March 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Facets. I love them. If I were to be stranded on an island, I'd bring them with me — preferably in the form of these rings by Australia's Krista McRae, who kicks it up a notch with her single bejewelled facet detailing.

Above, some more faceted silver: double-header ring (top) by Alister Yiap, also of Australia, and shiny rings by Michigan's Kelly Riekels.

Bonus link:
Dutch designer Marike Andeweg makes faceted metal rings shaped like diamonds — this one is even covered in 640 of them.

Even more jewellery:

Simone Giesen (Germany) - facets & lace
Bonedust (California) - bone feathers
Cathrine Clarke (Brazil) - contemporary gems
GK Designs (New York) - simple & stamped
Stefan Hafner (Italy) - sparkly pavé

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monday, March 30, 2009

Since I featured only one artist last week, let's do a little catch-up today, starting above with this enamelled piece by London-based Estonian artist Jaanika Pajuste.

Silver "box rings" by Korean RISD student SooYeon Kim.

Tiny figures by Swiss jeweller Judith Bütler-Studer of Bon Bon.

Loopy "forja" rings by Spain's Vladimir.

Layers of silver, resin and galalith by Portugal's Lígia Rocha.

Bonus link: no matter how many links I try to stuff into one post, I'll never have as much going on as in this ring by Australia's Felicity Peters. It really should be viewed full-size, so check out her site!

Even more jewellery:

Janet Fraile (New York) - gold & gems
Celapiu (Poland) - textiles & fur
Kiki Huston (New Orleans) - silver & stones
Elizamar (Jody Cornett) (UK) - metal & pearls
Yoshinob (Tokyo) - fine & bridal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Friday, March 27, 2009

Part V of this week's feature — see Monday's post for details!

I saved my favourite for last. This "cages" ring is part of the "Blowing Smoke" series, based on our no-longer-a-mystery artist's personal quest to stop smoking (yes, that cigarette is encased in glass). There's still plenty to see that I haven't posted this week, so please go check out the portfolio of SCAD grad and Henrietta, NY resident Liaung Chung Yen.

Bonus link: this ring doesn't contain real cigarettes, though it does resemble a pack of them spilling out of their box. Gold ring by North Carolina's Geoffrey D. Giles.

Even more jewellery:

La Jewellery (UK) - organic silver
Erika Hollis (New York) - fashion charms
Erin Jane Designs (Seattle) - metal & stones
Cristian Dorigatti (Italy) - statement necklaces
Beobi (France) - busy beads

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Part IV of this week's feature — see Monday's post for details!

I love his series based on these little gold clamshell pods.

Bonus link: your fourth and final clue? Our mystery artist originally hails from Taiwan, just like Barcelona-based jeweller Pan Wei Lu; her sculptural giraffe ring is pictured at left.

Even more jewellery:

Kristin Diener (New Mexico) - art pieces
Vanessa Robert (Brazil) - silver & beads
Marie-Lise Lachapelle (New York) - lacquered orchids
Kwodrent (Singapore) - ruffled neckpieces
Enibas (Ireland) - pebbles & hearts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Part III of this week's feature — see Monday's post for details!

Above, some of his work in plastic and rubber.

Bonus link: clue #3 is that our mystery artist was born in 1972, just like Germany's Stefanie Priessnitz, whose textured "structure rings" are shown at left.

Even more jewellery:

Sydney Cash (Marlboro, NY) - glass balls
Marte Frisnes (UK) - pretty & feminine
Adina Mills (California) - bold & sculptural
Annika Bertilsdotter (Sweden) - enamel & silver
Leaf (Germany) - beads & charms

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Part II of this week's feature — see Monday's post for details!

Bonus link: here's another clue — though our mystery artist attended school in the southern US, he resides in the state of New York. So does Nicole Zahour, whose "HOT" Braille ring is shown at left.

