About Susan

Susan Elizabeth is an innovative young jewelry designer in the Chicago suburbs. Trained as a metalsmith under renowned professors Fred Fenster and Lisa Gralnick, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing and Photography from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In addition, Susan has attended courses at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine with jewelers Tina Rath and Robert Ebendorf. She has been owner and designer of Susan Elizabeth Designs since 2006, where she creates in-house production, handcrafted metal jewelry.

Susan’s background in sculptural hollowware, an ancient and rarely practiced art form, strongly influences her design considerations as a jeweler.

Creating jewelry using metalsmithing techniques such as forging, raising, piercing, riveting and more, she is endlessly compelled to devise new structures with these traditional processes. Whether deconstructing, reconfiguring, or sculpturally linking simple forms, she is inspired by the discovery of innovative design solutions. This tenacious commitment to ingenuity produces distinctive jewelry that commands attention.

Susan Elizabeth Designs are unique and versatile conversation pieces, often described as modern classic. Her inventive style blurs the boundaries of artist and designer. Adventurous and bold, yet timeless, Susan’s innovative jewelry appeals to everyone.