Swoon! Luminous Glass Jewelry by Michael Vincent Michaud
Breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. Introducing luminous cast glass jewelry by Michael Vincent Michaud. {applause and swooning here}
This is the first jewelry collection by Michael Vincent Michaud, son of esteemed designer Michael Michaud. Michael Vincent has studied glass making extensively with America’s finest glass artists at programs and Corning and Urban. He has collaborated with his father on Silver Seasons jewelry, designing pieces for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery in D.C., and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
We were struck by the luminosity of Michael’s cast glass and metal jewelry at market this winter. Nearly everyone walking down the aisle drew in a breath, then became entranced by the soft touches of color set within brushed gold metal frames. The softness of the finishes is unusal. And while the cast bronze is layered in gold or silver, there’s a resemblance to the distinctive green bronze metal of Silver Seasons jewelry. When we saw the name Michaud, we immediately understood the heirloom quality of this collection. Silver Seasons jewelry has been a favorite at Brooke Pottery for decades, appealing to women of all ages. Michael Vincent’s jewelry is destined to do the same with it’s fresh color palatte and classic shapes.
Left: Swirl Collar and Pendant necklaces by Michael Vincent Michaud. Stop in soon to the entire collection or browse the Brooke Pottery online shop.
Oct. 27th Trunk Show: Mary Bassham Jewelry
Spiral Pattern Earrings
Silver Circles Bracelet
Full Moon Earrings
Please join us 6-9 pm on Thursday, October 27th, as we host a trunk show for local jewelry designer Mary Bassham at the shop!
Creating organic, modern jewelry in sterling silver, gold, gemstones and pearls is a true passion for Lakeland jewelry designer Mary Bassham. After working for years as a graphic artist and teacher, Mary found her true love in artisan jewelry and goldsmithing. Mary and her husband, James, are partners in Bassham Studios. They both hold degrees in Fine Arts and have been making art for over 20 years. James’ work is more sculptural and focuses on the combination of contemporary form and function. Their Lakeland studio was established in 2005. Each piece of Bassham Studios jewelry is crafted with care. Materials are selected from eco friendly sources, and recycled materials are used as much as possible. We are excited to offer a new collection of Mary’s beautiful silver jewelry at Brooke Pottery. Please join us 6-9pm on October 27th to welcome Mary Bassham to the shop for a special Thursday on Kentucky trunk show.
Spring Flower Jewelry by Michal Golan
In honor of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day today, we’re sharing the work and story of one of our favorite jewelry designers – Michal Golan. New arrivals at Brooke Pottery this month include enamel and beaded necklaces and earrings from Golan’s pretty Spring Flowers 2011 collection.
Michal Golan has built a successful career as a jewelry designer, printer and ceramist working in New York for nearly 30 years. Golan’s distinctive designs are immediately recognizable for their ornate, intensely colored arrangements of gemstones and crystals. The work, notable for its meticulous attention to detail, highlights Michal’s mosaic-inspired aesthetic and reflects her Israeli heritage and familiarity with the intricacies of Middle Eastern Art.
Born in Haifa, Israeli, Michal Golan moved to the U.S. in 1976. She earned a BA in graphic art from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in studio art from New York University. Beginning as a 2 person team working out of an apartment and selling at craft fairs, Michal has grown her art business into a company with 40 full-time staff members. Today, Michal talented artisans produce jewelry, Judaica, belts and gifts in by hand in Golan’s New York studio. Michal Golan’s work is sold in over 1,500 stores worldwide. Brooke Pottery is proud to carry Michal’s jewelry and Judaica, and we celebrate the artistic contributions and success of this Israeli-American woman. Spring Flower Jewelry, $45-85.
Bead and Gemstone Hamsa Necklaces
Part of our new spring order from New York artist and jewelry designer Michal Golan includes her beautiful, handmade Hamsa necklaces. Encrusted with crystals and gems, each Hamsa pendant is suspended from a beaded necklace in coordinating colors. In addition to Hamsa necklaces, Brooke Pottery offers Michal Golan’s Hamsa wall plaques and key chains by special order.
The Hamsa (also known as the Hand of Fatima, the Hand of Miriam or the Hamesh hand) is a Muslim and Jewish symbol of good luck intended to ward off evil and protect against the evil eye and the envious. The Hamsa is shaped like an open hand stopping or warning an enemy. It represents the belief in the magical, protective properties of the number five in both Islamic and Jewish mysticism. Traditionally, Hamsas have been used as either wall and door plaques or as protective amulets. Hamsas have also generally contained either an eye design (representing the evil eye) or a protective prayer in the center of the palm. It has attained both religious and cultural symbolism. Israeli artist Michal Golan has tried to integrate both the cultural importance and the mystical significations of the symbol in her Judaica line. Although she has invigorated the Hamsa through the use of gems, colors and textures, she has also worked to maintain the original integrity of the Hamsa through the inclusion of traditional eye designs, prayers, and Stars of David in the center of many of her Hamsa designs.
Blown Glass Jewelry in Caribbean Colors
Caribbean Jumble Necklaces
With summer temperatures rising, we’re dreaming of beach vacations almost daily. But if a Caribbean getaway isn’t in the works, at least we can fantasize about the new handblown glass jewelry in the shop. Available in vibrant caribbean colors or jewel tones flecked with gold, Penrose Design offers fun, easy to wear, stand-out summer accessories – and unlike that Caribbean getaway, this kind of summer splurge will last for more than a week! Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches from $25-135.
Penrose Design jewelry is handcrafted by Massachusetts artists Elisabeth Cary and Ricky Bernstein. The remarkable color and depth of Penrose glass beads is achieved through an intricate glass blowing technique of layering clear glass over a core of pigmented glass. Ricky forms these layers of 2200 degree hot glass on a blowpipe, then stretches the hot glass into 25 -foot long pencil thin rods called “cane”. Once cooled, the canes are cut into small individually shaped beads and tumbled for 20 hours to soften edges. Think of beach glass that has tumbled in the waves and sand. Next the beads are fire polished in a small oven at 1250 degrees. Fire-polishing transforms the dull matte beads into smooth glass with brilliant clarity. Finally, the handblown glass beads are ready to use in Elisabeth’s wonderful jewelry designs.
Karma Collection with Silver and Pearls
Partners for over 30 years, botanist Elizabeth Cary and glass artist Ricky Bernstein grow family, gardens and art in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of western Massachuesets. Ricky Bernstein is an internationally recognized glass artist. His work can be found in major collections of art throughout the U.S. and Europe, including the Smithsonian, the Museum of Art and Design in New York, and the Corning Museum of Glass.
