Hoop Dreams

(Heaven and Earth Snake Hoops)Being a jewelry designer has some interesting effects on one's perspective on the world.  I've become aware of noticing someone's jewelry before registering the color of their eyes.  (I can't tell you how many times I've done this!) There is a caveat here, though: the jewelry they are wearing must be noteworthy.  So, if the eyes are the window to the soul, then it could be said that, for a jewelry designer, earrings are the window to a person's aesthetic.  Note to the rest of the world: a surefire way to get a jewelry designer's attention is to wear some outstanding earrings!

(Tree of Life, Photo: Vanessa Montiel) 

(Bayu - carved bone earrings, Photo: Vanessa Montiel)

Feeling rather bijoux-obsessed at the moment I've been on the hunt for something new and covet-worthy.  Seeing as hoops are always a favorite - I have been known to be hoop obsessed - you can imagine my delight when I discovered the work of Vanessa Montiel. Montiel, working with the unique material of water buffalo horn, bone and gold vermeil, has carved out a beautiful niche for herself, literally!  Her eponymous jewelry line features meticulously carved water buffalo horn spun into a multitude of whimsical, undulating, serpentine forms, re-envisioning the hoop and giving it a tribal kick in the pants.  These hoops have attitude!   

(Semara, Photo: Vanessa Montiel)(Golden Cosmos Hoop, Photo: Vanessa Montiel) 

Interested in making some of your own smashing jewelry? As a jewelry design instructor at the Sheffield School in New York, I encourage you to take the matter of making into your own hands! Check out the newly launched Jewelry Design Course offered at the Sheffield School.  With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

• Request a free Sheffield School catalog describing our distance education courses.
• Subscribe to the Sheffield Designer newsletter.

Comments

[Mae]

These are pretty intricate and yes, I would love to have them so they're definitely covet-worthy

[birthstone]

These are beautiful I love them!

[birthstone]

These are beautiful pieces of birthstone jewelry I love them!

[Meet]

I was very encouraged to find this site. The reason being that this is such an informative post. I wanted to thank you for this informative read of the subject.

[the jump manual]

I would suggest you get a hemp mat because not only are they eco-friendly, but they are safe, handy, and quite comfortable.

[thomas sabo silver charms]

thank you so much taking both as well!

[Whitening Gel]

Wowed by those jewelries. They are truly beautiful with its intricate designs.

[jupiter ac cleaning]

It's Really Good Design of Jewellerlly. Love to Get it at any cost and give this to my belove on the anniversary of my /jupiter ac cleaning business

[Mike]

I love those hoops and nail technician courses will get me the money to buy them.

[I LOVE YOU]

I love those hoops

[Luna]

So nice of those jewelries!

[Chester]

Beautiful jewelry! I love the tree of life earrings

[Antique Jewellery]

LOvely the whole lot of em

[Oval Diamond Engagement Ring]

I didn't like the earring much.
Its looking very tacky and old fashion

[Miami Air Duct Cleaning]

Very nice article and I like the most articles which are mostly pointed designing like this one, and like this one, is incredible actually.

[Computer]

I'm extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one today..