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[Theme] Understated Elegance

Friday, 30 August 2013

     Zoe Chicco 14k horizontal baguette ring/Holly Ryan X Baston      
  triangle + star earrings/Zara dress with hip seam/Mirlo Lariat  
  baguette necklace/ASOS Heartbeat heeled sandals/Zoe Chicco 14k 
  pave open tears cuff

I was browsing on Zara the other day (as you do) and saw this beautifully delicate dress that has an element of innocence attached. It is understated yet elegant, it just needs a few personal touches to make it individual and tailor to you. I'm not much of a fashionista between you and me but I do feel accessorising is based on gut instinct rather than pain-stakingly planning an outfit. I look at this dress and I immediately think of gold jewellery (the dress is shade ecru and according to wiki it is greyish-pale yellow or a light greyish-yellowish brown). I personally would go for dainty verging to being almost invisible but you know it's there; it's different; it changed the outfit. 

Zoe Chicco's baguette ring She has perfected the everyday concept of versatile and classic pieces. The dainty horizontal baguette ring is something you could put on...and leave on.

Holly Ryan's earrings Mix and match with these triangle + star studs to give this outfit added playfulness and contemporary twist.

Mirlo's necklace Because of the deep neckline the lariat necklace creates an enticing dip into the bust-line and accentuates the necklace. Mirlo's an up and coming jewellery brand check them out.

ASOS sandals I just adore these sandals! Very chic and elegant with a hint of boldness.

Zoe Chicco's cuff Adds a contrasting glamour to the outfit, a little bit of sparkle doesn't do much harm at all.

Any jewellery designers you recommend that would complement this outfit? Get in touch x




Rock It! Jenny Sweetnam's Sleek Mountain and Cloud 'Knuckleduster' Rings

Wednesday, 28 August 2013


8. The rings reminds me of one of those childhood toys where you have to try and find the correct hole to fit the shape in. But this is just part of Jenny's playful packaging for her insanely geo-gorgeous and ultra modern three finger ring, or otherwise known as a knuckleduster that doesn't cause too much damage (to your wallet that is). 

Made from 22ct gold plated brass and sterling silver, the rings are bold statements on its own and would certainly make any outfit a knockout addition.

Rings by: Jenny Sweetnam







The Mesmerising Figure of Dreams

Friday, 23 August 2013

Relax Ring
Rarely do I stumble across a ring that has struck me like a lightning bolt and completely stunning me with a sense of awe and wonder, resulting me to being enticed back to the collection time and time again. This was one seldom occurrence when I unexpectedly came across a ring that featured a naked woman in a bathtub. What initially drew me in is not by the simple fact it is actually a ring of a naked women in a bathtub, but the enticing and seductive nature of the woman fully submerged in water therefore showcasing her ample figure with her head thrown back in a seemingly relaxed state. The whole image depicts a sensual woman in her own little world yet although her body is at ease her mind seems a million miles away. 

After coming across this ring I immediately researched on this miniature sculptural artist and visual storyteller. I expected more surprise in store.

Relax Ring



Stone Master

Turkish designer Selda Okutan has a signature style that has made her work easily identifiable and relatable; tiny human figures in various states and motions. In her collection you could see them climbing, building, perching or relaxing. On others you could perceive their emotions, expression, thoughts and telling posture in the human body. Selda is inspired by the human form and their subconscious movements and emotions. If you heard of the term 'people watching' and it applies to you then you will know exactly what she is attempting to convey. As individuals we vary from one another in terms of appearances, personalities, mentality, styles and tastes; we find our fellow individuals avidly interesting and mysterious. As humans we are an art form subjected to a stranger's gaze.   
Sweet Heart Frame Ring
Like a Diamond

The visual narratives of her designs allows the wearer to form their own distinctive story. I'll be delighted if the ring was picked out because they can relate to it, that's the spirit and whimsical nature of her designs. The sentimental factor allows the ring, as well as the story, to live on. It is enticingly collectible and each and every piece has appealing intricacy, quality craftsmanship and intriguing intimacy. It'll be such a shame to store the ring in a ring box when they can be displayed openly. It is wearable art sculpture after all.    

Her rings are rather dream-like whilst mildly nightmare-ish due to the darker undertone; gothic romanticism comes to mind. If you look closer at the tiny human figures their expressions depicts subjective fear and forlornness; I could speculate it is a inconclusive representation of our current state in society where isolation and powerlessness are a padlock from freedom. However freedom comes with the tiny figures in the state of undress. It's peculiar how since the beginning of mankind it is part of everyday normality yet in this current society it is a criminal offence to expose yourself in public spaces. That's unconscious influences in modern society for you.
Of Mice and Men
A Drop of Tear Ring
Wake Up Ring
Stone Ring

It is not my intention to showcase majority of her ingenious collections. I tend to focus on a particular theme or a piece from a collection that stood out more than others. However her work is just too good to go amiss. So if you're still intrigued then please do visit her website and Etsy shop as there are fabulous rings to awe and shock you. 

