Beauty in Metal - Ornella Iannuzzi Jewelry

Sometimes it's love at first sight.
 Jewelry created by Ornella Iannuzzi
 is contemporary and dramatic.
And eye catching.
All the qualities that I love
to see in jewelry.

Over the years, her collections have drawn
inspiration from nature, such as
forest motifs and the ocean
and they continue to do so.

Her strong design skills allow for
a great deal of innovation and exploration.
 She uses all kinds of
 metals and gems in her work -  
from gold and silver, to copper and bronze;
from pearls, quartz and pyrite, to diamonds and opals.
Her designs range from the
quasi-primordial to the
ultra elegant.

The pieces are expressive, creative
and at times, surprising.
It's all beautiful.

Many of her pieces are incredibly adventurous
 and decidedly individualistic.

 

Her meticulous methods

create harmonious compositions
of color and texture.

While some of her designs seem serendipitous
one realizes she's truly controlling each
technique to create these 
complex sculptural forms.

Unusual settings are her forte

and each suits the featured gem.

This hand-carved opal includes a
tiny quartz crystal on the corner,
 and seems to capture
all the colors of the rainbow.

 

The never-ending creativity
is inspiring and provides an
incredible array of variety.
With a body of work filled with such
 variety one can never be bored.

 You can see more of this innovative work
at the artist's website.

Lauren Pollaro Jewelry

A dear friend of ours recently sent us

a photo of work created by assemblage

artist Lauren Pollaro.  She knew we would really

enjoy seeing this particular piece of jewelry

and she was right!  We were immediately

intrigued by the choices of color, texture

and design. Everything just seems to

work together effortlessly.

We like the handmade aesthetic that is

apparent in her work - it provides a strong sense

of connection to her creative process.

This artist's forte is creating harmonious

sculptural jewelry using various mixed materials.

Acrylic paints, sterling silver, semi-precious

stones, and found objects are often

 included in her work. Her pieces also feature

such disparate elements as

vitreous enamels, collage, and epoxy resin.

It seems like she uses almost anything

in her abstract compositions.

And the effects are all beautiful.

Here is a brooch/pendant made with

copper, sterling silver, and acrylic paints.

We especially like the sgraffito-like effect

she creates on the various surfaces.

We also find this piece interesting - it features

found objects, plastic, a twig,

sterling silver and paint.

There are many pieces in her collection

to admire.

This necklace includes many elements

including wood,

epoxy resin and pearls.

This one incorporates enamel on copper.

We're inspired by how

her eclectic selection of materials

just seems to come together effortlessly.

But we know that work that appears

effortless rarely is as effortless as it seems.

For those who are intrigued

by delightful colors, layered compositions,

and the handmade aesthetic this artist

successfully combines all this and

more to create sculptural works of art

meant to be worn as jewelry.

Enjoy!

Sonia Beauchesne Jewelry

Lately we’ve been seeing alot of
nature-inspired jewelry.
Maybe it’s the approaching springtime.
Maybe it’s a need
to feel closer to Mother Nature when
so much that surrounds us is
industrialized and harsh.

Whatever the reason, we find ourselves
gravitating towards a lovely collection
of organic jewelry offered by metalsmith
Sonia Beauchesne that features feathers
in many shapes, sizes, and range of details.
It’s a collection called “ If I Had Wings.”

Sonia has other collections and one-of-a-kind work
as well but it’s her "If I Had Wings" collection
 that seems to inspire us the most.
There is so much exquisite detail in each
piece and each is surprisingly
different from the others.
Embellished with pearls and 18K gold chips,
the richly detailed sterling silver
pieces evoke a closeness to nature that
we find appealing.

Here are some of our favorites.


This necklace is quite a
show stopper.

 

 

This brooch shows some of the detail

found in each of her pieces.

 

We find this one to be breathtakingly lovely.

 

We adore the richly textured work

with amazing details.

Meticulous detail, charming subject matter,

and an opportunity to get closer to nature.

We enjoy it all and hope

that you do, too.

