Gross has been making jewelry with stones since 1969, when he first began working in Dartmouth's jewelry studio as an undergraduate. Though he initially entered the student workshop on a whim, Gross soon discovered a passion for working with stones. He noted that such spontaneity often gives way to a lifelong love for art. Visiting the student workshops can be a great way for students to "discover something about themselves that they didn't know was there."
Gross returned to live in the Upper Valley shortly after graduating from Dartmouth, started his studio here in 1977, and has been a small-town goldsmith ever since. Now he is considered one of the top jewelers in Hanover. His store, Designer Gold, functions as both a gallery and a working studio.
Gross has received two Spectrum Awards for colored stone jewelry, and in 2001 he was named New Hampshire Jewelry Designer of the Year. He specializes in custom design and often works with unusual colors, beginning each piece of jewelry after being inspired by a particular stone.
Friday's workshop will introduce participants to a variety of unique stone setting methods.
"I'll be showing some slides of unusual stones I've set, then I'll be doing a demonstration on a couple of different stone setting techniques that I don't think students here usually use much," Gross said.
The workshop will also provide an opportunity for fledgling jewelry makers to experiment in the studio guided by the instruction of a bona fide expert.
"Students have a chance to try a couple on their own after I give the demonstration," Gross explained.
Gross also commented on how Dartmouth's jewelry workshop has expanded and improved since his days as an undergraduate. "I don't know of any other college or university that has shops like these," Gross said of the Claflin Studio. "We're pretty lucky to have this here."
Gross' workshop will be held this Friday, Oct. 20, from 6-9 p.m. in the Claflin Studio, located on the lower level of the Hop, for a fee of $3. Gross' presentation will take place Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. in 219 Wilson Hall. This talk is free and open to the public.
