Ray & Amy Bridewell: The Art & Science of Creating Gemstones and Designing Jewelry Around Them

Amy and Ray Bridewell share a creative partnership that brings together two very different backgrounds — metalsmithing and ceramics — in a way that feels both natural and entirely their own.Ray creates the stones, growing crystal gemstones in a kiln through a process shaped by heat, time, and years of experimentation. Amy then takes those one-of-a-kind stones and transforms them into jewelry, focusing on how each piece can best be worn, held, and experienced.In this conversation, we talk about how their work came together, what it looks like to collaborate as both partners and artists, and the reality of working with materials that don’t always behave the way you expect. Ray shares the long path of learning to grow these stones, and the continued sense of discovery that still exists every time the kiln is opened.We also talk about shows, connecting with people in person, and the importance of helping others understand the process behind the work — especially when what they’re seeing challenges what they think they know about stones.This episode is a reflection on patience, experimentation, and the kind of making that asks you to stay curious.Follow Along...Ray & Amy on Instagram: ⁠@bridewell_and_bridewellRay & Amy’s Website: bridewellstone.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: ⁠Click here to learn more!⁠Without your support I couldn’t continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Follow Christine and Slowmade...Instagram: ⁠@christinemighion⁠Jewelry Website: ⁠christinemighion.com⁠Slowmade: ⁠slowmadepodcast.com