A Brief History

I began my career in metals and jewelry after watching a friend of mine cut an opal in college in 1977. My first “real job” was at Maui Divers in Hawaii as a designer in 1984 creating designs in wax. In 1985 I helped open a jewelry store in Central Wisconsin, where I was the goldsmith/designer. I continued my journey studying the magic of metals in 1988 when I went on for my MFA at Tyler School of Art.

I had the opportunity to teach as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Oregon in 1992 and my professional life has been creating my jewelry and teaching part time ever since. I moved to Portland, Oregon in 1999 and I currently teach at the University of Portland as well as a small number of private students. I have found that teaching part time is a great balance with being a studio artist creating one-of-a-kind wedding rings.

If you would like to know more about my classes and workshops, or you're interested in having a piece of jewelry made, please call me at

503.481.1323 or email me at
jimdailing@mac.com