About The Artist
Welcome to Lava Glow Jewelry!
"I believe every stone carries a history, and every wearer has a light that deserves to be seen."
My name is Jan Maitland, and my journey with jewelry began with a fascination for the earth’s most powerful transformations. Standing in Oregon’s rugged high desert with a rounded lava stone in hand, I felt a deep connection to its story—a material born from molten fire and cooled into a raw, enduring form.
The Inspiration
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I am constantly inspired by the dramatic landscapes where the forest meets ancient lava flows. I am drawn to the dark, matte surface of volcanic rock because it provides a dramatic stage for light. To me, these stones represent resilience—the beauty that remains after the fire.
The Art of the Glow
In my Oregon studio, I practice the meticulous art of gilding, a technique I’ve mastered alongside metalsmithing and color harmony. As a proud member of the Society of Gilders, I use ancient techniques to hand-apply 23K gold leaf to the porous surface of hand-selected lava stones. This "glow" honors the rugged elegance of nature, pairing it with the timeless luster of hand-forged sterling silver, Pacific pearls, and raw gemstones like aquamarine.
Professional Representation
I am honored to have my work represented by the Freed Gallery in Lincoln City on the glorious Oregon Coast. Located on beautiful Siletz Bay, the gallery is a premier showcase for Northwest artists, providing an elegant space where my gilded volcanic stones, artisan silver and gems can truly shine alongside other world-class fine art.
My Mission
When you wear a piece of Lava Glow, you aren't just wearing an accessory; you are carrying a piece of the earth’s narrative, refined by hand and heart. My goal is to create wearable art that makes you feel exactly as the jewelry looks: grounded, elegant, and uniquely yourself.
"I believe every stone carries a history, and every wearer has a light that deserves to be seen."
Artist History
Having been a long-time pastel artist in Oregon and worked as a fine art painter for years, I found myself drawn to exploring other art forms.
Over 20 years ago, I was captivated by reverse painting and gilding on glass after a visit to master glass artist Marco Toso Borella in Murano, Italy. Upon returning home, I sought out artists working with precious metal leaf and honed my skills in water gilding in San Francisco under the guidance of renowned gilder Frances Federer. Combining my love for gilding and jewelry, I began creating lavish nugget-like beads using ancient techniques to gild gold and silver on lava stone, resulting in truly unique jewelry pieces. This marked a pivotal moment for me in terms of direction, development, originality, and innovation. My jewelry exudes a luxurious rustic chic aesthetic, appealing to women who appreciate being noticed for their grace, groundedness, elegance, and strength. While my jewelry looks opulent, it remains affordable. Clients have approached me for custom commissions for special occasions such as concerts, weddings, anniversaries, and holiday gifts, with my pieces now gracing private collections across the US and even as far as Australia.
My jewelry has been featured in various galleries in Oregon and Hawaii, and my jewelry and gilded glass art bowls are currently represented at the Freed Gallery. I hold memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Society of Gilders, as well as Signature Memberships in the Pastel Society of the West Coast, Northwest Pastel Society, and Associate Memberships in the Pastel Society of America and Portrait Society of America.
Thank you for valuing my work. . . Jan
Explore my exquisite gilded lava jewelry, gem designs, and glass art at Lava Glow Jewelry and consider joining my email list for free updates, jewelry news, Jan's Gems tips, and more! Staying in touch - Join My Email List today.