Sea salt for jewelry-making? Why not.

Using household items like vinegar, lemon, sea salt, and water to handcraft jewelry is nothing new. To make unique pieces, it’s enough to use some imagination… and have a basic knowledge of jewelry-making. These “riflessi blu” earrings – inspired by reflections on the water surface -  are handmade using several products that I found in my house. The process takes two to three days, but it’s worth the wait. What do you think?

Riflessi blu earrings handcrafted in Maddalena Bearzi’s studio, Los Angeles, California, using different techniques and a patina made with household items

Eye-catching jewelry for Spring & Summer

Something handcrafted and unexpected: That’s what we need to wear this Spring and Summer! The new handmade riflessi blu collection is just that. Inspired by reflections on the ocean's surface, these fresh and colorful pieces are a breath of fresh air. Browse this limited-edition collection in our online shop! 

This handmade riflessi blu cuff is from the new Maddalena Bearzi collection inspired by reflections on the water’s surface.

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.

And Just Like That... My earrings are on set!

Here is something you can’t miss! Watch talented actress (and director) Cynthia Nixon wearing my “muschio” earrings on the set of the new HBO series ” And Just Like That” (season 1, episode 7). 

The design of these organic-looking pieces, handcrafted in my Los Angeles studio, is inspired by green clumps of moss.

Curious to see these earrings up-close and personal? Just check here.

Talented actress Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) wears Maddalena Bearzi “muschio” earrings on the set of “And Just Like That…”, the new HBO series.

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