Artisans who work with wood speak of finding the singular beauty in every piece from which they craft their wares. The natural grain of the wood gives it character that only nature can provide. A lovely selection of jewelry crafted from wood has been receiving notice recently in the fashion press.
The November 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar features carved wood bangles embellished with gold ovals engraved with love notes or customized messages from Van Cleef & Arpels, a style originally introduced in 1970. The bracelets are rendered in combinations of ebony and yellow gold and amaranth or violet wood with pink good, and “are made in collaboration with an expert cabinetmaker who selects the most precious planks to lacquer and polish to perfection.”
A wood and 18k gold necklace from Ippolita, along with an 18k gold wave chain necklace from the designer, are among the pieces featured in the September 2012 issue of Elle, which notes: “From rare gemstones to resurrected mythologies, the season’s best baubles tap into Mother Nature’s wild side.” Also highlighted are zebra jasper, white gold and diamond earrings from Eva Fehren, and a selection of rings from H.Stern: rose gold jaguar rings with black and white diamonds, and Noble gold serpent rings with black and cognac diamonds.
The September 2012 issue of Marie Claire features an intriguing statement necklace from Lizzie Fortunato + AFK Designs that appears to incorporate three pieces of wood. Also pictured are a pair of rings from BCBG Max Azria and a cuff bracelet from Pamela Love.
A decidedly more casual look appears in the form of a wood and resin necklace with faux leather cord from Agabhumi the Best of Bali, as pictured in the December 2012 issue of InStyle.
As the December 2012 issue of Town & Country writes in “The Sourcebook: Ideas and Inspiration,” there are jewels that rewrite the rules of the game: “Never underestimate the power of the unexpected: an evening gown won on safari, a jeweled barrette worn as a headpiece, a wooden cuff paired with a solid gold link bracelet, rough slices of agate combined with moonstone cabochon. It might be simpler to stick to a tried-and-true formula—don’t mix metals, don’t blend fine and costume, don’t confuse gems for day with gems for night—but is there really a woman with style who follows one?”
The December 2012 issue of Town & Country provides a collage showcasing some 21 pieces of jewelry that reflect the “combined arts” approach putting disparate materials together. Among the pieces that appear to include wood in the mix: earrings from James de Givenchy for Taffin; Marina B. rings; Oscar de la Renta bangles; a Roberto Coin necklace; and a necklace from The Woods Fine Jewelry. Also featured as examples of combined arts: a pendant necklace from Aurelie Bidermann; a bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels; Janis Provisor Jewelry earrings; Kimberly McDonald cuffs; a Marni necklace; Monique Péan earrings; a Gurhan bracelet; a Kara by Kara Ross bracelet; Hemmerle earrings; a Coomi necklace; a Pamela Love cuff; a Tory Burch necklace; an MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza bangle; an Ippolita ring; a Sevan Biçakçi ring; and an H.Stern cuff.
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