LadyBohemia — handmade jewellery RSS

I was invited to the opening of 10-years celebration of jewellery designer Anna Gav at the art gallery 4-kuus. And I honestly don't know which impressed me more, the sweetness of Anna or her talent. I've owned a black beaded necklace by her for almost ten years but wearing it will be completely different, now that I associate her loveliness to it. [caption id="attachment_10738" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Anna Gav![/caption] * *

So many pieces were beautiful, but I (particularly) fell for this necklace: and for the purse titled Swan Lake, below: Anna's exhibitions shall stay at Galleria 4-kuus on Uudenmaankatu 4-6 (Helsinki) till 26th October. A perfect little visit after your Sunday brunch tomorrow? ~*♥*~

My friend, jewellery designer Lea (Fine van Brooklyn), has set up a little atelier in Kaartinkaupunki. So charming it was, and so full of Lea's free bohemian spirit, that once I'd arrived I found it difficult to leave. A further temptation were a magnificent pile of 1920's fashion magazines that Lea's husband had given to her for Christmas. In mint condition, with the most stunning black/white photos of jewel-encrusted evening gowns, flapper girls, tailored jackets and most exquisite robes... I could have spent the whole day on those magazines. Well, I almost did. Each picture a work of art... Each story a little voyage over time and place. This baby is something that I didn't have a word for, in any language. In Finnish, I was educated, we call it Latomokasti. Anyways, she comes from India, and she is a perfect display shelf for a jewellery designer. After this little excursion I can thoroughly feel what Virginia Woolf was talking about with the concept of every woman needing a room of her own. No kids. No mess. No arguing, no screams of joy. Nothing waiting to be fixed, folded, washed or cooked. Nobody to be consoled, scolded, entertained. Just mood matching music. OR silence. Her own stuff. Her own thoughts. Her own inspiration. Her own moment. You can probably guess what I'm thinking and plotting here... I'll keep you posted. ~*♥*~

Shall it be mine? In the form of earrings, that is. On Monday I shall court these True Romance earrings at an atelier of my favorite jewellery artist Lea "Fine van Brooklyn" in Ullanlinna, and maybe, just maybe, they will come home with me... Light as a feather but 8cm long stunners, these delicate earrings feature Swarovski crystals, smoky quartz and amazonite, wrapped with silver wire with gold-fill findings and hooks. I so admire Lea's ability to create such uniquely beautiful pieces, with that signature bohemian twist. These darlings speak summer to me. ~*♥*~

Rajasthan is renowned for it's exquisite age-old jewellery craftsmanship and traditions that aren't known even elsewhere in India. After all, Rajasthan was the kingdom of maharajas and they took great pride in wrapping their maharanis - wives - in the most spectacular jewellery of the world. Even though most of the maharanis lived their entire lives in purdah, meaning that no other man besides the maharaja ever lay eyes on them. In Pushkar, I too got inspired by all the smooth cool gemstones in all the colors of the rainbow, the tribal handcarved silverstuds, pearls, beads and enamelwork. And started making jewellery of my own.

I gave all the other pieces to friends, but this long necklace of rosequarz and tribal silverpieces I made for myself. The style is slightly inspired by the charleston era, but on a closer look the tribal handcrafted vibe gives it a a slightly wild and untamed touch that I love. I use this often when I travel, with light long white cotton strapless dresses and strappy sandals. My burgundy leather coat matches beautifully with it also. And Oona Elena Kassila's romantic lace tops, with fitting jeans... Hmmm... Getting inspired for the summer already... I love how each and every piece is carefully handcrafted. Often I'd sit and watch the silversmiths at work and admire their skills. Usually the families had been silversmiths for centuries and the skill was passed on from father to son. I'm so happy to have a tiny piece of that great craftsmanship and tradition here at home, in my cosy little flat in Kruununhaka. It's an amazingly small world, after all. ~*'*~