Long before souvenir jewelry became commonplace, Clifford Russell was creating sterling silver keepsakes that captured the very essence of Maine. His beloved "Maine in Silver" collection transformed the state's maritime traditions and natural beauty into miniature works of art that continue to charm collectors today.
Articulating Lobster Brooch
Blueberry Brooch
Interestingly, Russell did not begin his career as a jeweler. Trained as an artist and display designer, he worked in New York and New Jersey before returning to his native Maine during World War II. While employed in Bath's wartime industry, he began experimenting with metalwork using handmade tools fashioned from scrap materials.
His wife, Minnie Russell, became an essential partner in the creative process. Together, they designed what would become their first successful jewelry piece—a nautical-themed gift for a family member who loved boating. The response was overwhelming, and the couple realized they had discovered something truly special.
The Russells began creating jewelry inspired by the places and traditions they knew best. Lobsters, dories, schooners, lighthouses, folding anchors, seagulls, pine cones, and lobster buoys became beautifully detailed sterling silver pins, earrings, charms, and bracelets. Clifford Russell's work stood apart because he didn't simply copy these familiar objects—he captured their character.
What made Clifford Russell's jewelry so enduring was his deep connection to the state he called home. His work celebrated Maine's working waterfronts, forests, and coastal traditions with authenticity and affection. Together, Clifford and Minnie Russell built a business that allowed visitors to take home not just a souvenir, but a piece of Maine itself.
Today, Clifford Russell's sterling silver creations remain highly sought after by collectors and lovers of Maine history. They serve as lasting reminders of an artisan whose creativity and craftsmanship transformed everyday coastal life into timeless jewelry.
Shack on the Wharf Brooch
Join us this summer to celebrate the enduring beauty of "Maine in Silver" and the remarkable legacy of Clifford Russell.
Exhibition Details
July 8 – August 29
Keith Field Goldsmith
147 Maine Street Brunswick, ME 04011
Hours:
Wednesday–Friday: 9:30 – 4:00
Saturday: 9:00 – 12:00