As artists, jewelry designers are inspired in different ways. Some create to echo iconic eras of the past, like Art Deco or Art Nouveau. Some provide their own perspective on famous works of art in galleries and museums. But some have a keen eye for taking a part of their ordinary, everyday life, and turning it into something exquisite.
Erik Stewart is one of these artists. His award-winning cuff, Transit, was inspired by New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. The palladium and 18k gold bracelet has stainless steel cables that imitate the bridge’s iconic cabling, and is set with amethyst, citrine, peridot, pink tourmaline, rainbow moonstone and blue topaz. According to Stewart, the bracelet took two months of planning and two weeks of working night and day to create the intricate cables, which, aside from their beauty, are also functional and can be played like a guitar!
Cuff bracelet image courtesy of Erik Stewart, GIA GG
Take a close look at this 1933 Cartier diamond baguette bracelet. It’s easy to imagine the similarities between the linear design of this bracelet and the French cobblestone streets from the early 20th century. Perhaps the jeweler was inspired by what he found right beneath his feet during his daily walk to work.
Bracelet image courtesy of Neil Lane, Inc., Beverly Hills, California.
The name of this unique brooch, 36,000 Ft. Above Flaming Gorge, is a clue to the inspiration behind its design. Richard Kimball saw the 91-mile stretch of water that cuts through Wyoming and Utah from an airplane, and brought it to life in gold, palladium, diamond and opal.
Brooch image courtesy of Richard K. Kimball.
Inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places and objects. Take a fresh look at some of the more mundane things in your life. Can you imagine how they could appear in jewelry?
Main image of orange spessartine garnet ring courtesy of Nancy’s Collection
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