Welcome to the April issue of Inspired by Design, a monthly email from the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group highlighting the new work from some of our members.
Today the CJDG launches a new website!
The new magazine format of the site will keep you abreast of our corner of the designer jewelry world, and it will introduce you to some incredibly dedicated designers and their off-hours adventures, like Aaron Furlong of Aaron Henry Designs who is training for the Ironman competition. We'll talk with store owners who focus on designer jewelry -- our first interview is with Ellen Hertz of Max's in Minneapolis. We'll delve into the processes of award-winning innovators like Pamela Froman who is busily inventing her own metal alloy colors and we'll keep an entertained eye on the Trends, with a capital T. We'll tell you which designers are writing blogs and where some of their inspiration comes from. Vicente Agor shares a wonderful story of inspiration behind his Seven-Eighths ring.
All in all, this is a new designer jewelry website with a new focus. We're looking forward to hearing your feedback.
Take a look at the eight designers in this month's Inspired by Design. You can contact each of the designers directly for more information about their work.
We hope you enjoy Inspired by Design. Send it on to a friend if you do.
Regards,
Mark Schneider
President, Contemporary Jewelry Design Group |
Alexis Barbeau: Deep Sea Enchantment |
14K yellow and white gold,
Diamonds VS2 G-H (.75 ctw.)
|
Living in South Florida, moonlighting as a scuba instructor, Alexis Barbeau has traveled extensively through South Asia and the Mediterranean for many years absorbing influences from distant lands and ancient cultures. The delight of bringing each piece to life is Alexis' tribute to the beauty of nature. This striking band brings the infinite power, depth and beauty of the ocean to any wedding ceremony and beyond. For Further Information, contact:
Alexis Barbeau
http://www.seametal.com
alexisbarbeau1@bellsouth.net
(954)422-9559
| |
Amali: Soft Couture Drape
|
Flourite draped with 18K gold chain |
Drawing inspiration from the natural landscapes and vibrant textiles that color her travels, Sara Freedenfeld's designs offer a fabric-like sensibility. In this piece, delicate gold threads dress the stone as a couture gown might softly drape a woman's shoulder. For further information, contact:
Sara Freedenfeld
http://www.amalijewelry.com
sara@amalijewelry.com
(781) 789-8976
|
Diana Widman: Spring into Color
|
Left: Peridot (~5 cts.)with magenta sapphires, colored and white diamonds,
18K gold
Right: Beryl (~4.3 cts.) with colored and white diamonds, 18K gold
|
Diana Widman sometimes buys gemstones just because they are beautiful examples of the "right" color for the species. The peridot on the left is a rich, bright, grassy spring green. The same is true of the beryl, a pure yellow, like the spring sun. Cut by the award-winning lapidary artist Larry Woods, they create a travelogue of fresh spring colors. For Further Information, contact:
Diana Widman
http://www.widmandesign.com
diana@widmandesign.com
(847 235-1686
|
GJ Designs: Sparkling Dew on Spring Leaf
|
18 Kt. yellow gold enhancer featuring a carved bi-color drusy quartz leaf and seventy-five round diamonds, pave set (1.13 ctw.)
|
Glen J. Englebrecht confesses to being a gemaholic. He loves gemstones and must feel a connection with each stone he purchases. When he was shown this very special carved drusy, he knew it would be the core of a new collection. The winner of numerous Spectrum Awards, Glen let the drusy speak to him and direct the flow of the "frame" in which it would be immortalized. For Further Information, contact:
Glen J. Englebrecht
glene300@aol.com
(941) 951-6658
|
Jessica Fields: Stackable Engagement Style
|
18k Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds
(~ .20cts G/H, VS diamonds)
|
Jessica Fields' has expanded her line of Modern Heirloom rings, combining classic, timeless style with contemporary patterns and designs. Her highly-detailed 18k rose gold and diamond Beady Ring, inspired by Byzantine and Indian design, is both a unique commitment ring and a fantastic stackable band. For Further Information, contact:
Jessica Fields
http://www.jessicafields.com
jessica@jessicafields.com
(212) 380-1092
|
Manya & Roumen: A Whimsical Nibble of Gold
|
18k yellow gold with onyx and pearl
|
The husband and wife team of Manya Tessler and Roumen Vragov, design tiny treasures that celebrate nature in all its forms. Their newest design is entitled "In our Kitchen", inspired by a little mouse who lived under their fridge. Manya & Roumen named the little mouse Peter and enjoyed watching him nibble on tidbits. Manya carved a life-size replica in wax of the little mouse and cast it in gold. For Further Information, contact:
Manya Tessler & Roumen Vragov
www.MANYAandROUMEN.cominfo@MANYAandROUMEN.com(703)623-4040
|
Megan Thorne: Vintage Fabric Inspiration |
Damask Fan Earrings in 18k yellow gold
|
After studying apparel design and working in the fashion
industry, Megan Thorne left fabric behind for a new medium, metal, and found her true passion in jewelry design. She finds inspiration for her jewelry in vintage fabrics, architecture and mythology. "I take something like the edging of a piece of lace where a garland pattern might be integrated into the netting and I try to capture it in my jewelry designs." Her Damask Fan earrings are an example of that fusion between fabric and metal, old and new, refined and organic.
(817) 731-4374
|
Ronna Lugosch: Peapod Jewelry Grows |
14k Gold with black freshwater pearls.
|
For ten years, award winning designer Ronna Lugosch has been creating a collection called Peapod Jewelry that is fun, meaningful and elegant. The grace and beauty of the peapod, interpreted in Ronna's unique sculptural style, combines the peapod with popular themes, such as this Peapod Dragonfly. The Peapod collection is available in gold and silver with pearls and other semi-precious gemstones. Previously found only at Ronna's gallery in Round Pond, Maine or on her website, these whimsical designs are now available to select stores nationwide
| |
The Contemporary Jewelry Design Group is a national association of professional jewelry designers dedicated to creative jewelry design and committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethics in business and in design. |
The Contemporary Jewelry Design Group
Mark Schneider, President
Marylouise Lugosch, Executive Director
Pam Ford, Vice President
Jeanne Johngren, Secretary
The Contemporary Design Group has changed its name. We are now the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group. We have a new domain name along with a new website. Please visit our website to see work from all of our member designers.
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsors
Products, Service, Know-how
Sharing Your Passion for Making Jewelry
|
The Authority in Color
|
|
