Chihiro Makio

"Simple, yet interesting jewelry is what I like to create."

Chihiro Makio always loved "creating precious little things."  While attending college she was fairly certain that she was going to major in painting. She soon discovered the endless artistic possibilities available when using three-dimensional materials such as wood, fiber and metal.  She completed her bachelor's fine art degree at the Massachusetts College of Art as a glass major with a minor in small metals/jewelry.  She continued producing jewelry post-graduation. In 2002 she began a small business as a jewelry artist.  Since then Chihiro has received many prestigious awards such as second place in the "Silver" category for Saul Bell Design Award in 2003 and first place of the same award in 2005.  Also in 2005 she was given the Niche award in "Sculpture to Wear".

What sets ChihiroĆ­s work apart from the rest is her use of material and attention to detail.  She believes that using precious stones in her jewelry takes away from the focus of the piece. Alternatively she uses materials such as sterling silver and glass beads. Chihiro creates jewelry that is pleasing to the eye and skin by combining different shapes and textures. She takes the most basic shapes such as circles and squares and adds delicate details by stitching glass beads to the contour of the form.  She then groups these basic forms into a whimsical artistic composition that can be worn around the neck, wrist or as earrings. These characteristics can be seen in both her orange and lotus series. The value of Chihiro'­s work is in her technique, labor and artistic sensibilities. Chihiro creates truly unique jewelry that both art and jewelry lovers appreciate.