Metal jewelry Hobs (or Hubs) came from Rhode Island (which was once the Jewelry Capital of the world). Each one of these stamping Hobs was carved by hand and then heat treated to create a master or positive die. It was then stamped into another piece of metal that was then heat treated creating a negative die and this die would then be used for production. When the negative die wore out or broke, they would go back to the positive die and create a new negative production die. Some of these hobs are over 100 years old!
Some companies that manufactured these Hobs were belt buckle companies as well as costume jewelry companies. This art form of the master craftsman carving these is now a lost art which has been replaced by computers.
Artist, David Hill of Walkley Works has amassed a collection of Hobs ranging from hearts, florals, letters, rococo designs and beautiful crests, and has created wonderful sculptures from the collection. CSM is very excited to be showing these small sculptures in the gallery.
for more information on sizes and prices, contact CSM
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