Over the past couple of decades, the art of designing jewelry has rapidly shifted to a digital based medium. With the models being promptly achieved by use of technology and computer-aided design, the industry has begun to drift away from its foundational talents and its true artistic spirit of jewelry design. The archetype in design for jewelry makers, the pencil sketch, is being erased from its essential position in the creation process - giving way to the convenience and quick renderings of the stylus. With exception of pieces in premier jewelry houses, hand-painted works are becoming increasingly scarce. The hand-hewn works of high jewelry produced by artists are now typically seen in digital stills. While the images may convey the details of the piece, they lack the depth, richness, warmth, and marvel that can be found within the fresh strokes of a fine brush.

Despite the popular lean towards technology, the art of rendering designs in watercolor and gouache is not completely lost, nor is it beyond the reach of jewelers seeking the refined presentation attributed to the highest houses. Brian Kruppenbacher’s essential purpose is to provide artistic service for companies and individuals who desire a hand-painted work featuring a finished piece of jewelry. These works can serve as the basis of advertising, printed media, design archives, social media, or similar purposes.

Principal artist, Brian Kruppenbacher, has always enjoyed creating artwork. Growing up in upstate New York, his passion led him to the Gemological Institute of America. There he studied and earned diplomas as a Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Jeweler, and Applied Jewelry Artist. He then continued his education learning the art of high jewelry making as a goldsmith for a multiple-award winning jewelry designer. Using the knowledge of gemstone characteristics, paired with the know-how of jewelry making, Brian is able to create highly detailed paintings of jewelry that look very realistic while retaining an artistic elegance.