Have you ever wondered what you could do with an heirloom piece that is no longer worn but you know it could be striking with an update? Why sell it for cash, or worse yet, let it sit around unloved and unused?
Maybe you’ve been inspired to create something altogether new to mark an occasion that’s worth a deeply meaningful and extraordinary piece of jewelry?
Or perhaps you have a shop or gallery interested in making an exclusive collection or statement piece specific to your brand and you’re seeking and experienced jeweler who is ready to fully engage in that process with a team of craftsmen at the ready?
Collaboration is at the heart of my work, and what makes custom jewelry particularly unique and fulfilling. Fortunately, the process of working in tandem with others comes naturally to me as is the desire to create something truly fitting for our clients. With a willingness to experiment, attention to detail, and an eye for beauty, I take pleasure in pushing the boundaries of what is possible and delighting in the outcome of something exceptional and personal.
When a client approaches me about custom work I always start by describing my creative process which can be non-linear and more of an adventure in discovery where I get to take them along to join in the process. Each request for a custom piece is an individual labor of love. The progression can be quite magical as we begin with something as ephemeral as an idea and bring it into the tangible.
18k gold, one-of-a-kind Scapular Tablet Necklace
The most expensive and involved kind of custom work is ‘bespoke’ because it involves creating something entirely new from the ground up.
The initial steps when making our own collections are, more often than not, done so to expose how to improve and refine each design. Rarely do these first pieces make it into our showroom’s jewelry cases, for instance. These are the prototypes we wear, test, sometimes watch fall apart and re-work in order to get it right (hopefully) the second time around. With bespoke custom, we have do not have this luxury. We have to get it right the first time.
Initials concept sketches for scapular necklace, (left) with additional input from client, (right)
There is something very special about knowing that the piece of jewelry you are wearing was made only for you and tells your unique story. A custom project usually starts with a seed of an idea or concept that is brought to me by a client. Together, we then build upon that idea through discussion and sketches. Bespoke custom is unquestionably a meeting of the minds between the client and myself. It is, by design, an extremely intimate interaction that in the end results in a one-of-a-kind design completely personal to the client. This can entail the creation of original artwork as well as the careful consideration and incorporation of symbolism that holds meaning for the client. The time and effort that goes into creating these special pieces is the key to their successful execution. Because of the fact most will never be reproduced, they are akin to works of art.
Artwork incorporating personal symbols (fleur de lis, heart, compass) and family birthstones
Other types of custom work involve creating a piece similar in style to a piece from one of our collections.
These kinds of commissions provide the opportunity to revisit our past designs and collections with fresh eyes. In some instances, it will be the style of the collection we adopt but with artwork created especially for the client as in the example below. In this particular case, the client wanted us to design a custom pendant in the style of our Arabesque collection which is highly graphic yet ornate.
Designs from our Arabesque collection (Cigar band, left and Medallion pendant, right)
During the conceptualization phase, we will often provide hand-drawn sketches that explore different options. In this case we were looking at different ways to represent two intertwined dolphins – a symbol that held particular meaning for a couple who were celebrating an important anniversary.
Concept sketches for a custom laser-cut pendant incorporating two dolphins
Once a decision has been reached on the concept, the hands-on work begins as we produce the assets – scaled drawings and 3D models - that will be used to create the final piece. We rely on an army of craftsmen – fabricators, casters, stone cutters, and setters - each of whom plays a critical role in helping breathe life into our design concepts.
Some of our custom clients are retailers seeking designs for a private label collection.
These requests are either for a limited edition they alone will offer, or in some instances, for a collection specifically based upon particular parameters or vision they have. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art asked us to do just that in order to commemorate the opening of its new wing designed by the architects of Snøhetta. We were tasked with designing a jewelry collection that echoed the spirit and character of the building’s architecture.
Concept sketches (left) inspired by the façade of Snøhetta’s design for the new wing of SF MOMA (right)
I chose to use the building’s undulating façade as a jumping-off point and developed a series of designs that echoed this movement not only visually but formally. In addition, I added another layer of “movement” with a staggered finish that skipped back and forth from polished to matte.
Detailed drawings for a pair of earrings from our private label jewelry collection for SF MOMA
It doesn’t get much better than this for an architect who designs jewelry. In fact, the three other designers who were invited to design private collections were also architects. It was fascinating to see how each of us approached the brief differently, melding our own personal styles with that of the building’s architecture.
Custom projects offer the chance to experiment and try new things, stretch beyond the usual comfort zones, and create something altogether new yet definitively your own. They can rescue your grandmother’s earrings for several more generations, update gifts that once held meaning but sit idly, or be that distinguished collection that only your boutique can offer. Contact us directly to get started at info@marioncage.com.
]]>One of the reasons that I was initially attracted to studying architecture is because of my interest in making beautiful things and solving problems. Architecture requires a creativity that is anchored in pragmatism. For me it has the potential to bring together what some might think of as two very different worlds – Art and Design. The artistic part of the process is full of inspiration and possibility while the design part of the process gets into the detail of how things actually work. Bringing a concept to life involves a lot of failure(s), but these “failures” are a critical part of informing the process and refining the design.
Developing a new collection or product - from initial concept to finished design – is rarely a linear process. Inspiration can come from anywhere and when you least expect it; a fold in a newspaper lying in your neighbor’s lap on the bus, a seed you find in the grass on a walk in the park, even a shadow on the wall. That is sort of the beauty of it in a way – you never know from where your next idea will come. What might start off going in one direction can very quickly take a 360 degree turn and end up where you least expect. I have learned to accept the fact that it doesn’t really matter how something happens, just that it does. Therefore, much of my inspirational process is spent collecting, cataloging and then, simply waiting.
