Material alternatives.

Another instalment of exciting jewellery from around the world, all made from or featuring what you might consider to be "alternative materials" either with a historical reference or a contemporary twist. Please click on the images to visit the websites or galleries of the artists themselves to find out about their methodologies, and stories behind their work.

Fabric Portrait brooch experiment by talented painter, teacher and Masters student "A blackbird". The portrait was intended to capture an element of fun and character of the person portrayed. Loosely padded and stitched.

Intriguing positive-negative spacial designs by Minya Mindungui. Abstract forms with a gentle look to them. The materials are not easy to pinpoint, the pattern could translate in different ways depending on the wearer and the viewer.

Beautiful and raw, steel nut ring by "The Justified Sinner", Dauvit Alexamder. An artist who constantly explores the boundaries of ideas, materials and technical process. A clever piece, honest in material and form, contradictory beauty with the tiny sharp, traditional stone.

"Spirograph brooch" by Trincar Uvas. Simple, clean, evocative of memories of childhood perhaps.

"A MANO LIBERA- CROCE necklace" Another ingenious folded paper construction by Frucci. Elegant, sinuous and flexible.

From the "Zoonoses" collection by art jeweller Stevie B Jewelry. To read more about the ideas behind this piece, read here. Found object used to tell a story and put forward the makers point of view.

Very attractive mosaic pendants by Angela Ibbs. These work because they are not over filled, the compositions of the tesserae are well thought out to fit the heart shaped space.

Felted brooch with a sculptural 3-D form that draws the eye most effectively. See her other felted works here. Compelling design that evokes thoughts of the Turkish "evil eye" to ward off spirits...or perhaps it has a psychedelic cartoon appearance.....

The perpetually inventive "2Roses" team never cease to inspire with their enquiring minds. What better way to learn about historical styles and techniques, than by trying and adapting for yourself, which is one of the ways in which 2Roses constantly explore their ideas. Read more about these scrimshaw bone earrings here.

"Carpented Pendant" by "Blind Spot Jewellery"; Janos Gabor Varga. A jeweller whose creativity and ingenuity never ceases to inspire me. Traditional carpentry techniques of joints and slots contain the marble 'bricks'.

"Spinal Decompression" brooch by Salvadorvico. One of a series of exuberant expressionist works of wearable art. You should certainly take a look at his archive of work which is made up of a huge variety of media. There is a rawness and dynamic vibrancy to this piece, it has a feeling spontaneity about it...no contrivance here.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at some of my favourite artists, find them as inspiring as I do and have come across some new styles.