Gauge Inc. located in Bronx, NY has been handcrafting unique objects in metal for many years. Founded by Paul Smotrys, a self-taught artist, he started showing his sculpture in Philadelphia in his early twenties. “I’ve always been fascinated by the opposing properties of metal. For example, hard/soft, sharp/smooth, immediate/laborious.”
He met Mie back in 1985, together they started making jewelry. They showed their collection at wholesale shows, Paul made a sign in aluminum, "Gauge nyc" to display in the booth. First customer asked if the letters were for sale, then said no. The second, then the third asked, they said yes.
That was the beginning of designing and making of metal objects in monograms, letters, numbers and words.
It's always have been important to make every item by hand. the products are so clean and simple, the quality had to be superb and it needed to have that individual, show of hand that only handmade items would have.
Some of their objects include decorative letters and words in many styles. Personal cake toppers, coolest initial jewelry in 14k gold and sterling silver.
They have a patented design of wire words with bent back prongs that goes into a wall, making the words to "float" Now imitated by so many designers.
Gauge nyc is truly a pioneer in personalization industry in metal wire and sheets. They now sell all over the world to discerning stores and customers, but still manages to hand craft every item in the studio, beginning to end.