Ryan Gardner | Strata Brooch

Materials: Sterling silver, sapphire beads
Dimensions: 2.4 Inch in diameter

Artist Statement:  
Rows of multicolored sapphire beads create a vibrant field of shifting color beneath overlapping forms of textured sterling silver. Hand fabricated and intricately constructed, Strata explores the interplay of color, texture, repetition, and form, revealing glimpses of the stones through sculptural layers of metal.

Artist Bio: 
Ryan Gardner discovered jewelry and metalsmithing while earning his BFA from Bowling Green State University. After graduating, he apprenticed with artist Michael Boyd in Colorado, where he developed his passion for cutting and carving stone. Gardner founded Ryan Gardner Designs in 2010 and now works from his Ohio studio, creating distinctive jewelry that combines hand-cut gemstones with precious metals.

This brooch is part of the exhibition On Point: Brooches that Speak for Themselves. This exhibition centers on the brooch as a compact but potent site of expression. Each piece holds presence—visually, conceptually, or materially.

Show dates: October 1 – November 15, 2026

All the brooches are available for purchase. View the entire collection HERE. All purchased brooches will be held by the gallery until the exhibition is complete.