The premise is simple: Pore over the jewelry you own, select your current favorite or a piece you consider especially noteworthy, send in a photo to share with readers, and tell us why you selected it. This is the second installment in this series (check out the first one here). For this edition, we invited only AJF members to contribute. The only criteria were that they must own the piece and that it must have been made by someone other than themselves. Thank you to everyone who contributed! We couldn’t do it without you. The response was so overwhelming that we had to split this edition in two parts—so check in next Monday for Part 2!
This series aims to offer some insight into what each of you think is important in the field. We also believe it will expose more contemporary artists to the community and beyond.
Someone once said that one is a purchase, two’s a coincidence, and three’s a collection. Maybe you define yourself in relation to jewelry—as maker, collector, enthusiast, gallerist, curator—or maybe you don’t, but you almost certainly own a number of pieces of jewelry. So which piece do you like best in your collection, and why?
!["Lily Yung, Die Cut Felt Necklace"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FAVE20detail_1024x768.jpg "\"In January 2007, Marjorie Simon moved into a loft apartment/studio in Philadelphia that happened to be only four blocks from my mother's house. "One month later," says Simon, "she was diagnosed with lung cancer, and she died November 5 of the same year. Two days later, I went to the Philadelphia Craft Show with my sister. I saw this necklace and tried it on. The price was more than I usually spend on impulse, but my sister said, "You should get it. You deserve it." I wanted it, but why did I deserve it? "For being four blocks away," she said. I wore it to the funeral the next day. Lily Yung herself passed away around the age of 50 a short time later. I am never alone when I wear it." Part of an award-winning collection in 2006, the die cut wool felt was \hand assembled with no extra hardware and can be adjusted in length by the user, to make it into a collar or bracelet." | Lily Yung, Die Cut Felt Necklace, 864 x 102 mm, photo courtesy of Marjorie SimonLily Yung, Die Cut Felt Necklace"\"")
!["Janis Kerman wearing Ivy Ross, Bracelet"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ivy20Ross20bracelet20worn20Janis_1024x768.jpg "\""I met Ivy Ross in the late 70s and we became friends over time," says Janis Kerman. "This piece is one from a series that I purchased. I haven't worn it in years but still love looking at it and trying it on from time to time.\ | Ivy Ross, Bracelet, early 80s, oxidized copper, anodized titanium, photo courtesy of Janis KermanJanis Kerman wearing Ivy Ross, Bracelet"\"")
!["Ivy Ross, Bracelet"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ivy20Ross20bracelet_1024x768.jpg "\"It was a heady time in contemporary jewelry making, recalls Janis Kerman, \and Ivy and her then-husband, Bob Ebendorf, were trailblazers in so many ways. It was so much fun to be a part of that world. I always remember those times when I look at and wear this piece."Ivy Ross, Bracelet"\"")
!["Herman Hermsen, Woman with Mink"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_3218_1024x768.jpg "\"Susan Cummins, AJF’s founder, tells us why she loves this brooch by Herman Hermsen. "I love art history, and this is just a very affordable rectangular brooch with an image of part of a painting by Leonardo da Vinci. I love the image but also that she’s wearing a pearl necklace. I don't know if it’s a 'museum quality' piece, but I find it very amusing and satisfying." | Herman Hermsen, Woman with Mink, photo courtesy of Susan CumminsHerman Hermsen, Woman with Mink\"")
!["susan Beech wearing Sari Liimatta, Hopeless"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Susan20Beech20102420x20768.jpg "\"Susan Beech recounts that she first saw this piece in Liesbeth den Besten’s book, ‘On Jewellery.’ "When I saw this neckpiece, I fell in love and started calling around to see if it was still available. Rob Koudijs, the dealer from Amsterdam, had the piece and he delivered it to me at Schmuck one year. It fits in with several of my loves—endangered animals, the environment, and beaded work. The workmanship is amazing, and I can’t even imagine how long the beading took." | Sari Liimatta, Hopeless, 2007, glass beads, pins, thread, plastic toy, photo courtesy of Susan Beechsusan Beech wearing Sari Liimatta, Hopeless\"")
