Necklace or hat band? That's the question

I love to make versatile jewelry and this bacone da seta hat band / necklace is just that. Inspired by a silkworm ("baco da seta" in the language of the designer) this piece is unique, handmade, organic-looking, and unisex, all at once. You can wear it as a one-of-a-kind hat band (and yes, it fits any hat!), as a long or short necklace, and even as a wrapped bracelet. The bacone is handcrafted in soft organic cotton with hand-stitched Japanese cotton thread and finished with brass. And of course, it’s available in selected shops and in our online store here!
In the images, Sharon wears her own shirt and skirts from Lotte.99

Everyday materials for jewelry-making

One of the things that I like the most about jewelry-making is to create pieces that are totally original and one of a kind. I often oxidize silver, bronze, and copper and add patinas to produce exclusive pairs of earrings, rings, cuffs, or necklaces. I also use everyday household materials like sea salt and fine salt, eggs, water, vinegar, etc. to change colors and/or add texture to a specific piece. The result? Pieces that are always different from each other (and fun to make!)

Model Frances wear necklace and earrings from the costellazione collection. These jewels are made by hand using different techniques, including oxidation.

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

5 tips for storing your jewelry

Do you ever wonder about the best way to keep your jewelry shiny and ready to use? Here are five simple tips:

1. keep jewelry in a drawer/box and in individual bags/tissues to prevent oxidation and scratches
2. keep pieces bone dry with a desiccant packet
3. do not store jewelry in the bathroom, as moisture negatively affects it over time
4. fasten your necklaces/bracelets when storing to prevent them from getting tangled or knotted
5. you can leave some of your regular pieces out (they won't oxidize if you wear them daily)
Our new handcrafted jewelry dish is perfect to have your rings ready-to-go, and in full view!

Do you like to learn more about storing and take care of your jewelry? Read here

This signature dish is handcrafted in brass and silver and available in our online shop

A statement necklace for 2021

Finally, it’s 2021. Do you like to start the new year with something totally unique around your neck? If yes, here is the perfect piece of jewelry for you. In the mind of the designer, this handmade pendant represents a large leaf of a ficus plant. This “foglia di ficus autunnale” is a one-of-a-kind pendant that makes a statement for its large dimensions and its distinctive Autumn tones. And it’s available in our online shop!

this original handcrafted pendant / necklace is made in silver and copper