When I decided to travel to India several years ago for my diamonds dealer’s wedding in Jaipur, I took the opportunity to plan a three-week trip through Rajasthan (the north-western part of the country). The stop on my trip that would prove the most memorable was Varanasi. At once chaotic and sublime, Varanasi is considered the holiest of cities and is a major center for pilgrimage. Hindus believe that dying here and being cremated along the banks of the Ganges River allows one to break the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation.
Daybreak on the Ganges River
One of the best ways to experience the magic of Varanasi is to hire a boat and travel the Ganges River at dawn as funeral and cremation rites are being performed along its banks. My boat driver kept a basket of beautiful stones which he explained to me were very sacred and sometimes used for offerings.
Shiva Lingam stones are sacred for the Hindu and are said to represent the personification of Shiva, one of three revered Hindu deities. These stones occur in all sizes, from smaller than a dime to larger than a man. Unlike other forms of lingams, such as those carved from stone or cast in bronze, Shiva Lingams can only be found in one place: the Narmada River, where the currents tumble and sculpt them naturally. Once a year, after the dry season and just before the beginning of the monsoons, when the river is at its lowest, the local villagers go out into the riverbed and pull the stones from the water. The stones are then hand-polished, a large one taking several months to complete.
Large Shiva Lingam prior to being cleaned and polished
Shiva Lingams are, in fact, gemstones - composed of cryptocrystalline quartz with iron oxide deposits and a density nearly equal that of emeralds. Scholars believe that this unique composition is the result of a meteorite that crashed some fourteen million years ago into the land now occupied by the Narmada, fusing its elements with those already found in earth. The natural markings on the lingams, which are considered spiritually auspicious, are derived from these meteoric composites.
When I returned home, I filed the stones away in my memory for safe keeping. I wasn’t sure what to do with them, but I knew they would find their way into my work in one form or another. From time to time something would come up to remind me of them; for example, seeing how other designers incorporated them into their work. Still, I continued to wait.
Earrings by the German jeweler, Hemmerle, incorporating Shiva Lingams
Because they are literally sculpted by natural forces, no two Shiva Lingam stones are alike; each one is unique. This made incorporating them into hardware designs that must maintain dimensional regularity somewhat problematic. It also felt like forcing my hand on something that nature had created which did not seem like the right path conceptually. I felt as though I needed to find a way to capture the essence of the Lingam stones without actually using them. I was missing the “conceptual thread” that would link the Shiva Lingam, with its compelling form and materiality, to my designs.
One day, when I was visiting a friend in his wood shop, he showed me an incredible piece of Sinker Cypress he was working with. To the uninitiated, Sinker Cypress are “old growth” (centuries old) reclaimed cypress logs that have been harvested from the bottom of rivers and swamps, are in limited supply, and are also highly desirable for their hardness as well as the beauty, color and character of their grain.
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Sinker Cypress logs at the mill
Long ago, massive Cypress forests dominated low-lying areas from Louisiana to Florida. The average tree size was three to four feet in diameter, but some, as much as 700 years old, were five to six feet across. During the late 1800's and early 1900's, as the need for wood began to arise for construction, massive amounts of Cypress trees were harvested. The cut trees required a two-year drying out period so that they were light enough to haul by waterway to the mills for processing. During transport, an estimated 10–20% of logs broke loose and eventually settled at the bottom of the rivers and lakes leaving them untouched and forgotten for over 100 years. These logs became known as Sinker Deadhead Logs or “Sinkers”.
As the logs lay in the mud and silt for extended periods of time, the wood absorbed the minerals and tannins found in the water and soil which then turned the inside of the log different colors. The variety of hues of Sinker Logs reflect the area where they were recovered, from honeyed browns to olive greens to rustic reds. For example, a sinker log recovered from the swamps of Louisiana will have a rich, red color because of the nature of the alluvial soil.
Shiva Lingam detail
The distinct color and highly graphic nature of cypress wood grain reminded me of the contrasting lines of minerals in the Shiva Lingam stones. Like the Lingams, the Cypress had been transformed by nature over time. There was also the parallel of both materials having been harvested from the water albeit, from wildly different places.
I am most happy when someone tells me that a form or shape in one of my designs seems “familiar” but they can’t quite think of what or why than when they actually make the connection. Creating subtle transmutations as opposed to direct translations is where I am always trying to guide my practice as a designer, and this was what I had found when I made the conceptual connection between the Sinker Cypress and the Shiva Lingams. A door had opened and from there the designs came very naturally. I developed a series of forms that highlighted the juxtaposition of materials and that would allow for various combinations as well as customization.
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Assembly detail (left) and finish options (right) for the Narmada drawer pull
The geometry that made the stones so alluring also proved challenging to capture and translate in a systematic way and at various scales, so I decided to work with two slightly different profiles, one for the smaller and one for the larger sizes. We built the profiles in CAD which enabled us to then test different methods of connecting them to the metal parts. I was able to coax my friend into selling me some of his Sinker Cypress which I then sent to a wood turner to turn the wood parts while our caster molded and cast the metal components. We named the collection Narmada, for the river that sculpts the lingams and where they are found.
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Final designs from the Narmada collection Shakti pulls (left) Uma knobs (right)
We did not make it to International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) this past spring where we had planned to launch the collection. We were, however, recently named as an honoree in the hardware category of Interior Design Magazine’s Best of the Year awards for 2020; so, there is comfort in receiving this recognition for all of our hard work.