Even more jewellery:

Chris Irick (Utica, NY) - turbines & labyrinths
Jack Terweduwe (Belgium) - contemporary metal
Jamie Rubin (London) - vintage style
Mainichi (Australia) - leather & fabric
JudeFrances (California) - fine & regal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monday, March 23, 2009

As a rule, I don't feature the same artist twice. This week, though, I'm doing things a little differently. I just couldn't decide which part of this portfolio to feature so I'm spreading it out over the week, posting the same artist five times. The name, though, will be posted just once; tune in Friday to find out who it is!

Bonus link: here's a clue — our mystery artist is a male, just like Texas jeweller David Bausman, whose "archetypal rings" are pictured here.

Even more jewellery:

Emily Valentine Bullock (Australia) - feathered friends
Laura Lobdell (New York) - matches & macaroni
Jeremy Leeming (UK) - silver & stone
Melody Armstrong (Regina, SK) - contemporary metal
Tasha D (Indonesia) - clustered beads

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Friday, March 20, 2009

As a creature in the wild, it would terrify me like nothing else. As a ring, however, the "scissor peacock" is pretty cool. For the equally cool "scissor feather" necklace, as well as striking pieces in pleated polyurethane, check out Massachusetts metalsmith Elizabeth Woll. More of her rings below:

Bonus link: here's a peacock ring, sans scissors, by Australian designer Karen Thompson. Her site, Audrey Says Hello!, specializes in "silver jewellery for plus sizes."

Even more jewellery:

Design + Conquer (Calgary) - giant earrings
Bottled Up Designs (Pennsylvania) - recycled glass
Wendy Mink (New York) - gold & briolettes
Sallyanne Lowe (UK) - contemporary jewels
Salome Lippuner (Switzerland) - Japanese lacquer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Postmodern and minimalist? Were these designed by the ghost of Raymond Carver? While that would be awesome, the credit actually goes to Belgium's Sofie Deboutte and Christine Loos, aka Soki (bague blanche, for those who may be wondering, means "white ring"). Below, more of their porcelain pieces with quotidian prints:

Bonus link:
For porcelain rings printed with patterns, check out Barbara van Oost and Ben Paola of Melbourne-based Klei.

Even more jewellery:

Vick Bevan (New York) - bright ceramic
Barbe-a-rat (Belgium) - paper earrings
Beth Gilmour (UK) - modern metal
Sandra Nichols (California) - silver & stone
Peppina (Texas) - circles & chains

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I usually love chunky pairings of metal and stone, but not in this case. Here's why: this ring is actually made of polymer clay! While most polymer jewellery tends to be covered in bright patterns, Colombian-born sisters Claudia and Catalina Pieschacon (now based in Florida and New York, respectively) take a different approach. Rather than focus on colour, they concentrate on the sculptural properties of the material, then embed semi-precious stones and gild the pieces with paint. The rings aren't gold, but the results sure are. A few more samples below; visit their site Cleo & Cat for the whole collection.

Bonus link:
For more traditionally colourful polymer clay pieces, see Austria's Gudrun Stolz and her wrap rings in a variety of hues.

Even more jewellery:

Dan Cormier (British Columbia) - polymer clay
Tom Tom (New York) - brass chains
Transludia (France) - diamonds on filament
Eve Ella (Yvonne Ryan) (Ireland) - silver & beads
Daniel Espinosa (Mexico) - contemporary metal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

This "articulating talon ring" is designed to give the wearer control of the talon — which raises all sorts of ethical questions because, really, can a talon be used for anything other than evil? Below, more rings from Chicago-area jeweller Aaron Sault, featuring the hairs of mammals such as fox, squirrel, man and man's best friend (St. Bernard, to be precise):

Bonus link:
For a lot more fur (as well as lots of leather), see the jewellery of French-born, Belgium-based Isabelle Azaïs.