What's my favourite? You wouldn't believe how difficult it was as they wildly differ from one another. But the designs I've repeatedly gone back to the most are the Drop of Tear Ring and Like Diamond Ring. They completely won me over due to their modern simplicity and raw originality. In my whirling thoughts they are an antagonist to an engagement ring; a rebellion to the mass produced and identikit aspect of tradition and abject conformity to trends. Would you want to wear a ring where the diamond crown is facing upside down and a diamond that is not actually a diamond? 

There's a thought.

Please visit her website www.seldaokutan.com
  
Diamond Addiction
Love in Rose Garden

Fantastic Love Ring

Que 'est-ce que c'est
Istanbul Ring

Prisoners of Love

For the Love Volume II
Heart Ring
Like Diamond Ring



Rock It! Katie Rowland's 'Elegance with an Edge' Ishtar Cuff

Monday, 19 August 2013

 

7. 'Elegance with an edge' is the perfect statement of Katie Rowland's visually stunning and exquisite cuff from the Ishtar collection. Ideally worn just above the wrist, this cuff is empowering and visionary; it would certainly add an extra dimension to any form of attire. The name Ishtar derived from the mythological goddess of love and war; playing upon the strength of modern femininity and femme fatale seductiveness...I mean who wouldn't want to wear a piece of that on their arm? 

Made in sterling silver with 18ct rose gold vermeil. Also available in 18ct yellow gold vermeil and sterling silver.

Cuff by: Katie Rowland

Rock It! Fang Out with Elin Hammarstrom's Echoes Ada Silver Ring

Friday, 16 August 2013


7. I've been a huge admirer of Elin Hammarstrom's ECHOES range for a short while now. Its elegant simplicity with a hint of modern edge twist is an unusual combination I simply have all the time for. This gorgeous ADA ring in sterling silver is inspired by the characteristics of a Scandinavian landscape and culture and I adore how there is a touch of nostalgia behind the design; making it more personal and more in touch with her background. 

The ADA ring has a sense of intrigue and an unspoken narrative; it will definitely get people talking.

Photo 1-2: www.etsy.com 
Ring by: Elin Hammarstrom




The Geometric Perspective In Jewellery

Tuesday, 13 August 2013

1. Gonzalo Palma
Geometry, formulation and coordination are words not commonly associated with jewellery. The moment we utter the term 'bling' we gear our subconscious thoughts towards a heavy set chain and cluster of diamonds. But with geometry? We presumably associate the term with academic curriculum of math and science. However, the geometric trend within the jewellery industry and indeed fashion has never been so influential and powerful with jewellery designers continually experimenting and forever questioning the mathematical attributes in jewellery. The combination of math, art and jewellery is a delightful concoction that will continue to inspire, delight and most importantly, break down barriers and create new ideology.

One designer that touches upon geometry is Peruvian jewellery designer Gonzalo Palma whose inspiration comes from architectural and furniture design of the 1930s and 1950s. His sharpe, sleek and minimalist jewellery cleverly plays tricks with optical illusions that is achieved with careful consideration of shape, weight, texture, shadow and light. He took particular consideration of the wearer and the importance of creating a narrative behind his work: 

"These pieces are designed technically and customer must feel that there is a mind behind the reason and that translates all this into a gem."

His work subtly implies mystery and timelessness with daring elegance. Although his pieces are ideally worn, it would certainly not look out of place on a plinth in a contemporary art gallery. His designs are to be admired but thankfully without the 'do not touch' sign. 

2. Gonzalo Palma

3. Sarah Loertscher

 4. Sarah Loertscher


Washington based jewellery designer/artist Sarah Loertscher's inspiration and structural technique comes from her childhood exposure to vast expansive skies and industrial environment. Her appreciation for clean, minimal and organic forms are clearly reflected upon her designs. Although her geometric shapes seem purposely chaotic and free, it is carefully constructed with every lines and angles intricately analysed and configured: 

"My work is an exploration of these structural forms - building up a single line or shape into a dense mass, or distilling forms into their skeletal supports. All of my work revolves around crystalline growth: I am fascinated with the way that something made purely of hard edges and angles can grow as organically as a flower. I mimic crystalline formations in my jewelry, constructing simple wire forms into hard-edged, slightly chaotic structures."


5. Seth Papac

University of Washington jewelry and Metalsmithing alumini Seth Papac exquisite jewellery and sculptural design has been exhibited all over Europe as well as the United States. His work has a deeply personal biographical theme; he uses the material, process, colour and form to reflect upon his experience with fellow human beings and his surrounding environment. Like most jewellery designers/artists, he uses the human form as a template for his art:

 "My interest in jewelry as a medium of art is its site – the body. Much like the function of architecture to house, display and protect paintings and sculpture, the body acts as literal, metaphorical and conceptual structure for jewelry. Placed on this site jewelry acts as a personal signifier of taste, attitude, belief and history."
  
