John Paul has been designing jewelry in Bend, Oregon for over a decade. What started out as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing from the University of Wisconsin Stout, has led to a lava rock and mortar retail gallery in beautiful downtown Bend. With a full studio on premise, John Paul Designs can create nearly anything in his 800 square foot atelier.

John Paul apprenticed in Vail, Colorado with Dan Telleen at Karats, and in Madison, Wisconsin at TQ Diamonds before eventually making his way back west and settling in the mountain town of Bend, Oregon.

Throughout the years, John Paul has been refining his skills and approach. After randomly befriending a grouchy blacksmith years ago, John Paul's college love of forging metals was rekindled. Over time, this led to the forging of ferrous metals (iron & steel) building on his raising and forging background gleaned from Humphrey Gilbert, renown professor emeritus at UW-Stout. Over time, John Paul utilized blacksmithing techniques and applied them to the precious metals. This combination of blacksmithing techniques applied to non ferrous metals has led to his signature style. Over time, a balance was struck that combined all of the techniques and processes learned over the years. We hope you enjoy the results......