The magpie is a bird belonging to the crow family and one of the several animal species able to recognize itself in a mirror. Originally inspired by European folklore and a 19th-century French play, it’s widely believed that magpies have an irresistible attraction to sparkly things, including collecting jewelry for their nests. While new scientific studies have debunked this myth, our curious, whimsical little mascot makes its appearance here and there, admiring jewelry and even stealing our logo ring to add to its nest!
jewelry
Do you see double?
Of course, you do! This is a two-finger ring and one of the many original pieces that have been added to the 2023-2024 Fall-Winter collection. It’s easy to wear, one of a kind, unisex, and totally ready to make a statement on your hand! It’s handcrafted in bronze but a silver version is coming soon. Its name is “ondoso” and its design takes inspiration from a large wave. The ring is available in our online shop and selected stores!
This handmade and one of a kind ring is crafted in bronze and takes inspiration by a large ocean wave
Handmade napkin holder or scarf slide?
I love handcrafted pieces that can be used for more than one purpose. This unique scarf slide can be easily transformed into an elegant napkin holder! Of course, this piece is nature-inspired, and a snake was behind the design of the adjustable, distinctive piece. You can look how to wear this handmade jewel here!
A handmade scarf slide that works well as a napkin holder!
Sea salt for jewelry-making? Why not.
Using household items like vinegar, lemon, sea salt, and water to handcraft jewelry is nothing new. To make unique pieces, it’s enough to use some imagination… and have a basic knowledge of jewelry-making. These “riflessi blu” earrings – inspired by reflections on the water surface - are handmade using several products that I found in my house. The process takes two to three days, but it’s worth the wait. What do you think?
Riflessi blu earrings handcrafted in Maddalena Bearzi’s studio, Los Angeles, California, using different techniques and a patina made with household items
A natural look in Solomeo, Umbria
Solomeo is an idyllic town in the Umbrian countryside of Italy.
Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli has been restoring this medieval hamlet, where his eponymous company is located, for the past 30 years. He has refurbished the town’s 14th-century castle (which is now a school to preserve the traditions and crafts of the village), the Church of St. Bartholomew, and built a nearby winery and a theater.
Every time I go back to my parents’ home - located just 10 minutes car ride from Solomeo, I find the time to visit this unique medieval town. Here, I am walking just behind the Church, wearing my own jewelry and a Lemuria dress.
Maddalena Bearzi wearing a Lemuria dress and her own jewelry in Solomeo, Italy
Homemade ketchup for cleaning jewelry
Got ketchup? Perfect!
Now, you can use it to clean your favorite jewelry. Ketchup polishes well brass and even bronze jewelry that has darkened over time. How to use it? Add a small spoon of ketchup on a clean cloth. Rub the piece until it shines, then rinse well and dry. This is another eco-friendly way to clean your jewels with something that you already have at home.
Continue to follow this blog for other sustainable techniques to keep your jewelry pieces like new!
The handmade and one of a kind “Riccio di mare” earrings can be easily cleaned with ketchup! Need a pair? check our online shop here