Jason Dow, 2013 JCK Rising Star
May 13, 2013
Originally from Denver, Colorado, I had amazing teachers in high school who taught metalsmithing and jewelry classes. That’s really what got me started, but I didn’t really think about jewelry too much again until I needed to be passionate about a lifelong career.
I graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1996 and attended the University of Colorado School of Dentistry from 1998-2001. Three years into the program I decided I wasn’t going to be happy as a dentist so I moved to San Diego and went to GIA in Carlsbad. I knew I wanted to design and work at the bench and earned my Graduate Jeweler diploma in December of 2002.
I took full advantage of everything GIA had to offer. I spent every day either in class or in the library reading books and taking notes, watching videos, attending seminars and lectures, etc. I read and absorbed everything I could – a daunting task considering how large and extensive the library and resources are at the Carlsbad Campus. I probably only made quite a small dent.
I worked at a few different local San Diego jewelry stores trying to get experience as a bench jeweler then landed a job back in Hawaii with Maui Divers Jewelry, a large retail chain complete with its own factory. In three years I worked my way up to senior designer goldsmith and learned a tremendous amount about designing for production. I also got to learn and practice more advanced techniques, including CAD/CAM.
I launched my own design line in 2008 and began selling through local jewelry stores as Jason Dow, Inc.
The Design Process
It doesn’t take me long to come up with a concept, but the details always slow me down. I’m a little bit meticulous about how I like things to look, so I’ll obsess about something for quite a while. I also love to shelve something I’m working on and come back to it later – I always seem to be inspired to make it better.
My whole challenge in designing is really very simple. As a person of dual ancestry (half Chinese and half Irish/English) I have roots in two different worlds and cultures that can often clash. My goal is to create designs that integrate ancient Asian motifs with more modern and Western concepts, which are reflected in my collections.
- Lotus Collection: For thousands of years the flower of the lotus plant has been known for its hypnotic, celestial beauty and unsurpassed as a floral religious icon. A symbol in many Eastern cultures, the lotus corresponds to purity of body, speech and mind, floating above the muddy waters of desire and attachment. Eight distinct petals possess great luck, and for me, the eight Hawaiian Islands.
- Mandala Collection: The word “Mandala” is from the classic Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated it means “circle”, but it represents far more than a simple shape. Long embraced by Eastern teachings, it is a symbol of wholeness and a model of the structure and balance of the universe. The Mandala Collection was inspired by the power of meditation and serves as reminder that the importance of life lies in the process of creation.
- Tattoo Collection: Inspired by the Henna tattoos covering beautifully adorned Indian brides, the Tattoo collection both makes a statement and is extremely comfortable to wear. Like a second skin, the designs elegantly cover your fingers and wrists without hindering your active lifestyle.
Favorite Gemstones and Metals
I love, love, love high-karat gold and moonstones. I’m also infatuated with diamonds, of course. Really though, there are so many gemstones out there I haven’t had a chance to work with yet … I’m excited to try to eventually work with them all.
Motivation
I love the challenge of design. I’ve never found anything more challenging and rewarding than this. I love being excited to go to work every day – as long as I get exercise in between – I rarely ever get tired of what I am doing. There are always new ideas to explore, so hopefully I’ll never ever suffer from boredom.
Jason Dow. Photo provided by Jason Dow.