Susan Chin Jewelry

We've long admired jewelry created by Susan Chin.
Her trademark work revolves around the use of
ebony and bone, and her signature forms are
sprinkled with silver or gold dots set against each
other in symmetrical yet seemingly
random arrangements.
But this artist works with other materials as well.

We gravitate towards her pieces
featuring freshwater pearls dotted with
those symmetrical mixed with random
accents of metal.
We enjoy following the sequences and repetition
of these elements which evoke a sense of
something ancient and tribal.

Whether densely packed together or set with ample
breathing space between them, we appreciate
how each metallic accent carries its weight
and brings delightful texture to the jewelry.

Together they become a synergistic creation -
the whole effect becoming so much greater
than the sum of its parts.
Let's take a look at some of our
favorite pieces of her work.


This is her “Forged Links” bracelet
featuring sterling silver, freshwater pearls
and18K gold.

We adore her Kelp Necklace
also featuring sterling silver, freshwater pearls
and18K gold.

 

These amusing "Pearl with Curl" earrings are
made with freshwater pearls and 18k gold.

 

These earrings are from her
one of a kind collection
and feature ebony, 18k and 22k gold,
and Australian boulder opals.

This piece features ebony, 18k and 22k gold,
and sterling silver.
It evokes a furry impression
that we find lighthearted and amusing.

It's fascinating to feel rough

texture created by the combination of several
types of smooth elements.

It's also fascinating to see
seldom used materials like ebony and bone
take center stage in an artist's work.

It would be most fascinating of all
 to wear works of art
such as these and to feel the spirit
of the artist in each piece.

We'd own her entire collection
if we could.

Enjoy!

Randi Chervitz Jewelry

We admire jewelry that explores fiber

techniques in metal.

Jewelry created by Randi Chervitz

features fine-gauge sterling silver and

gold wire crocheted into the design,

transforming metal into a sense of fabric.
The linear fabricated framework of each piece

blends flawlessly with the

curvaceous, lacy needlework of the wire.

We appreciate her fine metalsmithing skills,
 delicate manipulation of fine metal wires, and
very selective choice of gemstones.


The repetitive, intricate, complex designs are stunning.
This cuff is a wonderful example of her work.
It's called "18K Wide Bamboo Cuff with 12 Diamonds,"
and features hand-crocheted yellow gold wire
with hand-set diamonds.

We also love this ring called
18K Wide Bamboo Ring with 5 Diamonds."
It has movement and intrigue.

These sweet little numbers feel delicate yet structured.
They're called,
"Skinny Rectangle Earrings."

And this solid, chunky square platform
makes a beautiful frame for a crocheted
nesting of pearls.

This one is named, "Square Top Ring," and

features a delightful assortment of freshwater pearls.

 

Here's another example of the underlying structure
that is a hallmark of this artist's work.
Called, "Grid Pin/Pendant," the hand-crocheted
silver wire clearly provides a lacy softness to contrast
with the rigid grid structure.
 

Mixing techniques from multiple disciplines

allows an artist's imagination to expand.

This artist's work delights us for her ingenuity
and original designs.
The effects are fabulous.

Enjoy!

Isabelle Posillico Jewelry

Sometimes it's all about gorgeous gemstones.

Gloriously-colored jewels set in a matrix of metal.

And while often the metal matrix
can serve as mere background, 
easily ignored when compared
with the richness of the gem clusters,
at other times the metal is just as
spectacular and multidimensional
in impact as the gems.
The total effect can be
symphonic.

We admire works of art created
 by Isabelle Posillico specifically
because they are composed of many
 luscious gems each harmoniously
punctuated by equally strong notes 
of 14k, 18k and 22k gold.

We see her work not only as having been
created by a jeweler but as having been
composed as though by a musician.
She handcrafts these wearable treasures
using precious and semi-precious
stones and pearls with accents of gold
 that all seem to play together as a symphony.


For us, each precious gem represents
a note in a musical composition
and each harmonizes with the others
for balance and depth. Like notes in a melody,
 she creates music in her work and each
 piece presents itself as a
variation on a theme.

