This presentation offers a technique-focused exploration of granulation for working jewelers who want to deepen their understanding of both foundational principles and refined methods. 

Beginning with an overview of the process, including its historical roots and its role in contemporary jewelry design and production, the session then moves into practical application. Attendees will learn how to achieve consistent heat control using either a torch or kiln, successfully apply granulation to bezels, and incorporate larger spheres as decorative elements while remaining true to the granulation tradition. 

The program will also review alloy and flux combinations for various karat golds and platinum, including how material choice influences flow, bonding, and overall success. Emphasis will be placed on understanding shapes, surface preparation, and the subtle technical adjustments that significantly improve outcomes.

This session is designed to move granulation beyond a purely decorative concept and establish it as a dependable, repeatable production technique grounded in sound metallurgy and controlled process.

About Kathy Kinev

Kathy Kinev is the founder of Jewel Creations, Inc. and an accomplished goldsmith, designer, appraiser, and gemologist with more than four decades of experience in fine jewelry. She holds both the Graduate Gemologist credential from the Gemological Institute of America and the Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain designation, placing her among a small group of jewelers with advanced training in both craftsmanship and gemology.

Kinev began designing and making jewelry in the 1970s and founded Jewel Creations, Inc. in 1983 while completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design and Silversmithing at Georgia State University. What started in a closet studio quickly grew into a full service workshop and showroom, including more than fifteen years in Atlanta’s Buckhead district. Her career has been defined by hands on mastery of every stage of jewelry creation, from alloying metals and drawing wire to fabrication, casting, stone setting, and finishing.

Her technical expertise includes rare and demanding techniques such as gold granulation and gold mesh weaving, as well as advanced work in eighteen karat and twenty two karat gold and platinum. In addition to design and fabrication, Kinev is widely respected for her repair skills and is frequently sought out by other jewelers for complex restoration and problem solving work.

As an appraiser, Kinev brings extensive experience with antique, estate, and period jewelry. She maintains her own laboratory, works with a master diamond set, and follows American Society of Appraisers standards and guidelines. Her ability to combine historical knowledge, gemological rigor, and bench level understanding gives her a well rounded perspective that is uncommon in the trade.

Kinev is a two time AGTA Spectrum Award winner, receiving honors for Best Use of Platinum and Color and Bridal Platinum in 2016. Her work and contributions have also been recognized through multiple design awards, scholarships, and leadership honors. She has served as President of the Georgia GIA Alumni Association and as Vice President of the Southern Women’s Jewelry Association, and she is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the Accredited Gemologists Association, the American Society of Jewelry Historians, the Georgia Jewelers Association, Jewelers of America, and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

Through her studio practice, professional leadership, and commitment to technical excellence, Kathy Kinev continues to exemplify the highest standards of craftsmanship, education, and integrity in the jewelry industry.