We refer to our cabinetry hardware as jewelry for furniture. And we approach each design with the intention of creating something singularly unique that celebrates the beauty of each project as well as the individuality of each client. The work we do only starts with the designs in our showrooms. These pieces are just an introduction to the custom work that we work tirelessly to produce for many of our clients. Whether we are creating a ground up bespoke design or a custom version of a piece from one of our existing collections, we are always searching for new ways to elevate the functional to the level of art by allowing the process of artistry to initiate and guide the connections between ideas, materials, and form.
Custom hand towel bar to match drawer pulls (left) and detail of custom finish (right)
We invite you to visit our retail gallery/showroom, located at 3807 Magazine Street in New Orleans, where you can see our cabinetry hardware collections along with a constantly evolving and curated selection of jewelry and home accessories. We are open by appointment, 10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday or you may also find us at www.marioncage.com anytime.
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Hardware requires a level of precision, things like symmetry and dimensional tolerances, that jewelry does not. One of the key elements that facilitates the design and development of our cabinetry hardware is 3D computer modeling. It enables us to work more seamlessly such that we can tweak the shapes, print them out, and hold them in our hands all in the same day. The starting point for Peak was in the forms we had developed for jewelry. Because this was our first jewelry collection modeled in in Rhino, a 3D modeling software, the process began by scaling the parts up in size. Our Form2 3D printer has become one of our most valuable tools because it facilitates the speed of iterations by allowing us to quickly produce prototypes in order to refine the details of a design. This is of particular importance for hardware because we need to know how the piece feels in your hand. How the fingers wrap around the handle, how they feel between the stand-offs, and the weight and form within the palm, for example. All these functional elements are as carefully considered as the visual aesthetic.
In addition to “in house” tools, we rely heavily on our network of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen to navigate this part of the process. We greatly value the mastery of their trade and all they bring to the table as well their willingness to share it! We have worked diligently to build these relationships, and feel strongly about supporting what has become a dying breed of American manufacturing that caters to small, independent designers. These are people who care about their craft, and are vested in the outcome. They are also willing to take on both modest as well as large orders without a second thought.
All of our hardware is cast and our caster plays a critical role in assessing the viability of designs for the casting process. He will often weigh in on potential issues early on in order to help us achieve a successful workflow in production. In the initial stages of developing the designs for our Peak collection, he voiced concerns about the thickness of some of the pieces. Casting thick parts can be difficult because thicker parts take longer to cool, and the longer it takes to cool the more likely you are to get surface imperfections or what is called “porosity.” At his suggestion, we hollowed out the backs of the thicker pieces to address this. However, when we printed prototypes of these components and held them in our hands, it was clear that this was not an appealing solution since it looked substantial from the front but felt hollow in the back. This is a perfect example how we are always balancing technical challenges with those of aesthetics.
The resources and attention to details paid off when our Peak collection was featured in Interior Design Magazine as a “Best of the Year” finalist for 2016. This led to future partnerships with prominent designers as well as offers of representation from established showrooms.
To create bespoke, handcrafted, functional art is to simultaneously embrace artistic and technical challenges. To conceive and execute designs, from initial concept to finished product, has taken years of experience of learning how to transform failures into successes. Most importantly, this work involves collaborating with the artisans who bring these ideas to life and is also the most rewarding part of the process. I believe that collaboration is the key to evolving, whether it is in what we make or who we become because each relationship holds the potential for something far greater than its origins. Perhaps then, this is only the beginning of the next spark.
So you’ve decided to enter a new chapter of life with someone you love. Congratulations! Getting married is one of the most important milestones in life, and your wedding rings are likely the most important jewelry purchase you will ever make. You’ll wear them daily, and they will forever be deeply personal symbols of your love and your union.
One of the ways to make getting married even more meaningful is to have your rings custom designed, just for you. There’s no better way to be sure your rings are perfectly suited for you and your spouse than to custom make wedding rings.
There are different ways to approach personalizing your wedding rings. You can start by customizing an existing design, or you can have something designed from the ground up. You might have a special stone you want to use in the design, perhaps one that came from a family heirloom.
There are several things to consider when selecting or creating your bridal jewelry. We’ll go into detail about why you should consider custom rings and the process of customizing your rings with a designer.
One-of-a-kind Champagne Diamond Shield Ring with pave diamond halo
There is something very special about owning and wearing a design that you know isn’t going to be seen anywhere else, on anyone else’s hands. Just like your chosen partner, you want your ring to also be special and uniquely suited for you. If your rings are custom made, you’ll work with a designer to create something just for you.
One-of-a-kind jewelry also carries more monetary value than designs made to be reproduced, because rarity carries a premium. While jewelry purchases are usually emotional as opposed to practical, they do also have the benefit of becoming a small asset, and jewelry can be a sound investment when quality materials, great craftsmanship, and unique design coexist.
If you prefer to have the traditional engagement ring and wedding band set, it is advantageous to create a customized set so the two will perfectly match. When shopping the ready-made market, you may find an engagement ring that you like, but the options for the matching band may not suit you—or vice versa. If you build a custom set from the ground up, this will never be an issue, because you can tailor each piece of the set to suit your taste and match back to the other.
Similarly, your partner may have surprised you with an engagement ring, which you did not personally select. It may be a family heirloom, or perhaps they picked it out from a store alone without consulting you first. Customizing your band to coordinate with the engagement ring gives you the opportunity to make your own choices, while still honoring the gift that your loved one selected for you.
Not only are you able to create a matching set of your own when you choose to custom make wedding rings, but you also have the opportunity to coordinate your ring or set with your partner’s.