!["Pendant by Lucy Sarneel"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_73462020102420x20768.jpg "\"Ted Noten contributed an homage to the Dutch artist Lucy Sarneel. "Hereby a pendant from Lucy Sarneel—who was my friend and dear colleague," he says. "Unfortunately she left this planet a few months ago." | Pendant by Lucy Sarneel, photo courtesy of Ted NotenPendant by Lucy Sarneel\"")
!["Brooch by Lucy Sarneel"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/bonnie20102420x20768.jpg "\"AJF board member Bonnie Levine also selected a work by Lucy Sarneel. "I have a ‘thing’ about hearts—I love them and am intrigued by the many interpretations of this seemingly simple symbol. I saw this one in 2019 at a Valentine’s Day exhibition of hearts at the Jewelry Library in NYC. I took pictures of it and couldn’t get it out of my mind. Fast forward to late 2020, and I came across it again, and this time decided it had to be mine. It’s very special because the maker, Lucy Sarneel, passed away from cancer much too soon, just days after I purchased it. I’m very touched to have a piece of her work, her heart. | Brooch by Lucy Sarneel, photo courtesy of Bonnie LevineBrooch by Lucy Sarneel\"")
!["Robert Baines, Red Heart Brooch"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/C377A1C2-1054-45F7-AD93-99AB08556783_1024x768.jpg "\""I love this piece because it was a surprise," says Edie Nadler. "Dazzling and beautifully crafted by a living legend." | Robert Baines, Red Heart Brooch, 2020, silver, electroplate, collected object, lacquer, photo courtesy of Edie NadlerRobert Baines, Red Heart Brooch\"")
!["Sébastien Carré, Growth of Civilization"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/bella-1024x1024.jpg "\""It’s too difficult to choose one piece from my collection that’s a favorite," says Bella Neyman—a common sentiment. "I love all of my pieces as I choose them very carefully and deliberately. Some I wear very often and others not often enough. Such is the case with ‘Growth of Civilization,’ by Sébastien Carré, that I acquired during Munich Jewelry Week in 2017. This brooch chose me as much as I chose it. This was a spontaneous purchase—very much in contradiction to what I wrote earlier about being deliberate in my choices. I love the energy that Munich Jewelry Week always possesses, that spirit of abandon, and I miss that very much right now. Most importantly, I love what this piece stands for. Sébastien told me that his use of the film strip from the trailer for ‘Amélie’ is meant to represent ‘a universal symbol of connection’—which is also what our community represents for me. And ‘Amélie’ is one of my favorite all-time films." | Sébastien Carré, Growth of Civilization, photo courtesy Bella NeymanSébastien Carré, Growth of Civilization\"")
!["Marianne Schliwinski, Icons of the 20th Century—Josephine Baker"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/josephine20baker_1024x768.jpg "\"Jürgen Eickhoff contributed a photo of a brooch by Marianne Schliwinski that is simply magical in its aesthetic relationship with the work itself. "Marianne’s entire series ‘Icons of the 20th Century’ is a remarkable statement, aesthetically and politically, in the jewelry world," he says. "For me, especially, Josephine Baker is important as an early fighter for women rights in the world of art and theater." | Marianne Schliwinski, Icons of the 20th Century—Josephine Baker, 2005, brooch, fine silver, found glass, offset-print, photo courtesy of Jürgen EickhoffMarianne Schliwinski, Icons of the 20th Century—Josephine Baker\"")
!["Gigi Mariani, Painting 7"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/liana2020102420x20768.jpg "\"Liana Pattihis selected a brooch by Italian artist Gigi Mariani as her favorite. "I always admired Gigi’s work, which usually has a very sculptural quality about it. This brooch was one of the pieces on display at a fair. Though distinctively ‘Gigi’ [in style], it stood out to me, as it was visually different from other pieces. I was instantly drawn to its pictorial sensitivity, the rich texture of the surface, its light, tactile qualities, and its ostensible fragility. What also made it very interesting to me was identifying similarities in the basic essence of both Gigi’s and my work, even though they are distinctly so very different. Much as I apply enamel to my silver or gold chains, covering, obscuring the precious metal under the many layers, making them appear much older in age, Gigi applies and completely covers the surface of his pieces with niello." | Gigi Mariani, Painting 7, 2017, brooch, photo courtesy of Liana PattihisGigi Mariani, Painting 7\"")
