Matt Bezak

Matt Bezak has always considered himself an artist, but began his career in a dental lab.  Desiring a more artistic profession, he attended the Gemological Institute of America in Santa Monica.  After earning his degree, he taught jewelry manufacturing at the Institute.  As his technical skills improved he began developing his unique line of jewelry.  Matt credits Art Nouveau master Rene Lalique as having a major influence on his work.

Matt uses the ancient lost wax casting method for all of his glass pendants and earrings.  He hand carves a mold for the casting and the glass is placed into the mold and heated with a torch so that it melts into the design form.  When cooled, it is removed from the mold and finished with lapidary tools, a sand cleaning and an acid etch to achieve the matte finish on the glass surface.  Each glass piece is then backed with 14k gold or sterling silver which adds to the reflective glow of the pendants.  The final piece is a masterfully crafted wearable sculpture.  Matt lived by the water in California for many years and much of his jewelry is inspired by the sea.  He now lives and works in North Ridgeville, Ohio.