North Carolina Museum of Art
Venice and the Ottoman Empire
September 28, 2024–January 5, 2025
Shipwreck! NCMA's latest exhibit showcases artifacts from a Venetian merchant ship that sank in 1583. Inspired by the recovered treasures, my jewelry designs may not be priceless, but I hope they dazzle the eyes just the same.
For this collection, I merge my modern aesthetic with art of the Italian Renaissance.
Arches of Venice
The geometric silhouette for the earrings above were inspired by the rhythmic beauty of repeating arches, seen throughout the city's canals.
Righteous Gemstones: A Rock Solid Trend
Trade during the Renaissance brought a kaleidoscope of gemstones to Europe. Arriving through Venice's bustling ports, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds exploded in popularity.
Merchants from the East kept the finest gems for themselves (who wouldn’t), so Europeans looked for ways to enhance the less desirable stones.
This led to the rectangular ‘table’ cut. By carving off the top and bottom of an octahedron (two pyramids stacked base to base), the stone's brilliance was significantly enhanced.
I'm no lapidary or goldsmith, but as someone who's always been partial to rectangular cuts (especially the baguette), I enjoyed incorporating this shape into my designs. I didn't use real jewels of course...
Counterfeit Consequences
The popularity of these gemstones had a darker side, as fakes flooded the market. Italian lawmakers didn’t take kindly to such fraud, imposing severe punishments. Selling a fake could mean 10 years in exile—and the loss of your right hand. Totally worth the risk, right!?
Ottoman Influence
Spotting someone wearing diamonds during the Ottoman Empire was a sure sign of their power and influence.
My earrings don't offer sultan status—or real diamonds for that matter—but they do have a unique feature...
The rhinestone accent you see is below worn behind the ear.
Attached to the earring back, these cupchain strands offer movement (and sparkle) in an unexpected place. Plus, you can get creative and pair them with earrings you already own!
These earrings also use an Ottoman-inspired shape—one that mimics the dome of a mosque and the "ogee" window of Venice (below).
OMG Will The Inspiration Ever Stop?
Check out my next blog for one more mini collection inspired by the Italian Renaissance.