!["Dongchun Lee, Flourish Wither"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DongchunLee.Ajf1c_1024x768.jpg "\""Dongchun Lee is an exceptional artist," says Noel Guyomarc'h of Galerie Noel Guyomarc'h. "Through his poetic work, we perceive the notion of passing time, an inner reflection that envelops us when we look at the pieces. He captures a moment, that of the flowering which seems to be waiting to fade. At the same time it’s reassuring, we know it will come back. Contemplative and introspective work. Wearing this necklace makes us aware of a certain fragility, not only of the piece itself, (the carved wood flower element) but all of life." | Dongchun Lee, Flourish Wither, 2018, necklace, wood, string, 150 x 130 x 40 mm, photo courtesy of Galerie Noel Guyomarc'hDongchun Lee, Flourish Wither\"")
!["Baccarat, Glass Ring"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/D4924153-7140-4DBC-8DF3-1232C720ECB120102420x20768.jpg "\"They say you never forget your first. Alpa Sheth tells us about this bauble: "It was my first introduction and purchase of a piece of art jewelry. I bought it at an airport shop (I think it was Paris) while waiting for my connecting flight. I didn't know it then, but I was attracted to the combination of the translucence of the glass and the red color, the organic and fluid shape. It felt like a piece of art that made a very personal statement. I love this ring, because unknowingly it was the first sign of my yet-subconscious aesthetic." | Baccarat, Glass Ring, photo courtesy of Alpa ShethBaccarat, Glass Ring\"")
!["Makers unknown"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_20210225_085339_1024x768.jpg "\""This is a set of pieces that all go, always together, on my left hand, says Nicolas Estrada: "Three pre-Columbian nose-rings that I use as rings and my father's wedding ring, which I inherited after his death. When he died, I took it off from him and immediately put it on my hand. With my father’s ring I always feel him closer, as if his soul is always with me. The nose-rings are more than 500 years old, and all were found in the region that is now Colombia. With them I carry my past and inheritance always with me; one of them was given to me by my father. All of them are magical and are amulets on my hand. I feel their power all the time." | Makers unknown, gold, photo courtesy of Nicolas EstradaMakers unknown\"")
!["Bernhard Schobinger, Ring from Cannon Ball"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ring20on20body20Atty20Bernhard20102420x20768.jpg "\"Atinuj Tantivit, from Atta Gallery, selected a ring by Bernhard Schobinger: "The story behind the piece, as well as the actual ring itself, caught my attention. I found this ring at Gallery S O in London. I was already a fan of Bernhard Schobinger then, and this ring fits me perfectly. I was worried that I would have an allergic reaction to it, but to my surprise didn’t ... due to the purity of the iron used to make the cannonball." | Bernhard Schobinger, Ring from Cannon Ball, 2010, native iron, gold, 11 x 25 mm in diameter, photo courtesy of Atinuj TantivitBernhard Schobinger, Ring from Cannon Ball\"")
!["Bernhard Schobinger, Ring from Cannon Ball"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ring20Atty20Bernhard20102420x20768.jpg "\"It has been my go-to ring, continues Tantavit, \due to its simple form with subtle forged marks, yet packed with stories. I also love its heft on my finger." | Bernhard Schobinger, Ring from Cannon Ball, 2010, native iron, gold, 11 x 25 mm in diameter, photo courtesy of Atinuj TantivitBernhard Schobinger, Ring from Cannon Ball"\"")
!["Art Smith, Half & Half Necklace"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Art20Smith20SS20_Half202620Half_20necklace_1024x768.jpg "\""This choker is a rare example of statement-making sculptural piece of jewelry that is designed so exquisitely that it actually fits the contours of the body, and one forgets they are wearing it," says Julie Simpson of this necklace by the famous American modernist jeweler Art Smith. "I once wore it on a six-hour flight and didn't remember I had it on until I went to undress several hours later at my hotel. I have always loved this design, but examples of it in sterling silver are hard to find, so I snapped it up when it was offered to me a few years ago. (Right now, this same design is included in copper and brass in R & Company's ‘Object USA:2020’ exhibition, in NYC). I love it when a piece of jewelry surprises you when you put it on, and this one certainly did." | Art Smith, Half & Half Necklace, 1948, sterling silver, photo courtesy of Julie SimpsonArt Smith, Half & Half Necklace\"")
