Modern Micro Mosaics and Fine Custom Jewelry. Julie has been a professional designer and goldsmith for 35 years. She opened Burkhart Design Studio in order to work one on one with clients to create custom designed jewelry. She takes the process from concept to finished product. She also has a passion for the dying art of Micro Mosaic. She has been developing her own methods and designing Micro Mosaics with a Modern twist. Burkhart Design Studio also offers diamond setting, repair and design services to the jewelry trade. Micro mosaics were very popular in Italy at the turn of the 20th century. When I became interested in creating micro mosaics, 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. Affiliations: WJA (Women's Jewelry Association) Board member and co-chair of Communications SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) MJSA (Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America) AJF (Art Jewelry Forum) ACC (American Craft Council)