A set of matching gold wedding bands
You know what you like, and you have a pretty good idea what you would like your wedding rings to look like. You could spend hours searching the web and going from store to store, shopping for the design that you’ve dreamed of. Or you could choose a designer whose work you admire, tell them exactly what you have in mind, and have them custom make wedding rings for you.
This alternative saves you the time and headache of hunting. Plus, you get what you want, and you’ll have a personalized experience along the way. As an added bonus, you’ll know that you’ve supported an artisan, possibly even in your local community.
Adding special details to your wedding rings that are unique to you can go well beyond the simple tradition of engraving when you custom make wedding rings.
Perhaps there is a flower that is special to you or a symbol that is meaningful to you and your partner. There might be a particular stone or combination of stones that have a special meaning for you. Maybe you like stacking your rings in a certain way.
You may not be able to find a ring on the market bearing these special details. Yet all of these unique elements can easily be incorporated into your wedding ring design when you communicate your heart’s desires to a designer who will custom make your rings.
Rings by designers Rebecca Overmann and Ruth Tomlinson—all of which can be customized
What if you’ve seen rings that have certain elements you really like, but others that don’t suit you? Maybe you love the setting from one ring and the band of another, wishing the two could be put together. The good news is that they can!
Having rings custom made for you means that you get to pick and choose which elements go into your design. Starting with an existing design or two that you want to alter or combine is a great way to get to a single design you love—one that feels uniquely yours.
One of the most common requests we have for custom wedding rings is to reimagine a piece of jewelry that has been handed down in someone’s family.
Oftentimes the bride (or groom) will have a piece of jewelry that is close to their heart because of the loved one who previously owned it, but the aesthetic may not suit their personal style. In this case, a great solution is to take the stones from the existing heirloom and incorporate them in a new, more personalized design.
Repurposing a family heirloom gives you the opportunity to show off your own style and your loved one’s treasured jewelry simultaneously.
After considering many of the benefits of customizing your wedding rings, you probably want to know what to expect from start to finish. While every designer and artisan has their own unique process, the basic steps tend to be similar enough from one designer to the next.
Below we’ll explain the steps to custom make wedding rings at Marion Cage and share details and photos from one of our custom projects.
The first step of customizing your rings is to have a conversation with our team. This is your opportunity to outline all of your desires and requirements.
You might bring in photos of designs that have elements you like. If you have an existing piece or stone you want to utilize, you could show it to us. You might also browse our store inventory for inspiration, telling us what you like about certain pieces that grab your attention.
We ask questions that help us to better understand what you have in mind. If you have a budget, let us know up front. The more information you give us, the better we can serve you.
During this meeting, we measure your finger for ring size and verbalize some initial ideas. At this point, we also advise if there are any design fees for us to move forward.
Recently, a customer came in with a somewhat bulky and very traditional family heirloom ring with a five-carat diamond. His fiancée wanted something less traditional and showy, with a contemporary design to match her personal style.
Our design process usually starts with a series of hand sketches. From there, we continue to refine the design, making alterations as necessary until we arrive at a final concept drawing that is approved.
Below are some of the initial sketches that we did for our customer, Bryson, and his fianceé, Desi. Drawing on the feel of several of the pieces that he had purchased for Desi in the past, notably our talon pendant and talon studs, Marion incorporated a similar aesthetic to create a design to showcase the stone and reflect Desi’s style.
Because of the size of the diamond, Desi asked about the possibility of two rings—one incorporating the larger stone and another smaller ring for everyday. Marion proposed a set of “jackets”—smaller bands that could be worn both on their own or with the larger ring.
Once we have your approval on a final hand sketch, we determine the best way of making the design. Depending upon the design, we may be able to begin fabricating the piece directly from the hand sketch.
More often, as was the case for Bryson, we see fit to model the design digitally using 3-D software. This allows us, and the customer, to see what it would look like from every possible angle. We can even print a plastic model for the customer to try on! We are able to make edits and print it again until we are satisfied with the design.
There were several compelling reasons for using 3-D software to complete the design of Desi’s rings:
Check out the 360-degree view 3-D rendering video below!
Once finalized, the 3-D model is sent to our casting partners, who print the model in a castable wax. The wax is then used to cast the designs in metal by the lost wax process.
Next, the raw castings go to our expert jewelers, where the stones are set before finally being polished to perfection.
Here are photos of Desi’s final fabulous rings!
Having wedding rings custom made is an exciting, personalized experience that helps ensure you say, “I do,” with the perfect rings for you and your partner.
To custom make wedding rings with Marion Cage, contact us at the studio today to set up your consultation.
]]>The first rule of fashion is to wear an appropriate outfit. Being overdressed or underdressed can make you feel out of place, and you don’t want to be the center of attention for the wrong reasons. Below are some general guidelines on what type of jewelry works for different types of occasions.
This depends on where you work of course, but generally, this is a time to be understated. Do you work in an office, school, hospital, or otherwise serious environment? Choose simple, classic pieces such as small hoops, stud earrings, small pendants, chain bracelets or simple single bangles. Diamonds or gemstones are appropriate but stick to solitaire rings and studs or small amounts of pave.
Large Disc Pennant in 14k yellow gold on 14k yellow gold chain with brown diamonds (left)
Offset Circle Studs in 14k Yellow Gold/White Diamonds (right)
If your job is in a more casual environment you can show a little more personality with your pieces – larger hoops and small dangle earrings, layered bangles, large pendants or layered necklaces – but stay away from statement pieces or too much sparkle. Simple jewelry, especially pieces made of alternative materials such as wood and leather, are also great for laid-back looks.
