The Golden Eye

Keith Berge

The Golden Eye has had the privilege of representing artist Keith Berge for several years. His attention to detail and design are highly regarded in the world of goldsmithing.

"The primary influences in my work arise from a lifelong fascination with history and a desire to better understand the technical and artistic motivations and challenges of the past. As such, the majority of my work is an effort to pay tribute to the amazingly talented ancient craftsmen drawing heavily on Minoan, Sumerian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman influences. Humans have adorned themselves with jewelry for at least 30,000 years but the introduction of metals into jewelry is relatively recent, only becoming widespread in the past 7000 years. Sadly, many of the techniques used by the ancients to create their masterpieces have been lost due to rapid advances in technology and the ability to inexpensively mass produce items. It is my goal to keep the old ways alive, recreating by hand, often painstakingly, pieces that are similar or identical to the pieces made thousands of years ago. Although the tools I use are better than those of the Bronze Age Etruscan craftsman, the challenges are comparable. My medium of choice is high karat gold because it imparts a soft, rich luster to my pieces, providing a look suggestive of an ancient and regal past.

In addition to my goldsmithing, I have a 'day job' as an anesthesiologist at the Mayo Clinic. While I love this career with the academic and social outlets it provides, the greatest joy of my day comes when I can sit at my workbench to recreate the wonders of the ancient past."

Moonstone Mantilla Drops

Flattery will get you everywhere...and flattering is the word for these fascinating dangles...Etruscan sensibility shines through 18kt gold beaded plates set with mystical moonstones.

Approximate length:1"

Shown on our Large Pyrite Hoops (sold separately).
To view more hoop styles:
see hoop options

Poseidon Crown Black Diamond Drops

White diamond .20 ctw. and 18kt gold Poseidon Crowns, one of our most sought after designs, are paired with black diamond briolettes 4.11 ctw. for a classy finish.

Approximate length: 1.25"

Shown on our Small Cypress Hoops (sold separately).
To view more hoop styles:
see hoop options

Garnet Infinity Drops

Lush red garnet briolettes dangle from our 18kt gold Infinity Drops in fine haute hippy style.

Approximate length: 1"

Shown on our Narrow Beaded Hoops (sold separately).
To view more hoop styles:
view all hoops

Peridot and Diamond Moondrops

Lovely lettuce green peridot is bezeled in 18kt gold and punctuated with crisp white diamonds .04 ctw.

Approximate length: .75"

Shown on our Small Pyrite Hoops (sold separately).
To view more hoop styles:
view all hoops

Peridot Aphrodite Drops

Jewelry...is a many splendored thing. The 18kt gold Aphrodite Drops harmonize beautifully with leafy peridots 2.0 ctw. and white diamonds .24 ctw...wouldn't you agree?

Approximate length: 1"

Shown on our Small White Diamond .28 ctw. Cypress Hoops (sold separately).
To view more hoop styles:
see hoop options

Aquamarine and Diamond Circe Drops

Dusky blue aquamarines .94 ctw. are the big draw, and white diamonds .24 ctw. the supporting cast in our 18kt gold Circe Drops.

Approximate length: .75"

Shown on our Narrow Beaded Hoops (sold separately).
To view more hoop styles:
see hoop options