BURKHART DESIGN STUDIO

About Julie

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas with 3 sisters and parents who encouraged our curiosities and artistic inclinations. Working space in the den for sewing and painting was the norm in our household, and our dad’s paintings covered the walls. We always made room for art.

In a middle school art class, I had the opportunity to create my first piece of jewelry. My art teacher stoked the fire for jewelry making and started me on my journey.

I’ve been working as a professional jeweler since 1979. I studied in Texas and first worked at a diamond importer. I have worked as a jewelry designer and bench jeweler at independently-owned jewelry stores, setting stones and manufacturing custom designs from concept to finished piece.

Micro mosaics were very popular in Italy at the turn of the 20th century. When I became interested in creating micromosaics,because it is a dying art form, I couldn’t find any information on the technique. I developed my own technique with a modern twist. To create a mosaic, I hand cut strands of colored glass and hand fabricate my mosaics in sterling silver bezels. While tedious, I find the process very calming and the jewelry unique.

In addition to fine glass stringers for mosaics, I also work in gold, platinum, palladium, diamonds, and colored gemstones. My design inspiration comes from the look and texture of ancient and current mosaics, quilts, nature, fine art, and architecture. Gemstones featuring unusual cuts and rich color as well as colored glass provide the palette for my work.

My studio is now located in the vibrant NE Minneapolis Arts District. I am available for fine custom jewelry design, expert jewelry repair, diamond setting, and Modern Micro Mosaics.