Process
These designs are greatly informed by process itself. Working exclusively in the medium of metal mesh, Maral found that the articulated fabric brings uniquely challenging physical properties — successful designs are executed within a variety of constraints. Encouraging the fluid material into pleasing, stable shapes is an ongoing study of tension and release — always with a focus on gravity, and the way the jewelry will hang on the body.
Metal mesh from vintage and antique purses is cleaned, deconstructed, and re-engineered in a variety of styles. The black and gold “framed mesh” pieces are created with lines of weighty sterling silver chain, oxidized to a deep, cool, black and hand-linked around the borders of gold mesh elements. This edging delivers graphic impact while also providing finish and structure to the mesh shapes. Joinery around these elements is all soldered or welded directly chain-to-chain, without bulky jump rings, drawing slim, uninterrupted lines throughout the work.
Earrings display mesh shapes held open in flat planes, suspended from hand-hammered armatures. Each shape is treated as a little canvas, the colors and patterns carefully altered and edited to bring the most beauty.
Some colorful, enamel-painted designs are taken straight from the antique purse, while others — frequently the most abstract — are often pieced together by hand. It’s a painstaking process, but definitely worth the extra time and energy. Adjusting the colors and forms until each earring stands as a unique little work of art, while simultaneously balancing the design across both earrings in a pair, is extremely satisfying. And it makes the most of the original antique treasures — reborn as fully-realized, new, keepsake treasures.
Custom bracelet clasps are hand-carved and cast in sterling silver and brass. These “sister” clasps were carefully designed and cast as two distinct halves, allowing them to be easily hooked with one hand.
Detailing is always kept minimal and discreet, focusing attention on the form of the piece and the inherent beauty of the vintage materials.