"O" ID Bracelet in Sterling Silver with Brown Leather (left)
Wood Point Scatter Necklace in Bloodwood/Bronze (right)
Typically this is a smart-casual or dressy-casual occasion. It’s also a time to really let your personality shine! Almost anything goes but don’t come to the table (or bar) dripping in jewels meant for a special occasion. This is a great time to break out those long dangle earrings you’ve wanted to wear, stack on several rings, some fat bangles or wear a tiered necklace. It’s okay to draw a little attention. You’re out to have a good time!
Spicula Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold (left)
Small Point Three Tier Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold Points on a Sterling Silver Oxidized Chain (right)
Mirror Trace Necklace in 14k yellow gold/brown ombre pave diamonds (left)
Portail Dangle Earrings in 18K White Gold Plated in Black Rhodium with White Diamonds (right)
It’s crucial to think about what accessories will work with the cut of your neckline. If your necklace and your neckline are in conflict, your entire ensemble becomes unbalanced. Always make sure that the length of your necklace is significantly shorter or longer than your neckline, so that it doesn’t get lost in the mix.
Here’s a list of what jewelry common neckline styles, and what type of jewelry compliments them best.
A V-neck may be the most versatile neckline when it comes to necklace options. You can either mirror the V-shape with your necklace, or compliment it with a curve. For a short V-neck, a choker or short chain is the way to go. As the V-neck gets deeper, the options multiply! Chokers, chains, and short to medium pendant necklaces are all great for medium V-necks. Deep V-necks are great with a lariat or sautoir necklace, and also lend well to layers of necklaces. Above all, be sure to never choose a necklace that sits below the V.
Tiered Totem Pendant in Sterling Silver/18K Yellow Gold (left)
Mirror Points Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold with Oxidized Silver Chain (layed with Long Mirrored Points Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold/Oxidized Silver Chain (right)
Turtlenecks are best with long necklaces or no necklace at all. Long earrings can be tricky with turtlenecks, so it’s safest to stick to studs, hoops, or very short drops if you’re in doubt. If you’re skipping the necklace, add a bracelet or two (or three) to spice things up.
Ankole Tassle Sautoir in Sterling Silver Plated in Black Rhodium/14K Yellow Gold (left)
Totem Amulet in Sterling Silver with 18K Rose Gold (right)
When the neckline goes high, the necklace goes low. Wear medium to extra-long chains and pendants with crew or boat neck tops. Make sure that they sit at least 2 inches below the collar and go as long as you like. Strands of beads as well as tiered and layered necklaces are also great options.
If your top or dress is a halter or one-shoulder style, don’t compete with your neckline. Skip the necklace! This is your opportunity to wear statement earrings like long dangles or chunky cuffs. Jazz things up with bangles or stacks of bracelets.
Follow the basic rules of color theory when coordinating your wardrobe and jewelry. The color wheel is a great tool to help you determine which colors fit together best. If you've ever been curious what kind of jewelry goes with a red/blue/green, or any color dress, the answers are here.
Start with the color of your outfit or jewelry and look directly across the color wheel to find its complementary color. Complementary colors create the most vibrant look, because they are in high contrast with one another. For example, if you are wondering what jewelry to wear with a navy blue dress, find blue on the color wheel and look across. Orange is its direct complement, so gold-toned jewelry would be a great choice. If you are dressing up for the holidays, you might be curious as to what jewelry matches a green dress. Look no further than rubies or spinels. For a red dress, emeralds are perfect!
Spinel Cascade Necklace (left)
Egg Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver Plated win Black Rhodium with Rubies (right)
Another way to utilize the color wheel is to choose analogous colors. These are the colors that are right next to each other on the wheel. Analogous colors create a harmonious look without being too monotonous since the colors are similar yet different. For example, if you want to choose jewelry to wear with a royal blue dress, go with green or violet gems. A purple gemstone, such as our geo tanzanite necklace.
Not sure what jewelry to wear with that little black dress? Black goes with any color! Black on black, looks super chic, too. Our top choice when it comes to black jewelry is black rhodium jewelry with black diamonds.
Arabesque Dangle Earrings in Sterling Silver Plated in Black Rhodium with Black Pave Diamonds (left)
Pave Shard Necklace in 18K White Gold Plated in Black Rhodium with Black Diamonds (right)
At Marion Cage, we are always happy to help you make exquisite jewelry selections based on what fits your style.
Inspiration for a collection can come from anywhere and at any time. It can happen on a trip to a museum, on a stroll through the countryside, in discovering another artist’s work, or in discovering a new medium or method of fabrication. Marion often finds her inspiration in nature and in the materials she uses themselves. Most of our designs are based on a unique source of formal inspiration that is then abstracted through the process of translating it and making it—literally—our own. We typically use gemstones in a pave setting (where very small stones are set closely together) to further accentuate certain curves or angles in the forms of our jewelry.
Our latest collection started a bit differently when a parcel of beautifully colored, hand-cut geometric gemstones caught Marion’s attention on a visit to one of her stone dealers in New York. “For this collection, the starting point was the stones,” said Marion, “specifically spinel and tanzanite that were cut into a myriad of faceted, geometric shapes. From the start, it was clear that stones needed to be the stars of the show.”
Immediately drawn to these unique stones, Marion was reminded of the faceted geometric shapes she developed in both her Facets jewelry collection and her Peak cabinetry hardware collection. “Stones in jewelry are traditionally cut into more conventional shapes, like round, oval, or square, and working with these shapes has never really interested me. As an architect, I have always had an affinity for asymmetry and complex geometries, so it makes sense that the types of stone cuts I choose to work with would reflect that.”
