Fine Beaded Jewelry
Mikelle Hickman-Romine, 32, is a beaded jewelry designer based in Columbus, Ohio, who works in a technique she calls “fine beadwork.” It is an innovative blend of peyote stitched components, gems, pearl beads, and wire work to achieve lightweight, wearable, and fashion-forward jewelry.
Mikelle got her start in beadwork and wire sculpture twenty years ago, when she was just twelve years old, and has steadily progressed toward a workable fusion of the two media. She went to Simon’s Rock Early College to study when she was sixteen, earned an Associate’s Degree at eighteen, and decided to forgo higher education for self-taught methods. She started her first business at twenty-one, working as an independent floral designer for weddings and special events, which she continues to do. The following year, she began custom-designing bridal jewelry, focusing on beaded hair ornaments and handmade wirework tiaras.
Mikelle discovered the joys of peyote stitch with an article in the Lapidary Journal in 1999 and immediately began exploring its possibilities. A few years later, a fascination with antique Kashmiri shawls developed into an interest in Indian jewelry design, which informs her color ways and design shapes. Also, the floral influences are clear in the leaf and flower representations in her work.
Mikelle’s design focus is on jewelry that unites comfort with color and impact with ease. The fine beadwork techniques are versatile and intriguing, displaying style range and great kinesis. The designs that have emerged are one-of-a-kind stunners and consistent performers.
Mikelle is a member of the Ohio Designer Craftsmen and has been exhibiting her work in the Columbus area, participating as an artist affiliated with the Columbus Cultural Arts Center in its fundraisers and shows, and was an exhibitor in the ODC’s Columbus Winterfair 2008. Her “Bloom” necklace is currently exhibited as part of the “Best of 2008” show organized by the ODC and displayed at the Ohio Craft Museum.