A conversation with Voyage LA

I was recently interviewed by Voyage LA magazine about my jewelry work and where my inspiration comes from. Here is an exert from the interview.

We all face challenges, but looking back at your jewelry business would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say smooth… I run most aspects of my eponymous jewelry company; I also work at Ocean Conservation Society and I have a new book coming out soon. Somehow, though, things seem to work out OK.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I love about jewelry-making is the entire process. I observe something in nature, both on land or out on the ocean, I draw a sketch, and then I go back to my jewelry workshop with the desire to start a new piece inspired by what I’ve just seen outside. It can be anything: a diving whale, a falling leaf, a rock formation, a plant, a burned branch, the grass of a neighbor! Nature, for me, is an endless source of inspiration. In my workshop, I use a variety of tools and materials to handcraft my pieces. I like to adopt innovative techniques and I am not afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes, at times, produce the most original pieces!

I am mostly known for the originality of my handmade, organic-looking jewelry inspired by nature. And I am proud of donating part of the revenue from my jewelry business to good environmental causes that need support.

I believe that what sets me apart from others is my background as a field biologist; my work as a scientist highly influences my work at the jewelry bench.

Any big plans?
Regarding my jewelry business, I am planning to launch a new collection inspired by nature in Spring 2022. As always, I will donate part of the revenue to a good cause for the protection of the environment. As an author and a marine biologist, I will continue to work for the conservation of whales, dolphins, and the oceans, with the hope that others can be more involved in saving the only planet we have.

Read the entire interview here.

These handmade rings/bands are inspired by recent wildfires

This jewelry is a reminder of humanity’s impact on nature

The theme of this new, handmade and unique “Incendio” collection reflects the severe and uncontrolled wildfires and their devastating impact on our ecosystem. This flame-inspired jewelry is a reminder of how climate change is fueling fires in the West and a reminder that we are destroying the only planet we have.

And there is more! Ten percent of sales from the “Incendio” jewelry will be donated to the California Wildfire Relief Fund.

Sharon wears “terra bruciata” cuff and “intreccio di rami” necklace from the “Incendio” jewelry collection, the one of a kind “serpe nera arrotolata” ring, and her own Lotte.99 shirt

Spoon or nature-inspired bracelet?

I love to work with reclaimed metals to create jewelry inspired by my work as a biologist.
Silver, gold, bronze, brass or copper can be all be recycled and turned into interesting jewelry pieces. All you need is your imagination… and knowing some jewelry-making techniques! Here is a vintage silver spoon that I cut, filed, pressed, forged, and oxidized into an open bracelet. As a final touch, I added silver balls in the center. The Italian name of this bracelet is “nido di rondine” (robin’s nest).

An old silver spoon is handcrafted in an elegant and one of a kind bracelet

What's a patina finish on jewelry?

I get asked this question many times, so here is my response. Patina is basically a film that develops on the surface of metal over a certain period of time. Due to exposure to open air (and the natural process of oxidation), an aged metal like copper and silver tends to develop a “patina”. A natural patina can take from days to even years to occur but a jeweler can speed up the process by making (or buying) an “artificial” patina. One of the most commonly used patinas on the market for jewelry-making is the liver of sulfur.

This one of a kind and organic-looking silver ring from the “Costellazione” limited-edition collection has been created by the designer using two different kind of hand-made patinas. The final result is totally unique!

This “double-finger”, handcrafted ring makes a statement with its unique patina finish

Dark patina for an edgy ring

Inspired by a wreck found in the abyss, this one of a kind ring finished with balls of solid gold makes a statement on anyone’s hand. The dark patina is what adds that edgy touch to the piece. I often use black or green patina to finish my jewelry pieces. The patina tends to highlight some of the work that I have done on the metal. A black patina always looks great on hammered silver and creates a great contrast with gold!

Relitto striato nero is an one of a kind ring handcrafted by the Italian jewelry designer

Build the look 101

Here are a few jewelry tips to look unique, fearless, elegant and stylish.

First, tell a story. What your necklace, bracelets and earrings say about you? What's your personal story? Second, think outside the (jewelry) box. Carefully, find pieces that are different and handcrafted. Third, don't be afraid to layer and stack... but be tasteful about. Forth, mix and match fine jewelry with non-precious metal and textile pieces to create texture (again, be graceful when you do so). 

Powerful, down to Earth and handmade jewelry for a totally unique look on Jorden