Long Shard Studs in 14k yellow gold with white pave diamonds (left)
Ingot Knob (right)
Once Marion had fallen in love with the unique tanzanite and spinel stones, she knew that these would be the focal point of her next collection and went straight to work, taking the parcels home so that she could carefully select the stones that would create the most striking designs. When choosing stones, shape was just as important as color. She arranged them on paper as many times as necessary, trying multiple combinations until arriving at the final designs. Marion says this was her favorite part of designing the collection.
“I had never worked with cut stones before, so this was a lot of fun for me,” Marion said. “Putting together countless different shapes to make a finished composition as well as discovering all of the amazing ways to combine the colors of the stones with the different colors of gold were also highlights of the design process.”
There are many steps involved in the creation of a collection of jewelry—from design to production—and we’ve come to understand that every step of the process is important. As designers, dreaming up new ideas is where our hearts lie. However, it is equally important that ours designs be properly engineered so that they are not only beautiful to look at, but comfortable and durable to wear.
Once the stones were selected and the designs were all laid out, it was time to bring the pieces to life in gold. For this step, Marion worked closely with her team of fabricators to design and construct the bezels and components by hand and to carefully set each stone. Not without a bump or two in the road, the collection finally materialized beautifully.
“I am always looking to test the limits of the materials I work with in my designs,” said Marion. “That said, I have learned to rely on and respect the knowledge and experience of the craftspeople that I work with. My stone setter and I went back and forth for weeks about how thin he could get the metal around the stones. I wanted it to be as thin as possible. When I insisted he use a thinner gauge wire than he recommended, I paid the price. In the end, some of the bezels were not strong enough to hold the stones, so those pieces had to be completely redone in order for us to have a salable design.”
Geo Tanzanite Dangle Earrings in 18k rose gold with tanzanite stones (left)
Geo Spinel Stacking Rings in 18k rose gold with spinel stone (right)
There is something very special about owning and wearing a design that you know isn’t going to be seen anywhere else—ever. Many customers find this to be the icing on the cake when falling for a particular piece of one-of-a-kind jewelry.
When asked about the type of customer she hopes this new collection will appeal to, Marion said, “I don’t really have a ‘target audience.’ I like to think there is something for everyone in my work as a designer.” For this collection in particular, however, the stones were cut such that each is a one-of-a-kind, helping to distinguish this jewelry collection from others.
“Because each stone is unique, so is each setting,” Marion said. “All of these factors combined make the audience for this collection one that appreciates handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry. I am most drawn to the uniquely beautiful combinations of geometry and color in this collection, and I feel sure our customers will, too. I also think customers will feel very special knowing they are wearing unique, one-of-a-kind designs.”
Along with the unique colors and shapes that characterize this collection, customers are sure to appreciate the exclusivity factor of these pieces as well. Shop our Fall/Winter 2018 Collection today online or in our gallery, and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about this one-of-a-kind designer jewelry.
]]>“What is that metal?” This is a question we often receive from customers who come into our New Orleans jewelry gallery and lay eyes on black rhodium plated jewelry for the first time. Uniquely dark and shiny, black rhodium jewelry is quite striking, and we carry a black rhodium plated version of nearly every piece of Marion Cage jewelry. Given the bounty of curiosity surrounding one of our favorite finishes, we’re here to share information about this material’s properties, benefits, and care.
Peak Stacking Rings in matte and black rhodium plated sterling silver
Rhodium is a type of platinum that is rare, very hard, and corrosion resistant. Given this metal’s higher melting point and durability, jewelers typically use rhodium as a plating, rather than a solid metal, to make gold or silver jewelry extra bright and shiny. Black rhodium is, in fact, just one of many colors of rhodium. In its natural state, rhodium is silver-white and is typically plated onto white gold to give it a brighter, more luminous finish. By binding ink to rhodium, however, dark colors can be created that vary from light gray to black. At Marion Cage, our black rhodium jewelry is typically a very dark and rich gunmetal gray.
Arabesque Dangle Earrings in 14-karat white gold, black rhodium plated with black pave diamonds
Why do we love black rhodium jewelry so much?
Ankole Studs in black rhodium plated sterling silver
It is important to note that, like any plated finish, rhodium plating will fade over time and with wear—particularly if the piece comes into direct and frequent contact with your skin. We recommend removing your plated jewelry prior to bathing, swimming, or washing your hands, as exposure to salt and other chemicals can cause damage to the plating. For more information on cleaning and caring for your jewelry, read our short guide.
When plated with a thick, high-quality rhodium plating, most black rhodium jewelry will maintain its finish for up to a year. If necessary, you can always bring your black rhodium jewelry to a professional jeweler for polishing and replating. At Marion Cage, we frequently replate pieces purchased from our gallery free of charge as a service to our customers.
At Marion Cage, we offer only the best in beautiful, handmade jewelry. If you’re looking for black rhodium jewelry, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re proud of our extensive collection of black rhodium plated jewelry. It’s just the right look when you need something deliciously dark! Shop online, visit our New Orleans jewelry gallery, or contact us today.
]]>Whether you have just had your ears pierced for the very first time or you are adding more piercings to your ears, proper post-piercing ear care and the right choice in starter earrings are essential for healing comfortably. At Marion Cage, we frequently host piercing events with a licensed ear piercer, and we also offer a variety of beautiful earrings perfect for new piercings. Sign up for our newsletter to find out about upcoming piercing events, and make sure you follow these important guidelines for caring for your ears and choosing the best earrings for new piercings.
