Over the past several months, what was once a solitary or singular engagement with talismans has multiplied through reciprocities of conversations, care and generosity of close friends and loyal patrons. These heartfelt, inspiring exchanges guided me in the most organic way possible to create this talismanic coinage.
Though these creations may not immediately align with the strict definition of a talisman, they, with their shared emphasis on and potent of love, are just as magical and powerful to me and conceivably more so to the individuals who have commissioned me to create these works.
I am no stranger to making jewelry for men. My work was always meant to be worn by all. Myself, a fan of men's garments, I always tried to fill in the fashion gap between genders. Let's be honest, only recently fashion designers started paying attention to "masculine" fashion and creative, innovative, fashion conscious men or men with a strong sense of style do not have to suffer for a lack of wardrobe and accessory choice anymore.
In my experience, men tend to choose less embellished jewelry, pieces that are perceived as simple and understated. By creating men's engagement ring* collection, I portrayed gold and precious stones in a masculine way. The designs (except the ring I custom made for Paul) are focused on the metal itself, its texture, luster, strength, and durability. The gemstones are incorporated to transform a particular ring into a celebratory piece, but without being overly flashy. Rings in this collection are designed and meant to be worn every day, as a powerful representation of commitment and love.
Although the earliest finger rings are from Ancient Egypt, the history of engagement rings dates back to Ancient Rome. In many countries, engagement rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This custom also is believed to have originated in Ancient Rome. It was believed that this finger contained the vena amoris, the “love vein” that leads to the heart. (The latin term vena amoris was popularized hundreds of years later by the ecclesiastical lawyer Henry Swinburne in A treatise of Spousals, or Matrimonial Contracts in 1686, in which he references Roman thinkers Apion and Aulus Gallius.) Ancient Roman brides-to-be would receive two engagement rings, one in gold and one in iron. The gold ring was to wear in public, and the iron ring was for around the house.