phantom limb

i've come to like gothic-inspired jewellery, mostly because it's about death and death isn't just something that is morbid and frightening. i'm enjoying the macabre aesthetic appropriated by bloodMilk designs. each piece is based on myth, prophecy and folklore, from native american tradition to victorian mourning, sinpired by catholic figures of grief, redmeption and tragedy such as joan of arc. skulls and bones aren't really that scary. they have a beauty about them that reaches beyond concepts of death and decay. the use of animal claws, bones, teeth and skulls cast in oxidized sterling silver creates a 'convulsive beauty' that'll make you shudder, even if involuntarily. the aesthetic of this collection allows one to feel awe and disgust at the same time. strange as it is, i cannot help but admire the enigma of her found object creations, as feminine as they are dark.

sparrow skull ring, your journey is never far from home.

fox tooth, for cunning quickness

owl claw, the prophet

meteorology

charlotte burkhart of little sister designs has a beautiful range of handmade acrylic and sterling silver jewellery pieces. her designs are balanced as well as quirky, and chunky without being. each design its own mystical narrative and symbolic quality.

i found her use of materials particularly interesting - she uses anything from antique photos, sterling silver to human hair, bones and teeth, which are, for a jeweller, more precious than diamonds and harder to come across.

'mountain of wisdom'

shield necklace

giant octopus ring

click here to peruse charlotte's catalogue

skermunkil jewellery design studio

skermunkil is a jewellery design label from here in good ol' creative cape town. all of her beautiful pieces are handmade and meticulously designed. creations include silver tweetydoves, golden bambis and love-sparrows. divine.

skermunkil means 'rascal' in afrikaans, as the designs are 'playful and lighthearted.' the concept is the brainchild of designer marietjie beeslaar who uses a range of media, including resin, wood, enamel, silver, gold and perspex. she uses recyclable materials, such as broken crockery, cookie tins and old nickel spoons.

i especially love these cut-out spoons.

 

bella tortuga

foxy originals is a proudly canadian jewellery brand with some exquisite designs worn by locals and celebrities alike. my favourite pieces are the brazilia necklaces and the wearable letters range. alos love the galapagos pendants for their mystical charm.

                         visit www.beingbrazen.com to enter a fantastic foxy originals giveaway