 
The artist has several series that are
dynamic and composed of melodious
elements with staccato rhythms.

Here's an example from
her Conga Line series
made with pearls, tourmaline,
chysocolla, blue topaz, diamond, opal,
and various karats of gold.

and here's a pendant from the same series

As a counterpoint to all that syncopation,
we adore this necklace featuring a solo
performance of one kunzite stone.
Supporting players include diamonds,
 pink tourmalines, pink sapphires, garnets and gold
accompanied by pearls.


 

 

We also enjoy her Dance Partners series
featuring asymmetrical designs yet
perfectly balanced compositions.

This is one of our favorites.

Made with pearls, aquamarines, pink & green
tourmalines and various karats of gold.

And this pair features

garnets, chalcedony, pink sapphires,

and tanzanite with various karats of gold.

There is so much to admire in this work. 

We admire the magnificent gem choices.

We admire the fact that
the metal is not subservient to the
 intensity of color and
preciousness of the gems.

We admire the
tempos and rhythms of
each composition.



Each piece is a performance of
timeless grace and beauty.


 They hit the right note every time.

Suzanne Linquist Jewelry

Jewelry created by Suzanne Linquist features

an unusual combination of materials:

 ebony and silver.

The subtle metallic shimmer of silver
complements the intense black of the ebony,
and by joining them together Suzanne
creates a broad range of designs
from a singularly simple palette.

There are so many pieces to see and admire -
here's a pin we simply adore.
It showcases

pierced silver, carved ebony

with a pearl and brass.

We love the incredible symmetry in

these earrings made with ebony

inlaid with silver.

We find inspiration whenever an artist shares

their background, their motivations, or their

serendipitous discoveries along

their journey into the art of

handcrafted jewelry. 

Suzanne's explanation of her unexpected

discovery of a supply of ebony

provides a snapshot for us to share. 

On her website, she explains,

". . . browsing in a hardwood store I noticed a box of black wooden rectangles. When I picked one up, the wood was heavy and felt dense as I rubbed my finger across its dark surface. It was ebony, the salesman told me, and the rectangles were old piano key blanks. I bought the whole box and took it back to my studio. Over the next year, I learned to carve and turn ebony on a mini-lathe to create small sculptural forms for necklaces, earrings, pins and bracelets. Silver glowed and took on new life when I inlaid it directly into the black wood or wound fine shining wires around lathe turned shapes. In turn the silver embellishment brought the ebony sculptural forms to life. "

It's moments like these

that can bring jewelry to life.

Here is another piece we admire.

It's made with

silver, ebony, brass and a pearl.

And here is another.

The idea of making such wonderful
handcrafted jewelry by using
a re-purposed material is both
imaginative and inspiring.

By re-purposing old piano key blanks
into lovely works of wearable art,
Suzanne inspires us with her
choice of materials,
range of designs, and the moods they create.

  Let us know what you think

and what inspires you.

Feel free to share your thoughts.

We'd love to know.

Jill Hurant Jewelry

Jewelry created by Jill Hurant  

is exquisitely detailed,

elegant, and truly one-of-a-kind.

Her masterful use of the ancient technique

of fusing and granulation results in

22k gold jewelry that is warm and rich,

with an intricately detailed, delicate effect.

Each of her pieces is stylishly

handcrafted and showcases her

patience and superb craftsmanship. 

They simply exude panache.

This 5-Link Bracelet is one of our favorites.
The asymmetrical placement of the pearl
sets off the design superbly.

We adore her Double Chain Bracelet

And her Gold Crochet Bracelet is utterly mesmerizing.
The gemstones contrast powerfully with
the lacy effect of the bracelet,
while the granulation adds just
enough visual interest without
overpowering the overall effect.

 

 

We are enthralled with

the richness of the 22k gold

that this artist uses in

her work, and we're

inspired by the fact that

she takes this ancient technique

and gives it a contemporary edge.

Each piece is truly more

lovely than the last.

Enjoy!

Davina Romansky Jewelry

Jewelry made with mixed metals

sometimes cause mixed reactions -

both metallurgically and emotionally.

