I realize that the term art to wear is a smidge overused—after all, what is all jewelry if not some form of art? But the phrase becomes more evident in certain creations: One-of-a-kind designs, interpretive shapes, literal works of art turned into wearable pieces. Having spent the last few weeks in London and Paris, you would think I’d be artworked out, but quite the contrary. I suppose I’m on a roll, in search of designs the likes of which you’d find in a museum.
These styles answer the artisan movement, too: a call against mass-produced goods, the demand for fewer, higher quality things. Many customers want to know where their goods are coming from, and if possible, who is creating them. Many retail stores are doing a pretty good job of responding to the movement, with new ones popping up all the time. But jewelry designers are lucky—they’ve been doing it for years. Here are some of my most recent favorites.
Body Snatchers necklace in brass, copper, sterling silver, and rubber, with black and champagne CZ, $320; Alusitz
Sir Walter antique portrait pendant in silver, $1,600; Anabel Higgins
Ring, price on request; Atelier Zobel
Cocoon brooch in 18k yellow, pink, and red gold and sterling silver, $8,500; Baiyang Qiu (Also at top)
Leaves earrings in sterling silver, price on request; Coline Assade
Hommage à Hundertwasser Helena watch in 24k gold plate and enamel, price on request; Freywille
Blue Cloud brooch in 18k, 22k, and 24k yellow gold and oxidized silver with azurite, $3,900; So Young Park
Twig cuff bracelet in 18k and 22k gold and oxidized silver with labradorite, tourmaline, spessartite, sillimanite, andalusite, Mali garnet, and tourmaline, $4,000; Sydney Lynch
Crescence bracelet in sterling silver and 18k yellow gold with sapphire, $760; TK Metal Arts
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