Nancy Troske

"I feel a strong connection with goldsmiths from the very distant past: Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine. By working with their materials and techniques, there is a sense of continuity, shared tradition, and love for meticulous craftsmanship. "

Nancy Troske is trained in classical jewelry-making techniques such as enameling, granulation, and chain making. She takes her inspiration from ancient designs and imbues her pieces with a modern sensibility. Her process of stone selection, metal work, and hand granulation respects the origins of this craft, which began in the third millennium B.C.

Every element of Troske's jewelry—from metal wire and sheet to clasps and hinges—is created entirely by hand. Because of this level of intricate detail and expert craftsmanship, some pieces can take weeks or even months to produce.

Troske has taught jewelry making for more than 20 years; she has a BFA in fine arts as well as many years of professional training in New York City and San Francisco. She was a commercial bench jeweler and diamond setter for several years before returning to the East Coast. Troske moved to Princeton, NJ, in 2009 where she creates her unique jewelry based on ancient techniques. She offers classes at the Princeton Arts Council, and workshops by special invitation at Princeton University. Her work has been featured in art galleries and museum stores in the U.S. and Australia, including the Princeton University Art Museum, the Barnes Foundation, and the Australian Maritime Museum.