes in custom jewelry and can utilize customers’ own diamonds and gold, reworking traditional family stones into modern, one-of-a-kind heirlooms. She particularly enjoys meeting people, listening to their stories and using that inspiration to create the design.
“What I focus on is creating a piece you can pass down to your children and their children,” she said. “That’s what I want to do. I want to leave a legacy.”
Asheville’s vistas and architectural elements, which can be seen in her signature creations, inspire West’s design process. Her collections are also rooted in her own history and have grown carefully with skill, time and love. The attention to detail is visually apparent and resonates with anyone with an eye for jewelry and a love of modern design.
Visit blue goldsmiths’ online shop at bluegoldsmiths.com and shop West’s one-of-a-kind jewelry or call 828-277-2583 to tell your story to inspire your custom piece.
blue goldsmiths’ new studio is slated to open in summer 2025 — come visit by appointment only. And keep checking back for more news on their new gallery space.