Proper ear care starts with a safe, professional piercing. That’s why we always book a licensed ear piercer for our piercing events. We also employ the safest, least painful method of ear piercing: surgical steel needle piercing. By using a sterile, hypoallergenic needle, our piercer can make a smaller, safer, more precise hole in your ear, adding the starter stud after the hole is made. By contrast, piercing guns make larger, more painful holes by forcing the stud into your ear. In addition, while piercing guns can be disinfected, they cannot be sterilized. This is why the Association of Professional Piercers always recommends needles over guns.
After your ears have been safely pierced, use these guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology to help prevent infection and care for any new ear piercings:
Starter earrings can be made from any number of different hypoallergenic metals. Surgical stainless steel and titanium are the least expensive hypoallergenic earrings. But because you’ll need to leave your starter earrings in your ears all day and night for at least six weeks, you may want to invest in a pair you really like. Genuine gold, sterling silver, and vermeil gold earrings are great hypoallergenic options for starter earrings that look beautiful on any occasion.
Once your ears have healed and you can begin transitioning to regular earrings, you should first wear small earrings, preferably studs, that are made from sterling silver or gold for at least the next three months. Inexpensive earrings can be colorful, trendy, and fun to wear, but you risk getting an infection if you try to wear cheap earrings too soon. You can, however, transition to wearing many of the small sterling silver and gold earrings from Marion Cage after your starter earring phase has completed. Marion Cage offers a selection of beautiful, fashion-forward, and stylish earrings to frame your face and complement your favorite outfits.
Simple with a soft, organic feel, Marion Cage's Pod Studs offer a modern, sculptural take on the classic teardrop stud. They are available in matte sterling silver and 14k yellow gold, and they look great worn as a pair or as a single earring (if you have a single piercing) alongside another pair.
Sophisticated and with just the right edge, Marion Cage’s Ankole Studs are available in three sizes as well as with white pave diamonds. Timeless in both size and style, the smallest option is ideal for transitioning from the starter earring phase, and it’s the perfect stud earring for everyday wear.
Looking for a one of a kind? The Geo Spinel Studs by Marion Cage feature two unique and slightly irregular spinel stones, making these earrings distinct and architectural. The rosy pink stones and 18k yellow gold earrings complement every complexion.
Marion Cage earrings are each crafted by hand in our New Orleans studio. Made from high-quality, hypoallergenic metals, our small sterling silver and gold earrings are the perfect earrings for new piercings. Shop for your earrings and an abundance of other stunning jewelry today. If you’re interested in attending one of our piercing events, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events.
Contact Marion Cage online or call us at 504-891-8848 if you have any questions or would like to know more about our best earrings for new piercings.
]]>At Marion Cage, we love finding ways to make jewelry part of your life story. Personalized jewelry allows the wearer to express themself and share that expression with others. Our Chinese Zodiac Jewelry allows you to connect to the rich history of Chinese mythology and share your personality type with others. Wear the animal that governs the year you were born to remind yourself of your best qualities and strengths. When others ask about your beautiful necklace, you can share with them what it means to you.
Chinese astrology divides astrological signs by years, whereas Western astrology separates them by months. Therefore, the Chinese believe that people born in the same year share the same traits, whereas Westerners group people on a month-by-month basis. This difference in sensibilities makes sense for each culture, as Eastern societies place great emphasis on generational differences, whereas Western countries focus more on psychological ones.
The twelve zodiac signs discussed in Chinese astrology derive from a myth. According to legend, when God was developing a calendar, he summoned all the creatures on Earth to participate in a race. The first twelve species to cross the finish line were awarded signs in the Chinese zodiac. Consequently, the Rat got first place through cunning and strategy, while the meticulous Pig came in last because it was continually distracted along the way.
Western astrology, on the other hand, bases its twelve zodiac signs on the constellations that move through the sky throughout the twelve months of the year. Therefore, the month of January is associated with Capricorn, because that constellation is directly overhead during that time, whereas the month of July is linked to Cancer, because this is when the Crab is at its zenith.
The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, and each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign. These signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The Chinese zodiac is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
You can use the zodiac calculator to search for your Chinese zodiac animal sign. Select your Gregorian date of birth, and you'll reveal your date of birth according to the lunar calendar, together with your sign.
Below is the order the Chinese zodiac cycle follows, along with a main trait associated with each animal:
The Chinese zodiac is often used to determine compatibility between couples as well as individual personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, and likes and dislikes. Each sign has a balance between positive and negative traits to achieve the balance between yin and yang. It can be fun and even revealing to find the animal for your year and see which qualities are associated with it.
Dog Chinese Zodiac Jewelry in sterling silver on a sterling silver chain (left)
Dog Chinese Zodiac Jewelry in 10-karat gold on a 14-karat gold chain (right)
At Marion Cage, we have interpreted the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac as delicate, laser-cut charms. Available in sterling silver or 10-karat gold, our Chinese zodiac jewelry bears the hallmark simplicity and grace of our all our collections. Add your charm of choice to a bracelet or necklace you already own, or choose from our selection of sterling silver, oxidized sterling silver, and 14-karat yellow gold for an elegant way to wear your Chinese zodiac jewelry.
In addition to our collections of personalized jewelry, Marion Cage also offers a wide range of one-of-a-kind jewelry, cabinetry hardware, and accessories for the home. Shop Marion Cage online or at our gallery, located at 3807 Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA. If you visit our gallery, be sure to browse the Rodger Stevens exhibition on display now through October 6th.
