Forging Beauty: A Goldsmith’s Story

If you’ve visited Jewelsmith, you’ve probably seen our goldsmiths hard at work through the glass windows that make the studio visible from our showroom. With the majority of our jewelry designed and created in-house, we pride ourselves on sharing every stage of the process with our clients. It is in this spirit of collaboration that we welcome you to our new blog series, Forging Beauty: A Goldsmith’s Story!

The goldsmiths' studio visible from our showroom

Throughout the course of several installments, we will introduce you to our talented team of goldsmiths. Follow along with us to learn more about each goldsmith’s style, background, and training. We’re kicking things off with Bongsang Cho, a.k.a. Bon.

Bongsang Cho

Bon working at his bench in the Jewelsmith studio

A Bit About Bon

Bon was born in South Korea where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Hanyang University. He moved to the U.S. in 2006 and studied jewelry making at Montgomery College and later the Savannah College of Art and Design. Equipped with a portfolio of beautifully crafted and conceptually rich art jewelry, Bon spent many years working as a full-time artist in his studio at ArtsSpace in Raleigh, NC. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and competitions such as the Smithsonian Craft Show, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Craft Show and Sculpture Objects Functional Art Exposition. Bon has also received multiple NICHE Awards, the MJSA Future of the Industry Award, and the SNAG Educational Endowment Scholarship Award.

Big Bang, Bongsang Cho, 18K yellow gold and silver, 2012

Night Blossom Brooches, Bongsang Cho, steel and silver, 2010

Stellar Brooch, Bongsang Cho, copper and vitreous enamel, 2010 

Seeking to shift his focus to traditional goldsmithing and fine jewelry, Bon started at Jewelsmith in 2021. In addition to working on custom design projects, he has contributed several signature designs to our stock inventory, including his beloved “gold dust” earrings and “wire scribble” pieces. Bon shares more about his experience and work with us below.

How did you get started in the jewelry industry?

"As a child, I was fascinated by the spaceships and robots from Japanese animation. I would spend hours with colored pencils, sketching massive spacecraft and intricate robots, exploring worlds that only existed in my imagination. The complex details and futuristic designs captivated me, and I think that’s when I first dreamed of becoming a designer. That dream eventually led me to jewelry design, where I found a similar thrill in creating delicate and imaginative pieces, bringing my creativity to life in a whole new way.

"My journey as a jewelry designer started with a BFA from Hanyang University in Korea, where I laid the foundation for my craft. Eager to expand my skills, I took several specialized jewelry courses at Montgomery College in the U.S., which opened my eyes to new techniques. I had the incredible opportunity to work as an assistant under a master jeweler, Namu Cho (no relation), where I honed my hands-on skills. Later, I pursued my MFA at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which further refined my artistic vision. With over a decade of experience as a full-time artist, my training has been a blend of academic rigor and real-world craftsmanship, each step fueling my passion for creative expression."

What is your favorite piece that you’ve made at Jewelsmith?

"My favorite piece I’ve created at Jewelsmith is the “gold dust” fused earring. I’ve always been fascinated by the process of enameling, where glass powder melts and bonds with metal, creating intricate designs. When I started working at Jewelsmith, I found a way to bring that same excitement to gold. I began experimenting with fine gold dust, melting it onto gold surfaces in a way that mimicked the sugar coating of enameling. The result is an earring that has a beautiful, organic texture and a subtle sparkle, as if the gold is coming to life. It’s a perfect blend of technique and artistry, and it represents my love for both traditional craftsmanship and innovation."

 

What do you enjoy most about working at Jewelsmith?

"The most interesting experience for me at Jewelsmith has been participating in the Annual Goldsmiths’ competition. I find it incredibly inspiring to design within specific constraints, pushing my creativity to new limits while drawing inspiration from the work of my colleagues. Although the process can be challenging, I believe that facing and overcoming these challenges is essential for growth as a better designer. It’s not just about the final piece—it’s about the journey of pushing boundaries and evolving with every design."

What do you do when you’re not at your bench?

"When I’m not at the bench, I love playing tennis. The challenges it presents keep me coming back, and I thrive on pushing myself to improve. Last season, my team made it to the championship, and that experience was incredibly rewarding. Outside of tennis, I also enjoy camping. My wife and I, along with our dog Kami, often head to Jordan Lake to relax by the water. There’s something about sitting by the lake, soaking in the peacefulness of nature, that helps me recharge and find inspiration for my work."

To see more of Bon's work, click here. 

Bon playing in a tennis tournament