Paul Farmer’s artistry is grounded in an ancient technique called granulation, which he uses to create intricate settings and bands for colorful gemstones.
Paul is passionate about delving into the various aspects of his craft. He’s studied goldsmithing and granulation techniques with three masters, which empowers him to unlock new ways to create ever more detailed work. He has also studied gemology, which allows him to select the most unique and brilliant stones for his pieces.
Paul shares more of his deep knowledge of the craft of jewelry making and his artistic journey.
What technique do you use?
I use an ancient technique called granulation. It’s been around for 5,000 years. The Egyptians did it, the Etruscans, the Byzantines; it’s an ancient form. It dropped off for a few hundred years then got re-established around the 1960s, and I’ve learned from three masters.
How did you get started in art?
I come from an artistic background. My mom is an artist. My grandparents were both artists and my dad was a musician. It all combined, and that rhythm is going through my pieces.
That’s how I got started, and I love gemstones and colored stones. I studied gemology, and you can see that in my pieces and the stones I select. It really shows through.
What are your favorite stones to work with?
Tourmaline is one of my favorites. I have a few things here. There’s seafoam green tourmaline in a ring, and then lagoon tourmaline; it comes from Afghanistan. It’s a really awesome color, very neon. I paired it with champagne diamonds.
How has your art evolved?
I started in gold; I’ve only made two silver rings in my lifetime. I studied under someone who was doing granulation in 22-karat, and I’ve changed and evolved. I’m using 18-karat now.
I have a friend who’s a master goldsmith, and he’s using 18-karat. I switched to his formula, and it works really well for me. Now, I can make pieces with a granulation going around the ring, whereas before I would have to do something where the granulation didn’t go all the way down. It gives me more room to play with.
What makes the Celebration of Fine Art unique?
I think what makes it special is that the artists are here because they want to be here. They’re willing to help each other. For us artists, it’s like being in a masterclass. Painters share back and forth, jewelers share back and forth, and we get to spin things off each other and get new ideas. That’s a great thing.
Plus, the clients here are coming in and seeing us work, and they realize what it takes to make a piece. They get to connect with the artist that’s making it, rather than a gallery where they’re just going in and looking and talking to a salesman. It’s nice to be able to talk to the artist.