Threads of Native American culture are all around us in the Ocean State, from the names of towns and streets to neighbors carrying on art, culinary, and other long-standing traditions. Rhode Island …
Rhody Maker: Wampum Artist and Woodworker Allen Hazard
Hazard maintains the traditions of the Narragansett people with his wampum jewelry and walking sticks.
May 10, 2021
Allen Hazard, owner of the Purple Shell shop at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory in Charlestown, threads a wampum bracelet between his fingers. The beads, which are made from quahog shell, range in color from lilac to deep purple with pale white in between.
“These traditional tubular beads are what people come to see me for,” says Hazard, a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. He is widely regarded as an expert on wampum and was featured in a
6 Rhode Island-Based Artisan Jewelry Designers
Shop these local craftspeople for one-of-a-kind wearable art.
February 9, 2021
This article was created in collaboration with Rhode Island Commerce.
Nothing pulls an outfit together like a gorgeous piece of jewelry or statement earrings made by a local artisan. Check out these Rhode Island artists and jewelry designers for beautiful, one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, rings and more to bedeck yourself with or to gift a loved one. Valentine’s Day is coming up and there’s still time to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart.
Lazuli Handcrafted
Based in Newport, Lazuli Handcrafted sells pieces inspired by geology, a subject in which artist Erika Young earned a degree. The minimalist rings, earrings and necklaces are made using electroforming, a complicated chemical technique where copper builds up around the stone. This process gives each piece a unique finish and a natural look. Check out her selection of rings, which are perf