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Etsy Trends We Love: Shapely Jewelry
March 9, 2014 by Heather Apodaca Leave a Comment
Today, we talk with three jewelers (from three different continents!) whose work takes inspiration from the clean lines and simple forms of geometry. Now if you're like me, the word "geometry" makes you cringe at the thought of having to memorize the Pythagorean theorem back in the seventh grade. But these artists have found ways to rearrange the simple shapes of elementary math in an endless series of combinations, and, ultimately, transform them into works of art.
Shlomit Ofir of Shlomit Ofir Jewelry Design
A trip to an exhibition at a design academy in Jerusalem when Shlomit was eleven sparked a love of design. After earning a degree in industrial design, she started tinkering with jewelry. Like many jewelers, her business started out as a hobby in her living room, which it soon outgrew. The business continued to grow, and grow, and grow. Today she has her own studio space and three brick-and-mortar shops in Israel, as well as her Etsy shop.
Shlomit at one of her shops in Israel.
The inspiration for her work comes from the ordinary things that surround her.
"I am inspired mostly by everyday things around me and try to capture the beauty in them," she says. "Leaves on a tree, flowers and birds or even the urban scenery of the city I live in (Tel Aviv) are reflected in my creations. These help me in situations in which I feel "stuck"."
Her latest collection, called Northern Lights, draws inspiration from Scandinavian design, with clean lines and unconventional materials such as formica and wood veneer combined to create bold geometric designs that still manage to be delicate.
Lizbet earrings using formica by Shlomit Ofir
Shlomit sells her Lizbet earrings and necklaces in a variety of color combinations.
Shlomit's work makes beautiful use of alternative materials. Formica—yes that stuff that covers kitchen counters—is her newest favorite material.
"At the early stage of my Industrial Design studies I fell in love with the qualities of Formica (made of thin layers of veneer and paper that are strongly pressured together using resins)," she says. "My Formica series has been a bestseller since I first launched it, and since then I have incorporated it in additional collections. It's become a trademark of my design."
The Greenland Necklace by Shlomit Ofir incorporates Formica
Shlomit Ofir's Vera Kite earrings
Shlomit's Vera Kite earrings incorporate thread and were inspired by travels in South America and Mexico.
Laura Geupin of SharpCloud
Laura, who lives and works in Sydney, Australia, draws inspiration for her laser-cut jewelry from a background in architecture, which gave her an appreciation for form, and sculpture, and which helped her discover the joy of making things.
Laura Geupin's Geometric Laser-Cut Necklace
"The project of making jewelry was building up in my head, and I started making some pieces for my friends who convinced me to continue," she says. "It is really combining my love for designing with my new passion for fabricating objects."
Powerful lines, minimalist forms, and bold designs define Laura's jewelry. Much of her work is made using a laser cutter she works with during her day job as an architect.
"Architecture is at the core of my design aesthetic, as I get inspired by building shapes and details," she says. "I also look a lot into graphic design, fashion, and art. Anything can be a source of inspiration."
Geometric Aluminum Statement Necklace by Laura Guepin
Laura's favorite material to work with? Wood. "I love the softness of wood combined with the hard lines given by using the laser cutter," she says. "I also love metals because they offer an infinite range of possibilities and are really timeless. Coupled with strong geometric shapes they make powerful pieces."
Swarovski® Crystals and Aluminum Necklace
Jess Jones of FawnAndRose
Jess works out of a studio in Brighton, England and got started designing and making jewelry when she became frustrated while shopping for a necklace. She just couldn't find anything she liked. And so she decided to create her own.
"I'm a fan of simple designs," she says. "And I wanted something that was affordable but also of good quality. I then put a few pieces for sale online and luckily they sold. It just sort of grew from there."
Jess's studio space in London
Jess' design aesthetic has evolved from a love for the simplicity of geometric designs and the unique, organic feel of wood. And while she tries to pay attention to fashion and trends when she designs, she is ultimately guided by her own sense of style.
"I like to stay in touch with fashion whilst also sticking to my brand identity," she says.
Geometric brass necklace by Jess Jones
Her use of geometry and color lead to endless combinations and riffs on the same motif. "I love the simplicity of geometric designs," she says. "There is something very satisfying about them."
We wholeheartedly agree and hope this trend is here to stay … at least for a while.
Jess Jones geometric necklace with bronze chain
Looking for ideas on how to work with geometric shapes? Stampings are a great place start. They offer simple, bold shapes that can be incorporated into just about anything!
Does geometry influence your work? Leave us a comment and show us what you've got!
Filed Under: Designers & Inspiration Tagged With: Artists, design, Etsy stores we love, Etsy trends, fashion & trends, jeweler spotlight
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