Davina Romansky creates jewelry

by mixing metals, precious gems,

and other items of interest.

Starting with natural shapes, many organic in style,

the combination of metals creates energy

within each piece.

Simple pieces become more layered

and dense. They seem to create more energy.

We always have a positive reaction

when we see it. 

Here is a piece called Silver and Gold Bangle

that includes black diamonds.

This ring is called Cactus Pearl - it's made with

copper, silver, and a pearl.

Our favorite piece is her

Caged Feathers Necklace.

Made with fine and sterling silver wire,

it features an abundance of Peacock Feathers.

We are captivated by her asymmetrical designs

that meander and build upon themselves.

They inspire our own strong, positive reactions

 and we enjoy that aspect of wearing

handcrafted jewelry.

What do you think?

Are you inspired by this work?

We'd love to know.

Vicki Eisenfeld Jewelry

Some artists have a talent of creating jewelry

that evokes a meditative mood.

Such is the jewelry from Vicki Eisenfeld's studio.

Fabricated with fine gold and created

with meticulous craftsmanship, each of

her pieces provide a meditative mood

of tranquility and peace.

Some of her designs are based

on the mandala and appear

to be illuminated from within.

Vicki works in fine gold using

woven and 'married metal' techniques.

The repetitive, intricate, complex

designs are stunning.

One of our favorite pieces

is called, Woven Mandala Pendant,

made with 14K, 18K, 22K yellow

and palladium white gold with

a South Sea pearl in the center.

 

Here is her fantastic Woven Panel Bracelet -

each of the woven gold flexible panels

are made with 22k yellow, 14k pink,

and 18k palladium white gold.

And we love her

Half Moon Earrings -

woven and fabricated in14k, 18k,

and 22k yellow and palladium white gold,

with citrine faceted stones.

 

We find these pieces to be inspiring

and rather hypnotizing.

How about you?

Are you inspired by this work?

We'd love to know your thoughts.

M. Sturman Jewelry

Enchanting designs combined
with superb craftsmanship
are the hallmarks of jewelry
created by the M. Sturman studio.


M. Sturman designs are handwoven

and crocheted by Peggy Sturman

using gems, pearls, vintage

beads and Swarovski crystals.

Each lovely design is guided by

color, shape, and texture.

Here are a few examples

of the broad range of

work that Peggy does.

Here is her Ruffled Cuff bracelet.

 

This freeform handwoven

collar is called, Be Mine.

This lovely necklace is called,

Sunshine and Flowers.

Each creation is a visual harmony

of light and form, elevating

her rich and lavish designs

to something wonderful and enchanting.

We adore it all.

What do you think?

Let us know, we'd love to hear from you.

Victoria Lansford Jewelry

Elegance. Intricacy. Splendor.

Some words are used sparingly

yet provide a wealth of description.

It is precisely words like

elegant, intricate, and splendid

that truly do describe the

rich and lavish jewelry

created by Victoria Lansford.

Techniques ranging from

chasing and repousse to

granulation, filigree, and more

are showcased in her work.

One of our favorite pieces is this

hinged-cuff bracelet called, 

Stardust on my Sleeve.

These earrings are called

Spiral Dance

This necklace is called

Entwine

We always look forward

to more of the one-of-a-kind

pieces offered by Victoria.

Let us know your opinions.

We'd love to hear from you.

Brooke Battles Jewelry

We love the chunky boxy-ness of the jewelry created by Brooke Battles. Each combination of geometric shapes seems like little pieces of wearable modern sculpture.  These two pieces are currently on display at Taboo Studio in San Diego, California.

This mesmerizing piece is called "Pearl Couple Pendant."

Brooke's work evokes a strong sense of strength and forcefulness. This phenomenal ring is

called "Flower Ring with Raw Diamond."

We'd be happy to wear these pieces on days when we want to feel strong, vibrant, and decisive. 

Our sense of mastery and confidence increases whenever we see Brooke's work. Makes us

want to wear some sculpture today.