A Selection of Modern & Handmade Statement Jewelry Just in Time for Valentines Day by Sherry Insley
It’s February already. That means love is in the air come the 14th. Instead of the usual roses, chocolates and Hallmark cards, why not step outside the expected gifts and go rogue with some one-of-a-kind jewelry?
Skip the mall and chain store jewelry, and support artists and small galleries. In fact the majority of the artists featured below can be found right here in Charm City, at The Baltimore Jewelry Center’s Metal Shop. Don’t ever wear (or give!) boring jewelry!!
Need some luck in love? Perhaps a charm from Baltimore based Erica Bello Jewelry will draw cupid’s arrow. Each pendant is hand fabricated in oxidized sterling silver to create a strong hollow form that is influenced by traditional good luck charms. $155 each, sterling chain sold separately.
For the Minimalist: Structural and modern in design, Sarah West’s steel and gold designs are inspired by architecture and maps. The Crystalline Construction series comes in several sizes to suit anyone’s personal style. From $140.
For your Sweet Heart, Nikki Couppee’s “NeoGem Heart Drops.” Hailing from Oakland California, Nikki Coupee crafts her own “gems” out of non-traditional materials- plastics, resins, and other non-precious objects. These one of a kind earrings are created from plexiglass, brass and sterling silver. Find these earrings and more of Couppee’s collection at Mora Jewelry in Asheville, NC. $360.
For the Feminist in your life- Margaux Lange’s “Smile” necklace. Created from salvaged Barbie doll parts, resin and sterling silver, this one of a kind piece will surely turn heads. Part of Lange’s “Plastic Body Series,” this piece examines the artist’s and pop culture’s relationship with Barbie dolls and femininity. $1,800.00.
To spice up your love life- Jera Lodge’s Asymmetrical Necklace in hot pink. Hand formed mild steel with hand fabricated sterling silver chain and findings. Lodge finishes and seals the steel with different spray paint and lacquer techniques for a unique patina. $230.
Thinking of putting a ring on it? Lauren Wolf strives to keep things raw and interesting, by sourcing ethically-mined, rare diamonds to place in her unique settings. No two rings are alike. All of Lauren’s work is designed and produced in Oakland, CA. 18k white gold with salt and pepper diamonds. $2,500.00
Asheville NC artist Laura Wood’s work is perfect for the romantically inclined soul. The line work and use of negative space is reminiscent of frilly lace or delicate textiles. Wood states that her jewelry activates “pleasure and enjoyment through wearing.” Signature Double Lace Earring, $198.00.
Tara Locklear’s “Gem Hoops” are crafted from recycled broken skateboards and sterling silver components. The colorful graphics and “street patina” inform how Locklear carves her gems, and tells the history of skateboard. Modern statement jewelry for the urban fashionista. From $125.00.
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