A conversation with Voyage LA

I was recently interviewed by Voyage LA magazine about my jewelry work and where my inspiration comes from. Here is an exert from the interview.

We all face challenges, but looking back at your jewelry business would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say smooth… I run most aspects of my eponymous jewelry company; I also work at Ocean Conservation Society and I have a new book coming out soon. Somehow, though, things seem to work out OK.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I love about jewelry-making is the entire process. I observe something in nature, both on land or out on the ocean, I draw a sketch, and then I go back to my jewelry workshop with the desire to start a new piece inspired by what I’ve just seen outside. It can be anything: a diving whale, a falling leaf, a rock formation, a plant, a burned branch, the grass of a neighbor! Nature, for me, is an endless source of inspiration. In my workshop, I use a variety of tools and materials to handcraft my pieces. I like to adopt innovative techniques and I am not afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes, at times, produce the most original pieces!

I am mostly known for the originality of my handmade, organic-looking jewelry inspired by nature. And I am proud of donating part of the revenue from my jewelry business to good environmental causes that need support.

I believe that what sets me apart from others is my background as a field biologist; my work as a scientist highly influences my work at the jewelry bench.

Any big plans?
Regarding my jewelry business, I am planning to launch a new collection inspired by nature in Spring 2022. As always, I will donate part of the revenue to a good cause for the protection of the environment. As an author and a marine biologist, I will continue to work for the conservation of whales, dolphins, and the oceans, with the hope that others can be more involved in saving the only planet we have.

Read the entire interview here.

These handmade rings/bands are inspired by recent wildfires

This jewelry is a reminder of humanity’s impact on nature

The theme of this new, handmade and unique “Incendio” collection reflects the severe and uncontrolled wildfires and their devastating impact on our ecosystem. This flame-inspired jewelry is a reminder of how climate change is fueling fires in the West and a reminder that we are destroying the only planet we have.

And there is more! Ten percent of sales from the “Incendio” jewelry will be donated to the California Wildfire Relief Fund.

Sharon wears “terra bruciata” cuff and “intreccio di rami” necklace from the “Incendio” jewelry collection, the one of a kind “serpe nera arrotolata” ring, and her own Lotte.99 shirt

Interview & Italy travel tips →

Recently, I was interviewed by Marji De Las Alas from Vuela about my work as both, a jewelry designer and a marine biologist. She also asked me to share some tips about the Italian region of Umbria where my parents live. So, here it is. Enjoy!

An interview for Vuela about my marine biology + jewelry work, and my time in the Umbrian countryside. In the pics, I wear a floral Sissel Edelbo dress (pic on top), a Lemuria dress in sand color in the town of Solomeo restored by Brunello Cucinelli, and a striped ME+EM top (pic on bottom)

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

5 tips for storing your jewelry

Do you ever wonder about the best way to keep your jewelry shiny and ready to use? Here are five simple tips:

1. keep jewelry in a drawer/box and in individual bags/tissues to prevent oxidation and scratches
2. keep pieces bone dry with a desiccant packet
3. do not store jewelry in the bathroom, as moisture negatively affects it over time
4. fasten your necklaces/bracelets when storing to prevent them from getting tangled or knotted
5. you can leave some of your regular pieces out (they won't oxidize if you wear them daily)
Our new handcrafted jewelry dish is perfect to have your rings ready-to-go, and in full view!

Do you like to learn more about storing and take care of your jewelry? Read here

This signature dish is handcrafted in brass and silver and available in our online shop