by Janice M Wolfe
Style Guide
This fine and sterling silver was finished with a high and brightly polished finish.
The Jewelry Style Guide has been written to explain my unique, one of a kind handcrafted silver and copper jewelry designs. In addition, if you are considering placing a commission order, I hope this guide will help you with your custom design decisions.
Wired For You by Janice M Wolfe jewelry designs has evolved over the years as my design journey and techniques changed and improved.
Wearing an original, handcrafted jewelry design makes a statement. Your fashion choices, and tastes are reflected in the prestige of owning something that was created especially for you… a design no other individual owns. And, if you are giving one of my custom designed piece as a gift, you are telling that person how very special they are and how much you care for them.
Jewelry Style Guide: Two categories
Wired For You by Janice M Wolfe jewelry designs tend to fall under two different categories or styles that I have created during the evolution of my techniques. Each style is influenced by the techniques and construction I use in creating an individual, unique piece. What they have in common are the metals, gemstones, and finishing techniques. However, each style line remains visually different. The styles have been named them Bohemian Chic and Fancy Filigree.
Regardless of what category a design falls under, all my jewelry has my artisan hand ‘stamped’ on it… that is to say, my style carries the mark of my creativity that no other designer can duplicate. Even copied works of my designs never can quite grasp the imprint my handcrafting. This is what makes my jewelry stand apart from other designers who often merely duplicate original designs by established artisans.
The Evolution of a Design: Bohemian Chic
A Bohemian Chic copper jewelry design that has been patinaed to give an old world antique finish. The copper was then coated with a protective finish.
I have a Hungarian and German heritage, rich with creative ancestors whose careers spanned opera singers, artists, and fashion designers. Daring to be different was their natural way of life, defying popular trends and dictators of style. I fell in love with the gypsy look: bangles, beads, long earrings, rich colors. As I developed my style the word ‘Bohemian’ seemed to fit. I was comfortable with the term and my designs certainly were not what you would typically find in a department store jewelry display. My jewelry does not look like ‘fine’ jewelry (though in my eyes it certainly is fine jewelry). It’s different. Wired For You by Janice M Wolfejewelry defies being lumped into the category of ‘fine jewelry’.
When I first started crafting jewelry, I did all my designs in copper and Czech glass beads. Czech glass beads originated and are manufactured inBohemia. One of the most famous brand beads are Jablonex and they come in hundreds of designs and shapes. I fell in love with these beads and while they are not natural stones, their unique quality and look rival some gemstones.
I decided to call my multi-dimensional designs Bohemian Chic.
The best definition of my Bohemian Chic style is that it is multi-dimensional with a layered look of intricate swirls, weaving and interlocking elements usually focused on a beautiful stone or bead. The look is warm, exciting, and unique. Gradually, I added sterling and fine silver, crystals and gemstones in my designs… but the layered look and intricacies in my Bohemian Chic style remains.
If you are looking for a design that can take you from daywear to evening, consider a handcrafted Bohemian Chic design. Most of my designs are available with matching pieces. And because my handcrafted style is easily identified, you can mix and match my designs for diversity and intrigue.
Another line: Fancy Filigree
Sterling and fine silver design in my Fancy Filigree style.
Almost everyone recognizes filigree jewelry or can identify its unique swirls and connections in pins, brooches, necklaces and earrings.
Derived from the Latin word “filum” (meaning thread), filigree is an ancient art form that has been appreciated as far back as 2500 B.C. Twisted and formed to closely resemble lace, filigree refers to the openwork design of an exquisitely entwined bouquet of fine silver, gold or other metal threads. Recall images of Victorian sophistication, romantic swirls, and endless intricacies. Antique designs brought to life with an original design captures a moment in time that is endless and priceless.
I was fascinated by this style of jewelry. Using silver wire to fill patterns and shapes lent itself to my craft and early on I fiddled into the wee hours of the morning twisting wire into patterns and shapes. I often found photos of ancient filigree and tried to duplicate the patterns.
If we follow the definition of filigree, my flat wire work designs fall under that category. Though my designs use heavier wire, the principle of construction remains true to the art – with one exception: my wire connections are not soldered. Using cold connection techniques gives the filigree a more substantial look, yet remains elegant in structure and style. Fancy Filigree designs Wired For You by Janice M Wolfe are unique, exquisite and timeless. Fancy Filigree can be custom designed using your favorite colored gemstone or pearl.
Other Articles of Interest…
You may also be interested in reading Gemstone Reference, Wired For You in Copper, Wired For You in Silver, and Finishing Techniques.
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Do you have any questions or comments? I’d love to hear from you. Please contact me!