The Carrotbox

The Carrotbox is obsessed with rings. Please enjoy your stay.

Alice Matsumoto · Vancouver, BC

While the shop is metal-free, the blog is not! Links are never repeated so there's always something new.

I post only what interests me. No ads, no paid promos.

AD-FREE SINCE 2003

Very recent posts may not show up in search results — please try the archives.

Please note that I am not seeking submissions for my blog. Thanks!




















Please pardon any formatting issues in the archives (caused by changes to the template over the years).

Blog > March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Colourful, soft and organic...

...or stark, sharp and cool, Chinese artist Xiao Chuan Zhang can do it all. To view more of her work, visit her portfolio blog (click the 1, 2 and 3 links at the bottom of each page to navigate).


Bonus link:
For beaded rings crocheted with silver and gold rather than thread, visit the Netherlands' Su Kroker. You can also see her work on her other site, Schmuckvirus.

Even more jewellery:

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

If you pop one of these (on your finger) and go numb, well, maybe you need a bigger size. For a safe dose of benzodiazepines, nicotine and other substances, check out L.A.'s Cast of Vices.


Bonus link:
Florida's Atelier Vieux Carré has a modernized version of the poison ring in 14k gold, with a well-hidden hinge that hides a compartment roomy enough for most pills.

Even more jewellery:

Tuesday, March 29, 2011


Spend your day getting jaded. Jade Mellor creates sculptural resin rings, inspired by fossils, minerals, geometry and more.

Above, some atypical button rings from the UK jeweller.

Bonus link:
for actual jade, Paris-based Qeelin has this dragon ring. The brand, co-founded by Hong Kong designer Dennis Chan, aims to blend the "essence of China's cultural heritage with the excellence of French craftsmanship."

Even more jewellery:

Monday, March 28, 2011

While this month's events have made us all too familiar with the destructive forces of nature, Israel's Liron Braker focusses on a positive natural force: wind energy. Inspired by the principles of sailing, these rings evoke travel and motion in leather printed with cartographic designs.


Bonus link:
speaking of sailing, this piece by Pennsylvania's Donna Penoyer depicts a "water journey" that represents her creative process. What's especially cool is that the ring is also a wearable whistle!

Even more jewellery:

Friday, March 25, 2011

Anyone who's ever twirled her hair around a finger has worn a version of these at some point. Sanna Svedestedt's hair rings are a nod to a 19th century craft that has since faded; this modern version is actually made of synthetic fibers and laquer.

Above, the Gothenburg designer's "wood diamonds."


Bonus link:
Here's a couple more faux diamonds from Dutch product and accessories designer Marcel van Kan. Word geeks should be sure to check out his crossword brooch!

Even more jewellery:

Thursday, March 24, 2011

I've posted alphabet rings before — but never in Sanskrit. Chile's Cata Cruz based these rings on the seven major chakras, which are wheel-like energy centres in the body, according to Hindu belief. The rings are embedded with gemstones in the colour associated with that particular chakra.


Bonus link:
For more symbolic rings with South Asian motifs, like hamsas and Buddha and this golden "om" ring, see California's Sara Weinstock.

Even more jewellery:

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

You can stop saving up for that tropical vacation. Israel's O-shan (Shelley Leemor) brings paradise to you with these beguiling blossom rings.


Bonus link:
on the opposite end of the petal spectrum is this ring by UK jeweller Rachel Dorris, featuring tiny, demure, "interleaved hollow silver vessels" that "represent the pleasing shape of a tulip flower."

Even more jewellery:

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Ring-lovers have the advantage — we can wear two-finger rings, like these beauties by Elizabeth and James. Do you see necklace-lovers wearing two-neck necklaces? That's what I thought. Then again, if anybody could wear a two-neck necklace, it might be twins and former child stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who are the designers behind this New York label. You've come a long way, Michelle Tanner.


Bonus link:
speaking of twins, here's another New York designer and her "twin ring." Wear it twisted or straight, stretched across a single finger or several. By Nissa Wegienek.

Even more jewellery:

Monday, March 21, 2011

Germany's Marcella Ferretti plays with the familiar and utilitarian texture of reflector lights, accentuating their jewel-like properties.


This similar, flashlight-esque ring gets its sparkle from synthetic topaz; meanwhile, the pink and white ones lose their sparkle in a powder coating. Rings by Lia Tabrah of O.T.T. by Lia T.


Bonus link:
Israeli jeweller Yehudith (or Judith) Ben Bag of BBJUD has recycled reflector rings in numerous colours set in both gold and silver. I love the vibrant green of the one pictured here.

Even more jewellery:

Friday, March 18, 2011

More fingers, you say? Yes, just a pinch more. "Pinch" and "hand-in-hand" rings by Maryland jeweller Joanna Nealey. Be sure to visit her production portfolio for gorgeous work in enamel!


Bonus link:
want to learn the word "jewellery" in American Sign Language? Visit this ASL dictionary! Note what she points at and what comes first — whoever invented this sign had his or her priorities straight.

Even more jewellery:

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Maybe it's because she's plastered but Avril O'Neil gives us the finger...

... as well as some knuckledusters. Visit the UK artist's site for many interesting conceptual pieces, not all jewellery.


Bonus link:
finger-like in itself is this ring, titled "A Measure of Balance," from Arkansas metalsmith David H. Clemons' "Finger Devices" series (you'll find it under "devices" on his site, not under "jewellery").

Even more jewellery:

Wednesday, March 16, 2011



Set fingers to stun(ning). Italy's Stefania Lucchetta turns tubes and lattices into jewellery fit for the space age. Rings in titanium and bio-compatible resin from her "Sponges" and "Crystal" collections.


