As a Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) M.A., Yozakura Forge founder Grant Saxman has long had a fascination with materials. This is what drew him to Argentium Silver, a form of silver which is harder and more tarnish-resistant than the more common sterling silver, and which he uses in most of his jewelry pieces.

Saxman’s first love as a metalsmith is making knives, an experience that he finds informs his jewelrymaking (and vice versa!). He specializes in fantasy and concave cut gems and chainmaking, and focuses primarily on modern, chunky jewelry which serves as a form of functional art.