I haven't posted much in a few weeks because I've been preoccupied working, taking investing classes, preparing for the summer sabbatical to Alaska, and working on my new jewelry collection. What originally happened was that I had a bracelet that I absolutely adored and had purchased at Anthropologie three years ago on clearance, but hated how bulky/heavy/loud it was to wear. After looking at it in my jewelry box for a couple years, I finally decided to repurpose the beads and learn how to make earrings so that I could re-use the beads since I loved them so much. Subsequently, I was so pleased with the first pair that I got hooked scouring the internet and local bead shops for beautiful vintage beads to craft some new baubles for myself. As a biproduct, I will have some extra lovelies to sell!
Some of the pieces were inspired by Chinese lanterns and a little vintage/sultriness.
Inspiration image by Handiedan:
My new jewelry collection is called Le Petite Savant. If you aren't cultured (haha) and familiar with the word savant, it's from the French word savoir meaning "to know" which means "a person of profound or extensive learning; learned scholar. A man of great learning; sage " Or Le Petite Savant in French can mean "The Little Scientist." As a designer, I was trying to capture a collection that is elegant and sophisticated while exploring culture (in this case with a little Asian culture interjected with the hand-painted Chinese cloisonne and cinnabar beads.) The ribbed metal beads I used are vintage beads that I purchased from a bead collector/jewelry designer who purchased them between the 1950s and 1980s and used them in her jewelry collection that she sold to the Smithsonian. They have all developed a beautiful patina which I think adds character to the pieces which can't be bought in stores with pieces directly off the shelf.
I'm still working on the branding for the website but here is a little sample for your enjoyment:
Le Petite Sevante Collection
More pics after the jump!