Bonus link:
For more of an everyday lattice ring, check out Texas jeweller Lindley Bertin and her "Laura" ring in yellow or rose gold. Available in her shop, Korčula.

Even more jewellery:

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Orotrasparente is a collection borne of four years of research. Italian artist Paola Mirai (who takes part of her identity, mirai, from the Japanese word for "future") fused traditional goldsmithing techniques with modern industrial materials to create this "totally hypoallergenic jewellery with two distinct souls, one classical and the other technological."


Bonus link:
for another marriage of jewellery and tech, Michigan's Hybra has this "O.R.B." ring that flips into a wireless headset.

Even more jewellery:

Monday, March 14, 2011

My math teacher for grades 8 and 9 (maybe the best I ever had) had his class in room 314. In honour of him and Pi Day (3.14), here's a cluster of circles from UK jeweller Charlotte Kimber's "Tentacles" series.


Above, more circles from Chicago's Carrie Haase.


Bonus link:
A ring with nested circles from Israel's Noritamy, aka design duo Elinor Avni (who trained as an architect) and Tammar Edelman (who studied art and jewellery).

Even more jewellery:

Friday, March 11, 2011

These days, I can't seem to remember anything unless I leave myself a note. Yes. Now... why did I bring that up? While I try to remember, check out these awesome sticky-note rings by Hungarian designer István Böjte.


Bonus link:
here's a stick-y ring of a different sort. "Stick" ring by Winnipeg's Johanna Brierley, who was inspired by the scrap metal on a jeweller's bench.

Even more jewellery:

Thursday, March 10, 2011



In her "Sensations" series, French artist Ludivine Huteau tries to capture the essence of the haiku by creating minimalist work that focuses on a single detail or technique while provoking surprise.

   I tried to say that
in the form of a haiku
   but, alas, I failed.


Bonus link:
Australian jeweller Victoria Buckley's "Posie Rings" are inscribed with bits of poetry or quotes or whatever words you may like.

Even more jewellery:

Wednesday, March 9, 2011


Despite being comprised of hundreds of black holes, these rings are not from this jeweller's "Black Hole" collection. Instead, you'll find these silver, silk and PVC mesh sheet creations in "Cover & Discover."

This particular hole looks like a whole lotta hurt. For many more interesting pieces, visit Australia's Joanne Huang.


Bonus link:
This ring from German artist Anna Frohn's "tube" series also celebrates the hole. Her site is still in mid-construction but there are several pieces available for viewing right now.

Even more jewellery:

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

After a dip in the Dead Sea, Angela O'Keefe was inspired by how the salt crystals dried on her skin and sparkled like gems. Thus was born this collection featuring real salt crystals, resin, pigment and silver.

Above, rings from the Scottish jeweller's "sculptural" series. I wonder if it's just a coincidence that they look like salt and pepper shakers.


Bonus link:
for more crystals and resin, check out Italy's Adreani Gioielli, who are all about glam, Swarovsvki-studded jewellery in black, white and clear (and the occasional spot of colour).

Even more jewellery:

Monday, March 7, 2011

"Tools" is a "series of simple, anonymous shapes that look like they should do something." Such as adorn your fingers or hang off a chain necklace.

All rings above by Brooklyn's Silva/Bradshaw (Matthew Bradshaw and Sergio Silva).


Bonus link:
Speaking of tools, Florida jeweller Mark Defrates made this rotating saw blade ring for a carpenter with a missing finger who got tired of being asked what happened!

Even more jewellery:

Friday, March 4, 2011


Random pluckings from my bookmarks, achromatic edition:

Rumpled sheets of silver from Australia's Belinda Esperson.


"Exuvia" ring by France's Marielle Debethune, based on molting insects.


Sandblasted slate and silver from the UK's Polly Doherty.


Etched silver by Australia's Kym Mullen.


"Vertebrae" ring by the UK's Nobuko Okumura.


Bonus link:
For one last achromatic ring, here's New York-based glass artist Deborah Faye Adler with her "barrel ring" in black rubber and clear hand-blown glass.

Even more jewellery:

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Like atoms combining to create a molecule, these rings interlock to create a standing structure. "Chain of Fools" in brass and acrylic by Israel's Nimrod Vardi (currently living in London).


More molecules: UK jeweller Myia Bonner turns a solitaire into an atomic structure. Also shown are her perspex outline rings from her "Diamond Collection."


Bonus link:
Seoul-based British jeweller Emily Alice names her pieces after actual molecules, like caffeine, adrenaline (pictured here) and dopamine.

Even more jewellery:

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

On this day in 1882, poet Roderick Maclean made his eighth and final assassination attempt on Queen Victoria (and failed). A survivor like her deserves a monument! Pictured above: "Queen Victoria" ring from the "Monuments and Silhouettes" collection by UK jeweller Leah Black.

More from her collection above.


Bonus link:
want a monument to yourself? New York's Cameo by Rux will turn your profile into a silhouette ring. See also Germany's Contura, which I mentioned here three years ago.

Even more jewellery:

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

IT'S MARCH! Provided you live in this hemisphere, this is the month in which spring and her greenery arrive at long last. To celebrate: sprouting pod locket ring by Australia's Anita van Doorn (ironically, from that other hemisphere).


More sprouts: buds in verdigris by Japan's Shota Suzuki.


"Night Blossoms" by Korean artist and current SCAD graduate student BongSang Cho.


Bonus link:
If you like sprouts of the edible, sandwich-able variety, here's a bean sprout ring by metalsmith Attai Chen of Israel.

Even more jewellery:

«  Older   back to blog home   Newer  »