Carolyn Zakarija

Carolyn Zakarija is a British-born jewelry and mixed media artist based in Southeastern Pennsylvania. With a career spanning over 30 years, she has established herself as a distinctive voice in contemporary jewelry design, blending traditional silversmithing techniques with innovative, heat-free metalworking methods.

Originally from London, Zakarija draws deep inspiration from her heritage. Her grandfather was a silversmith and engineer, and her mother was an avid English gardener. This familial background fostered her appreciation for metals, flora, and the natural world, themes that are evident throughout her work. She often refers to her background as “the treasure within,” a concept that informs both her artistic philosophy and material choices. 

         Zakarija is known for her mastery of cold fabrication techniques—milling, stamping, forging, folding, and hand-forming silver and gold without the use of heat. Her pieces often feature contrasting textures and abstract forms inspired by flora, architecture, and the human body. This approach results in jewelry that is both sculptural and wearable, with a tactile, organic quality.In recent years, she has expanded into mixed media, creating narrative-driven pieces from found objects. These works explore the human condition and invite viewers to engage with open-ended stories crafted from reclaimed artifacts.

As she describes it:  “My treasures become your treasures.”