Meet Moji
Apprentice Silversmith & Artisan, GILDED Gem Studio
What drew you to silversmithing, and why did you want to pursue this craft?
My journey with jewelry-making began when I was just 10 years old. I took a jewelry class in Girl Scouts and instantly fell in love with the craft. It all started with beads, I would spend hours at craft stores, building my collection and experimenting with different materials. Over the years, I explored various techniques, working with beads, clay, macramé, and sterling silver.
My passion for silversmithing truly ignited when I took a class with GILDED Gem. The experience was incredible, and I was honored to be offered an apprenticeship. Learning from the amazing Becka and Jill has been such a blessing, they have taught me so much and continue to inspire me. Every piece I create fuels my passion even more, and I’m excited to continue evolving in this craft. Silversmithing isn’t just something I enjoy, it’s my passion and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
How did you hear about GILDED Gem Studio?
I was scrolling through Instagram, my feed is full of jewelry tutorials and artists, and I came across a GILDED Gem Studio video promoting their silver metal clay class that was happening that night in South Tampa. Without hesitation, I signed up, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What excites you the most about silversmithing?
There are endless techniques to learn in silversmithing, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. The possibilities feel limitless, and I want to explore them all, honing my skills and discovering new ways to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry.
What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was understanding how to control the torch, finding the right heat level and positioning it just right to get the solder to flow. Over time, I’ve learned to read the metal, recognizing when to move the heat, and now, watching the solder flow is one of the most satisfying parts of the process.
Like any craft, silversmithing is a continuous learning experience, but I embrace the challenges because they make every success that much more rewarding.
Do you have any creative hobbies or skills that might help you in silversmithing?
I have so many creative hobbies that it’s hard to choose just one! I’ve always been drawn to intricate, detailed work, and one of my favorite hobbies is making micro macramé jewelry. The patience and precision required for that craft has definitely helped me in silversmithing especially when working with small pieces of silver.
Who or what inspires your creativity?
Music is a huge source of inspiration for me. I love orchestral and epic instrumental music, it transports me into a creative headspace where I can fully immerse myself in my work. The emotion and grandeur of the music fuel my desire to create elegant and timeless pieces.
How do you think this apprenticeship will shape your future goals?
I hope to become a core part of the teaching team at GILDED Gem. Becka and Jill are incredible mentors, and I absolutely love the classes we offer. My goal is to continue growing as an artist and eventually teach classes myself.
One day, I would love for us to have a brick-and-mortar studio where we can expand our offerings and inspire even more people to create beautiful, meaningful jewelry.
If you could design a dream piece of jewelry, what would it look like?
I would love to create a beautifully intricate ring band that holds a stunning stone, paired with a matching pendant that showcases the same level of detail. The combination of delicate craftsmanship and bold elegance is something I always strive for in my work.
Why do you think handcrafted jewelry is so special?
Handcrafted jewelry is one of a kind, no two pieces are ever exactly the same. I’ve always loved standing out and wearing something unique, and handcrafted jewelry allows you to do just that.
Beyond its uniqueness, I deeply appreciate the time, dedication, and passion that go into each piece. There’s something truly special about wearing jewelry that has been thoughtfully designed and created by an artist’s hands.