Even more jewellery:

DanniJo (New York) - chains & metal
KapowWow (UK) - textile neckpieces
Xavier Civera (Spain) - clean & minimal
Lisa Slodki (Illinois) - circles & links
Sabrina Goh (Singapore) - lego necklaces

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monday, March 16, 2009

Back when I was a kid and my inner tubes didn't revolt at the sight of a giant yellow M, I used to love it when they handed out these types of puzzles with my filet o' "fish." Come to think of it, I think the little toys were even decorated with images of characters like Ronald McDonald and Grimace — as opposed to, say, Shrek™. Hard to imagine nowadays (and get off my lawn!). Anyway, this piece is by UK artist Claire Johnston, whose teeth you really ought to check out. The ones not in her mouth, I mean. Here's a sampling from her "Tooth Fairy" series:

Bonus link: teeth not porcelain white? You can still dazzle with some red lips and a mole in cubic zirconia. "Honeylips" ring by Finnish jeweller Kalle Polkutie, now based in France.

Even more jewellery:

Buddug (UK) - charming enamel
Jillian Moore (Iowa) - art brooches
Elisa Stecca (Brazil) - metal & agate
K di Kuore (Italy) - modern classics
Marisa Alonso (Argentina) - contemporary silver

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Friday, March 13, 2009

"Ring on my head, from my head, behind my head" by Prague's Martin Papcún. Now, as much as I like wearing rings, I also enjoy wearing hair (as long as it's my hair) so I think I'll leave this particular piece with him. Below, more of his handiwork — transformative rings in silver and brass from his "mechanic" range:

Bonus link:
Speaking of hair, Philadelphia's Melanie Bilenker draws images on her jewellery using strands from her own head.

Even more jewellery:

So Young Park (Rochester, NY) - sculptural art
Hanife Design (Indianapolis) - pearl sprouts
Anne Mette O'Connor (Ireland) - modern metal
Lint (New York) - hair chains
by CNX (Conxita Gisbert) (Spain) - crochet & beads

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Above, two metalsmiths who make me want to accessorize with creepy critters: Brooklyn's Emily Bute (tardigrade ring in silver, jet, copper and enamel, top) and Elizabeth Goluch of Halifax (silver wood-louse, bottom).

Bonus link:
This chunky black ring is topped with a gold spider, the signature of Jamaica native Anna Ruth Henriques (now based in NYC).

Even more jewellery:

Tara J Murphy (UK) - wings & silver
The Rivet Kitchen (Calgary) - planes & insects
Heron Adornment (Chicago) - fish & squid
Lajara (Eva Ruiz) (Spain) - chains & beads
Amber Marie Bently (San Francisco) - Eastern influences

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I like to think that all jewellery, on a microscopic level, is composed of tiny, ring-shaped molecules like this. In reality, this macroscopic piece represents one jeweller's efforts to put a modern spin on a traditional goldsmithing technique. Normally, granulation involves applying tiny beads to a surface — but Belgium's Stefanie Condes wanted granulation without a surface. She settled on rapid prototyping as a method and created the white structure you see here.

Above, more granules from Australia's Coconut Lu (top) and Dutch jeweller Yoka Voorbach (in hand).

Bonus link:
If you prefer your granules in a neat little stack, check out the "fiat lux" ring from Japan's Nao Goldwork.

Even more jewellery:

Anne-Laure Frizot (France) - beads & balls
Minx (California) - urban charms
Gail Stefanek (Winnipeg) - carved gems
Paul Morelli (Philadelphia) - fine jewellery
Penelope Barnhill (New Zealand) - glass & silver

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Seeing these rings so gorgeously displayed almost makes me wish I had porcelain plinths for fingers. Combining metal and porcelain with seeds, pods, moss and other botanicals, Carol Kingsbury Gwizdak highlights the preciousness of nature as opposed to material goods. More from the artist, who makes her home in Wales, below:

Bonus link:
This "Isadora" ring by New York's Serena Van Rensselaer has a similar aesthetic, though it's made with colourful feathers.

