Two days, two prestigious designers – Scheherazade brings world-renowned artisans together like no other jewelry store can. This is a great opportunity to see the most current designs of these award-winning talents.

George Sawyer – Inspired by Asian Art

When George Sawyer was a student at the University of Minnesota, he immersed himself in art history and sculpture and was especially captivated by Asian Art, which later became the inspiration for many of his signature jewelry designs.

Out of school, he applied his design and metalworking skills working for a small company that designed and built some of the most famous racing cars of that era. It was during that time Sawyer learned artistic automotive design by day and studied jewelry design at night. Eventually he combined the two skills and began to create exclusive patterned metal jewelry. He also became the proud owner of a prized GT 40 roadster.

As his interest in jewelry making grew, he eventually sold the car so he could purchase tools and devote a full year to launching his jewelry design business. Working with some of the best metalworkers in the world, George developed special techniques for fabricating patterned jewelry metals from colored gold alloys and precious metals.

Mokume-gane Designs

George was first to develop a special technique for creating patterned jewelry metals from colored gold alloys and precious metals. This Mokume process is fashioned after Japanese swords from the 17th century and features distinctive layered patterns that suggest images of wood-grain, swirling water or ancient and mysterious impressionistic designs.

For over four decades, Sawyer has folded and forged precious metals of multicolored patterns that are truly original jewelry. His exclusive “two-of-a-kind” engagement and wedding rings are crafted of mirror image slices that are as unique as fingerprints and matched for the couple to represent a perfect symmetry of one individual with the other. It is a beautiful concept that enhances the symbolism of commitment.

A Local Artist with a Reputation Worldwide

George Sawyer has called Minnesota home his whole life. His design studio is located in Minneapolis but his jewelry is featured in museums, galleries and fine jewelry stores throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. A member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths, the Contemporary Design Group and twice president of the American Jewelry Design Council, he has been awarded for numerous jewelry designs.

Michael Bondanza – a Passion for Platinum

Michael Bondanza, a leading New York City jewelry designer may have artistry in his blood. The family of this multi-talented man traces its roots to Pietrasanta, Italy, a town favored by sculptures for its marble quarries. Born and raised in New Mexico and schooled in Chicago and New York, Michael received a fine arts degree and taught himself jewelry making starting with his first belt buckle, and eventually designed other pieces of jewelry for friends and acquaintances.

Early in his career, Bondanza experimented in sterling silver, 18kt gold and rosewood. As his work began to sell and the enthusiasm for his creativity grew, he started adding platinum to his design repertoire, and it quickly became his metal of choice. His captivating designs and imaginative concepts caught the attention of the most prestigious retailers in the fine jewelry business. Today he has registered his trademark “Platinum Redefined” and has won numerous international awards for his cutting-edge, yet timeless platinum designs.

The Bondanza Statement

When setting gemstones and diamonds in particular, Michael prefers to combine his most precious platinum with the most precious gemstones. These brilliant unions of white on white have made his bridal collections both distinguishable and highly sought after.

Michael’s Signature platinum and gold bracelets have achieved both international and award status and his truly unique “Story” bracelets are stunning one-of-a-kind pieces of art that commemorate life’s celebrations and have inspired a dedicated following of their own.

From the Heart of New York City

Each piece of Michael Bondanza jewelry is custom made in the heart of New York City and each collection of engagement rings is named after a recognizable New York landmark or location – Gilmore, Madison, Hyde Park, Julliard, Greenwich – all dedicated to his beloved city.

When he isn’t at his jewelry bench or collecting numerous international design awards, Michael spends a great deal of time painting, sculpting and woodworking in his home.

Both George Sawyer and Michael Bondanza have found their home at Scheherazade Jewelers in the Galleria Edina. Come visit November 13th or 14th to see their latest magnificent creations.