| Let's continue taking a look at our Made in the USA collections! This week we are spotlighting jewelry made in studios in our northern neighbor, New York State. From Brooklyn to Upstate New York towns, these artists are committed to excellent craftsmanship, and their designs are unique and beautiful. Please look below for our collections by Adel Chefridi, Colleen Mauer, Ed Levin, Mier Luo, and Michael Michaud. |
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Adel Chefridi grew up in Tunisia, Carthage-Tunis, surrounded by the stories and artifacts of many rich cultures, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Andalusians, and Ottomans. When Adel came to New York City in 1998 and witnessed the richness of all the different faces and flavors, he felt right at home. Soon after, he started his jewelry studio and continued on his path, using beauty as his language. Inspired by the tranquil surroundings of the Hudson Valley, he and his wife relocated in 2008 to raise their two daughters. His jewelry is a beautiful mix of sterling silver and 18k gold that features exquisite gemstones, detailed etching and patterns, and one-of-a-kind designs.
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Colleen Mauer comes from a formal industrial design and architecture background, but she soon found her passion for jewelry design instead! Originally from New Jersey, she spent time traveling the world and designing and living in San Francisco for over 15 years - but she recently relocated back to New Jersey with a new business space in Asbury Park. CMD is proud to be woman-owned and operated—from design to delivery. The team is made up of six women who work in their Upstate New York production studio, where all the magic happens to bring this lovely collection to life.
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Ed Levin Jewelry, Inc., considered the oldest and largest hand-crafted jewelry manufacturer in the United States, is owned by the family and currently sells to hundreds of retail shops throughout the country. Ed said, “The diversity and richness of the natural world and all of the peoples who inhabited it will always inspire art and jewelry.” Even after Ed Levin’s passing in 2008, his wife and their children still carry his legacy and share it through the art of uniquely crafted jewelry.
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Mier Luo's unique jewelry is handcrafted in Brooklyn from fine porcelain, 22k gold, and gold-filled metal. Mier was raised in an artist family, originally from Shanghai, China, and then Phoenix, Arizona. In small batches, everything is handmade in her studio in Brooklyn, New York. Her process begins with her initial designs, inspired by textures and forms found in nature. Then pieces are handmade from porcelain clay and fired to over 2000 Fahrenheit degrees. Accents are added to the fired porcelain in 22k gold, and all her chains and ear wires are gold-filled.
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Designer Michael Michaud's botanical jewelry captures nature's beauty and detail using soft patinas on bronze and accents of pearls, glass, and stones. The Silver Seasons collection is made by creating molds directly from botanical elements in a process similar to lost-wax casting. A mold is created around the botanical element; as it is heated, the plant matter burns away and leaves behind a beautifully detailed mold. Starting with this process, all Silver Seasons jewelry is handcrafted in New York.
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