Even more jewellery:

Tarra Rosenbaum (New York) - seasonal botanicals
Toria Designs (UK) - fabric flowers
Anne Mousley (Italy) - figures & trees
Kevin Main (California) - contemporary gems
Dietmar Günster (Germany) - nature-inspired

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monday, March 9, 2009

Since a picture is worth 1,817 Canadian words, I'll just tell you that today's fab rings are by Polish artist Marta Rudnicka, whose new site launched last week. 9,085 more words' worth below:

Bonus link:
For another Polish jeweller, see Krakow's Andrzej Bielak, who specializes in interesting wedding bands (the wearing kind, not the musical kind).

Even more jewellery:

Louise Wade (UK) - chains & birds
Nic Wells Bladen (South Africa) - botanical silver
Schmuckrausch (Germany) - bright cabs
Mary Margrill (New York) - words in metal
Raija Rastas (Finland) - textile brooches

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Friday, March 6, 2009

Six for the sixth, starting above with:

1) Minimalist gold from New York's Neology by Mina.

2) Silver bands by Germany's Anja Schönmeyer.

3) Floral imprints by Florida's Sonja Marshall-Bone.

4) "Remember to Fight" knuckleduster by Brooklyn's Sarah Cuno.

5) Paper rings by Germany's Renate Sennewald-Zimmermann.

6) "Metamorphoses" series by Munich's Gabriela Fink.

Bonus link:
This sleek aluminum six-sided die ring (US$29.95) is from Billet Cycle Parts, a Harley parts shop based in Las Vegas!

Even more jewellery:

Alex Woo (New York) - number pendants
Naomi Murrell (Australia) - cute lasercuts
Giovanni Corvaja (Italy) - airy gold
Irith Mashiah (Israel) - chain links
Wendy Chan (UK) - felt flowers
Philippe Tournaire (France) - fine jewellery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thursday, March 5, 2009

If your jewellery gives you a nudge and a wink, chances are, it was made by Pamela Morris Thomford. The Ohio metalsmith creates narrative pieces with tongue planted in cheek, from her "Serving Humble Pie" pendant with pastry-wielding boy to the "Serving a Weight Watcher" spoon with scale. Pictured above, on a more serious note, is the "Children of the Taliban" ring from her religion and politics series. But let's get back to pie. Below, her "Sneaky Pete" ring:

Bonus link: since Sneaky Pete appears to have a sweet tooth, he might like the edible jewellery series by Miami's Wendy Mahr. This ring with gold leaf on a chocolate malted milk ball is US$55.

Even more jewellery:

Ina Seifart (Germany) - reworked objects
Alexis Russell (New York) - organic silver
Christie Martin (California) - serifs & sans
Leonie Philpot (UK) - textile clusters
Ana Navas (Peru) - wire & beads

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

This herd, right down to the black sheep of the family, picked the perfect day to *cough* march fo(u)rth in a circle. If you've ever wanted to feel the pitter patter of little hooves on your finger, Germany's Sandra marie Michaluk is your woman, lowercase m and all. Below, more of her silver rings celebrating that classic pairing, cattle and chocolate:

Bonus link: for more sheep, check out these double-headed rings from Japan's Darumada, where you'll also find stylish skulls, fleur-de-lys and more.

Even more jewellery:

Örge Tulga (Turkey) - decorative balls
Prragt (Netherlands) - cute wool
Helena Emmans (UK) - perforated silver
Gretchen Julius (New York) - safari animals
Sophie Fruit Menorqua (France) - gems & metal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Why is this girl about to steep her tea in an empty cup? The answer, as with all questions in life, is: rings! Look closely and you'll see the "tea bag" is actually chained to the band on her finger. The silver and enamel ring is part of the "Tea" series by Nana Akashi which, alongside "Art" by Szufen Huang and "Scent" by Serene Wong, make up a gorgeous collection of tea-inspired jewellery. The Singapore trio go by t 4 3 — or, as I like to call them, "cha cha cha." Pictured below is just another sip of their portfolio but be sure to visit their site for more!