Nanz Aalund is an award winning jewelry designer, educator, author, and consultant whose career bridges advanced craftsmanship, design leadership, and contemporary education practice. She brings deep experience across fine jewelry design, production management, editorial work, and curriculum development, with a particular focus on translating complex skills into effective learning environments.

Aalund completed her Master of Fine Arts in metalsmithing at the University of Washington in Seattle in 2004 and later earned a Master of Education in College and Technical Teaching Curriculum from Western Washington University in 2012. This combination of advanced studio training and formal education design has shaped her work as both a practitioner and a teacher, allowing her to develop instruction that is technically rigorous, accessible, and adaptable to in person and remote learning contexts.

Her professional experience in the jewelry industry includes roles as a fine jewelry designer, production manager, and marketing consultant for leading luxury retailers including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co.. In addition to her industry work, Aalund served as associate editor for Art Jewelry magazine, contributing to critical discourse and documentation within the contemporary jewelry field.

As an educator, Aalund has taught jewelry and metals courses at the University of Washington and the Art Institute of Seattle. Her teaching emphasizes both technical excellence and conceptual development, preparing students to navigate the realities of professional practice. She is also recognized for her work in online and remote education development, technology training, and product focused curriculum design.

Aalund’s design work has received significant industry recognition. Her awards include an AGTA Spectrum Award, two concurrent Platinum Guild International Awards, two consecutive De Beers Diamonds Today Awards, finalist honors in the Saul Bell Awards, and the 2023 CPAA International Spotlight Award for her Pearl Nebula necklace. Through her design, teaching, and consulting work, Nanz Aalund continues to influence the jewelry field by connecting craft tradition, contemporary design, and modern education methods.