6. Emma Macleod Jewellery

Scottish contemporary jewellery designer Emma Macleod's jewellery collection instantly reminded me of the complexity of oil rigs where she finds her niche and inspiration. She uses the immense structure to completely strip it down to achieve a much cleaner and finer lines in her jewellery range. I also like how it could possibly depict a simplified version of a faceted diamond. The use of oil rigs shows that our mundane surroundings can be a source for inspiration and to be appreciative of various forms of nature as well as man-made structures: 

"I would describe my work as contemporary small scale structures for the body. I source my inspiration from strong architectural structures and landmarks. My degree show collection "Dundee Rigged" was inspired by the locally docked rigs’ legs. I was able to get some great pictures of the rig legs and work from them and visit the docks frequently for reference."
7. Emma Macleod Jewellery
8. Ute Decker
9. Ute Decker

 German-born jewellery/artist Ute Decker's stunning spatial collection is an exploration of space, beauty and ethics with her preferred material of recycled silver, bio-resin and fair-trade gold. Her journalistic and economical background came into fruition as it influences her ideology and context relating to society and our surrounding environment. Her underlying dismissal of conspicuous beauty and perfection is applied with her deliberate application of visible marks when forming, soldering and bending the pieces to depict our human characteristic flaws and exterior imperfections. Additionally it highlights the media obsession with the perfect human form and the lack of focus on human achievements, intelligence and personality. 

"It is important to me that the beauty of my pieces is not only on the outside but is an integral part; from the mindful choice of the materials’ provenance through to the careful hand-crafting of each individual piece.

Beauty as a material version of ‘goodness’ can remind us about the qualities to which it alludes, such as love, trust, intelligence, creativity, kindness, justice and courage. By having such works around us, we can be subtly reminded of the constituents of virtue."

10. Mariko Sumioka

Cockpits Art resident jewellery designer Mariko Sumioka work is inspired by Japanese architecture, old traditions and the spirit of Zen. She explores the concept and narrative of jewellery and encourage individuals to find their own connection and story whilst wearing her jewellery piece. The perfect structure of a japanese-inspired housing layout adorning the hand is an instrumental symbol of possession, personal comforts and cleanliness.

"I am inspired by Japanese unique architectural characteristics:
natural materials and colours, dark and bright contrasts, linear forms, geometric shapes and spaces. Since human beings live in architecture, there are some reasons in each element. I have researched theoretically and visually into those handed down traditions and tried to bring them into my pieces of jewellery.
My work explores a connection with human bodies and how the wearer and viewer interact with each other, themselves and the objects. Also, studying the principle of Zen and the essence of the Japanese love of nature helps me to understand peoples attitude behind their culture."
11. Hanna Sandin

Hanna Sandin's beginnings as a sculpture gradually evolved into wearable jewellery pieces that concentrate on elemental lines and simplified shapes. She trades under the name Samma which means 'same' in her country of origin Sweden. The name derives from the repetitive nature of geometry and her obsession with organic forms:      

 "I'm fascinated by perfect shapes, like a triangle, that can be idiosyncratic and almost weird-looking when repeated." 

Hanna's work has various means of symbolism; it could possibly question individuals excessive needs of opulent lifestyle and accessible luxury in their lives; creating a false sense of identity and temporary happiness. By delving into our humble beginnings, simplier and finer objects can be a source of personal gain and not a source of what we are missing.   

  12. Hanna Sandin
13. Ariane Ernst Jewellery

German jewellery designer Ariane Ernst inspiration comes from current fashion trends and art movements of minimalism and deconstructivism. She uses flashes of colours and boldness whilst maintaining her focus in proportions and fine organic lines. Her work has a sense of purpose; to demystify jewellery from only being viewed as a piece of accessory; but a form of expression of the individual's character and personality. 

 "Each piece is based upon a broad conventional style. In particular she puts her focus on proportionalities and the joint lines of each single link. In this process classical forms of jewelry collide with the latest trends of fashion – colours, stylishness and her classical education influences her jewelry design."

Her promotional images of the collection depicts strength, spontaneity and adventure; it could possibly describe the wearer than the jewellery itself, or a combination of both.

The collison of geometry, art and jewellery are an addictive mix and never to be concluded. We hope.  
   

  14. Ariane Ernst
15. Ariane Ernst

Photo 1 & 2: design-milk and wikinoticia.com


Photo 3 & 4: design-milk  

Photo 5: Pinterest
Quote: siennagallery.com  


Photo 8 & 9: Pinterest and facebook.com/cockpitarts


Photo 11 & 12: Pinterest 
sammasamma.com 
Quote: elle.com

     fotography © nevs lue

Rock It! The Immortalisation of a Swan: Origami Jewellery

Wednesday, 7 August 2013


5. Let's be frank, we've all tried to master the traditional art of Japanese paper folding with either sterling success or abject failure. This evolving modern art form has now been intricately immortalised in gold and silver jewellery by Paris duo Claire and Arnaud, founded in 2008. The animal origami evokes my childhood memories of early creativity, siblings competitiveness and endless frustration when the animal origami doesn't resemble as such.

These are worn with a sense of childhood glee and possibly encourage me to grab the nearest bit of paper and get the creative juices flowing again.

Photo 1-8 Origami Jewellery  
Photo 9 Boticca 
Necklaces by: Origami Jewellery








 

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