Wayne P. Armstrong contributes his background as a biology professor to reveal the mystery behind the cochineal insect, the source of the bright red dye that was coveted all over the world. In Spanish, it is known as la grana cochinilla. From British Red Coats to 18th century paintings and food dye, cochineal is why red is part of humanity’s wearable repertoire.

Lesley Aine McKeown’s jewelry explores space, science fiction worlds and juicy stones, while she shares her wisdom on life and philosophy.

Robert K. Liu provides a comparison between the ancient and the modern craftsperson, using his own personal experience in making as a reference, as well as ancient examples of crafts.

Ashley Callahan investigates the jewelry of Nikki Couppee, who is inspired by her native Florida. The bright colors, sparkle and glitz of the Sunshine State are recreated in her NeoGems and HoloGems, using silver foil and acrylic to make shining elements.

The New-York Historical Society brought together a stunning collection of André Chervin of Carvin French Jewelers, showcasing his beloved objets d’art.

Asheville is widely touted as an artist mecca in North Carolina, but the recent and unexpected flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has affected countless artists. Ashley Callahan reaches out to the people there to get the full picture, and the urgent need of residents.

Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell finds Yves Saint Laurent arriving at her doorstep, with an inaugural exhibition at the Orange County Museum of Art. With a focus on the designer’s sketches, along with other archival materials, a window is opened on Saint Laurent’s creative process.

David Updike follows the next generation of a family of master metalsmiths, as he relates the love for anticlastic raising that Timo Krapf has developed in his jewelry. Returning to school at the Savannah College of Art & Design for his MFA, Krapf wishes to continue growing as an artist.

Having been an artist “since she was in utero”, Scott’s work has been an incredible tapestry, using beads as the medium for expressing the African-American voice.