Nichole McIver has a background in two-dimensional studio art, and art history. Her passion for hand crafting personal adornment is rooted in her fascination with precious historical objects. She continues to find inspiration in everything from the decorative foliage found in the margins of illuminated manuscripts, to the secret symbolism of Victorian mourning jewelry. Nichole is a self-taught maker and Acanthus is hand made by her personally, in her home studio in Central Minnesota.
The Acanthus collection is hand crafted in oxidized silver, 14k gold and 24k gold, and uses semi-precious and precious gemstones such as rainbow moonstones, diamonds and the incredibly unique, dendritic agate. The hand of the artist is revealed in each piece created, from forming metal, to stone setting, to delicately and painstakingly cutting gold imagery to create the patterns in her pieces. When you wear a piece of Acanthus jewelry, you know exactly the time, work, and love that went into it.