Read our blog, contact us online, or give us a call at 504-891-8848 for more information.
Also known as vermeil gold, gilt silver, or gilded silver, vermeil is a specific type of gold plating. The process involves plating sterling silver or fine silver with a layer of gold that is at least 10 karats and 2.5 microns thick. To determine what is vermeil and what is not, you must know the base metal, gold thickness, and gold quality of a piece. A quicker and easier way to identify vermeil is by looking for the number 925. This marking means that the jewelry is 92.5% silver, so when you see it on a gold piece, you can assume it’s vermeil.
Vermeil is a quality choice relative to standard plated jewelry, offering the look of gold at a lower price tag than pure gold pieces. However, there are also disadvantages to vermeil, which many consumers find disappointing. For shoppers on a budget, it can be better to opt for real gold and perhaps own fewer pieces. At Marion Cage, we have steered away from vermeil, offering lower priced gold items and mixed metal pieces instead. Learn more about vermeil, its pros and cons, tips for buying, and potential alternatives below.
When gold color is a must-have but the budget is tight, vermeil satisfies both requirements without sacrificing as much quality as plated jewelry that isn’t vermeil. Due to the thickness of its gold layer, vermeil plating lasts longer than other plated jewelry. Vermeil is also more tolerable to sensitive skin than regular gold plated jewelry because of its silver base and thick gold coating.
Any metal plating can and eventually will wear off. While vermeil lasts longer than most other plated jewelry, over time the silver underneath will start to show through. We have also encountered vermeil pieces with visible cracks in the plating and layers of gold peeling off. These issues can occur if a piece was not perfectly polished and cleaned before plating or if it gets dinged or bent.
When buying vermeil, it’s best to stick to earrings or pendants, because the plating will last longer on items that have less direct contact with your skin. Rings, on the other hand, will quickly show signs of wear, and the gold color will soon become compromised. Vermeil has its advantages, but it doesn’t last. If you want the benefits of a beautiful gold color, we recommend purchasing solid gold, especially for rings.
Swell Stacking Ring in 14k yellow gold
For shoppers on a budget, we recommend these tips:
Clover Necklace in 14k yellow gold on an oxidized chain
At Marion Cage, we offer gold jewelry in a range of karat purities to meet your needs. We also carry a variety of styles in our line that mix silver, oxidized silver, or black rhodium plated silver with accents of 14k gold. These mixed metal pieces keep the price relatively low while still offering you all the advantages of gorgeous, high-quality gold.
Check out more Marion Cage exclusive designs and shop today! You can shop online or in person at 3807 Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA. If you visit our retail gallery in New Orleans, be sure to take a look at the Rodger Stevens exhibition of sculptural jewelry, on display now through October 6, 2018. Learn more about this artist and exhibition here.
If you have any questions about what is vermeil or would like to hear more about the lower priced gold jewelry currently in our inventory, contact Marion Cage online or call us at 504-891-8848.
]]>Marion Cage is pleased to present a special exhibition of one-of-a-kind, unique jewelry and sculpture by New York-based artist Rodger Stevens. The exhibition is on view in our Magazine Street gallery in New Orleans through October 6th.
When Marion first discovered Rodger’s work, she was immediately struck by its elegance and lyrical quality. Formed through curving, twisting, and forging brass wire, the startling craftsmanship Rodger brings to his work results in objects of exceptional aesthetic and conceptual refinement. Finding congruence with her own work, Marion approached Rodger about carrying some of his smaller sculptures in her gallery.
Rodger Stevens was born in Brooklyn, New York. He remained in New York for school, studying at Pace University, the Parsons School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts. Rodger went on to make a name for himself, creating works of art for numerous private clients and institutional collections. In a brief film about him, he explains, “I know growing up in Brooklyn and Manhattan I borrowed so much from very ordinary architecture: scaffolding and cranes and fire hydrants and mailboxes and gutters.” While his work is clearly influenced by New York, its elegance and energy have resonated with people all over the United States and the world. Rodger’s art has been displayed around the globe, including such distinguished locations as:
Vicious Infinite Regress Choker, Rodger Stevens
Rodger recently turned his attention to jewelry during a four-month residency at The Museum of Arts and Design in New York, so it was only natural for Marion to host a show featuring this exciting new body of work. The necklaces, rings, and bracelets featured in the exhibition embody the same energy and elegance found in Rodger’s unique sculpture.
Rodger and Marion are truly kindred spirits in terms of their sources of inspiration. Both draw heavily from architecture in their work: Marion, by virtue of her training and background as an architect, and Rodger, through his fascination with the architecture of NYC.
Adduction Necklace Part II, Rodger Stevens (left)
Peak Rings, Marion Cage (right)
While Rodger has worked with other materials, wire continues to be his preferred medium. In a 2013 interview, he states, “Wire is such a material: elemental like a pencil line but, with sufficient intervention, fantastically expressive.” With his materials providing so much of his inspiration, it’s easy to see how Rodger developed an interest in creating unique jewelry as a form of artistic expression.
Marion’s interest in materials, which often serve as a starting point in her design process, is another point of commonality between her and Rodger. To illustrate, consider these side-by-side images of Rodger’s forged earrings and Marion’s own drawn pendant.
Dodging Raindrops Earrings, Rodger Stevens (left)
Drawn Pendant, Marion Cage (right)
At Marion Cage, discovering and sharing the work of other artists alongside our own is one of our passions. We invite you to visit our gallery, located at 3807 Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA. We are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, where a constantly evolving and curated selection of work is on view. You can also shop or contact Marion Cage anytime online.
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