
Ruthie Cohen has been a part of the craft movement since 1973. She spent her first decade in the movement working in fiber. In 1983, Ruthie turned to metal, creating earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and even wedding bands knotted into shape with sterling silver, gold-filled, and 14 karat gold wire. Ruthie moved to Western North Carolina in 1993, and the freedom of the mountains started to influence her designs. In the quest to emulate the colors, textures, and patterns that she observes around her and out in space, Ruthie utilizes both ancient and contemporary techniques to create her timeless jewelry designs in 14k and 18k gold, sterling silver, titanium, and mixed metals.
In her studio, Ruthie and her husband, David, also operate Mountain Metalsmiths School of Jewelry. The studio doubles as a well-outfitted classroom where students can learn at their own pace. Students at the school are given access to a full array of professional tools from the beginning. There are no kits or class projects. Everyone learns individually under the guidance of Ruthie and David. Classes are offered weekly with weekend workshops and individual instruction also available.
Visitors have the opportunity to sign up for a weekend workshop in advance, watch Ruthie create new pieces, participate in the process of commissioning their own piece of jewelry from an assortment of stones and metals, or simply have fun shopping from the ever-changing collections that Ruthie creates.
Open by Appointment