Thursday, July 23, 2009

Thea Izzi Jewelry - Luminous Elegance in Metal

Sheer elegance is how we view the artistic creations that emanate from the Thea Izzi studio. These pieces positively glow with luminous beauty and her signature pieces have an interior made of gold that reflects off itself in a shimmery display of light.

This piece is called "Three Gold Bowls"


With an emphasis on form and space, Thea creates hollow-form and hand-fabricated bi-colored pieces that seem to be illuminated with an interior glow. Her bi-metal pieces are made by taking 22kt gold and sterling silver sheet, then fusing and rolling them together. The gold reflects off of itself when it is used as the interior of a design. But when the gold is used as the exterior of a design then it is the silver interior that provides a shimmery contrast.

Folding metal upon itself seems to always provide intricate and interesting shapes and designs. Here we have a superb example of her work that is especially festive reminding us of holiday ribbon candy named "Ariel"



Thea expresses her motivations succintly when she says,

My work explores the convergence of geometric and organic shapes translated to ornament in metal. The forms are created by hollowed, cut and fabricated 22k gold over sterling silver “bi-metal” discs.

The luminous interior, caused by the gold reflecting off of itself, eludes to a light source contained in that space though none exists.

My process is largely unconscious and often motivated by playful experimentation, symmetry, repetition of patterns and illusions created by contrast fuel my inspiration for design.


As an example of her diverse offerings even within a particular design, her Gemma earrings are made in three versions: Sterling Silver, Oxidized Silver and 18k Gold, or 18K Gold and Sterling Silver Bi-Metal.




This pin is another lovely example of Thea's luminous work, called Bird of Paradise



We are inspired by the elegant jewelry and the incredible variety that Thea Izzi provides for her following of ardent jewelry lovers. Consider us a part of that following.

What do you find inspiring?

Let us know what you think.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Melle Finelli Jewelry - Creativity and Fun in Each Design

We are inspired by the creativity and fun emanating from the studio of Melle Finelli. Melissa Finelli creates handcrafted designs from the heart that are fun-filled and exciting to wear.

Occasionally, one desires designs that are rough-hewn; something that definitely shows the hand of the artist. Such is the work offered by Melissa Finelli. Her designs lend themselves to daydreams and fantasies. We are captivated by her asymmetrical designs that meander and spiral. They promote our own musings and daydreams, and we enjoy that aspect of wearing handcrafted jewelry.

Let's take a look at some examples of her work.

Here we see Melissa's sterling silver Ribbon Drop earrings




These earrings are called Twisted. They are made with 18k gold and sterling silver




Here is her Prickly pendant in 18k gold and sterling silver




This pendant is titled Web. Again, we see her work made with sterling and 18k gold




Here is her Petal ring in sterling, 18k gold with a diamond



We find ourselves inspired by Melissa's creativity and lovely workmanship.

What do you find inspiring about this work?

Let us know your thoughts.