Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, and now based in Massachusetts,Hiromi Suter designs and develops patterns from bygone eras, sometimes combining them with themes from the natural world. Inspired by the transformation undergone by butterflies, she likens her process to that of a magician, transforming pieces of metal into reflections of her fantasy world. She uses the time-consuming technique of openwork, cutting individual fine lines to produce elegant jewelry. The completed pieces have a visual softness despite being made of metal. Suter uses a jeweler’s saw to pierce her designs, which are usually etched onto copper beforehand. Most recently, she has also used the technique of gilding and foiling, which she blends with various colors to produce “in-between” hues.