!["Necklace by Peta Kruger"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_5492_1024x768.jpg "\""I love the handmade detail, repetition, and colors," says Kaoru Rogers in describing her necklace by Peta Kruger. "The minute I saw it hanging on the wall in the gallery where I used to work—Courtesy of the Artist, in Sydney, Australia—I knew I had to have it. It’s easy to pop on and fun to wear." | Necklace by Peta Kruger, brass, paint, photo courtesy of Kaoru RogersNecklace by Peta Kruger\"")
!["Tone Vigeland, Fringe Mesh Bracelet"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/05318426-8036-41DF-9572-4D16BB64A0B020102420x20768.jpg "\"Robert Lee Morris selected this high-drama chain mail bracelet from many in pieces in his collection. "This is iconic Tone Vigeland, incorporating her own personal style with the spirit of the Vikings from which she comes. While it’s soft and sensual on the arm, it feels exactly like what a Shield Maiden might wear at the feasts." | Tone Vigeland, Fringe Mesh Bracelet, 1978, sterling silver, 18-karat gold, photo courtesy of Robert Lee MorrisTone Vigeland, Fringe Mesh Bracelet\"")
!["Tone Vigeland, Fringe Mesh Bracelet"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ADC845B1-9A25-419E-80A6-62F75165A5DE20102420x20768.jpg "\"Tone Vigeland's Fringe Mesh Bracelet off the body. ." | Tone Vigeland, Fringe Mesh Bracelet, 1978, sterling silver, 18-karat gold, photo courtesy of Robert Lee MorrisTone Vigeland, Fringe Mesh Bracelet\"")
!["Brooch by Sandra Enterline"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/71770C3E-6417-44B5-AD72-7D839B3D6244_1024x768.jpg "\"This brooch by Sandra Enterline represents a very specific time in Valerie Mitchell’s life. "This exceptional brooch is reminiscent of our early days of metalsmith work. While this was hand constructed and hand filed in Sandra’s San Francisco studio, it was gifted to me and is displayed in my Los Angeles studio. As we both traveled to California after our degrees from RISD and continued relating in our metal arts field, it is an iconic symbol of a time and style that marks the technique we so engaged in refining metal forms and expression with patinas and hand-filed texture." | Brooch by Sandra Enterline, early 1990s, oxidized sterling silver, 18-karat gold, hand constructed, 133 mm high, photo courtesy of Valerie MitchellBrooch by Sandra Enterline\"")
!["Necklace by Zélia Nobre Carré"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZN_1024x768.jpg "\""Zélia Nobre Carré gave me this necklace back in our student days over 30 years ago when we were both in Cologne studying with Peter Skubik," says Debra Rosen. "It's one of my favorite pieces. I love it for the memories it invokes and its timeless simplicity." | Necklace by Zélia Nobre Carré,1990, copper, steel, photo courtesy of Debra RosenNecklace by Zélia Nobre Carré\"")
!["Constance Guisset, Solar"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210305_190519_1024x768.jpg "\"Coincidentally, Zélia Nobre Carré contributed a photo of her favorite piece of jewelry, too. So what did she choose? A piece by Constance Guisset. "I bought this jewel in Paris at the Musée des Art Décoratifs. I was attracted by the circular shape and the many rays which gives a sense of light, hope, and plenitude. When I wear it I feel happy and serene. I associate this jewel with a very nice trip to Paris, where my husband made me discover the city where he studied." | Constance Guisset, Solar, photo courtesy of Zélia Nobre CarréConstance Guisset, Solar\"")
!["Bracelet by Anna Porcu"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/74CEAA91-ADEF-4C63-85F9-B4F5354CFFCE_1024x768.jpg "\"Michele Cohen names reason after reason why she considers this bracelet by Anna Porcu number one in her collection. "I love the color of the cameo, the details of the carving, the unusual color of the stone. I also love the tradition of cameos and its pairing with a modern band. I also love the size, which is large on my arm, it’s like Wonder Woman’s bracelets that hold her magic powers. I also love that I know Anna so well; it gives the piece even more meaning knowing who created it. I think of her whenever I wear it. I bought this piece at the Museum of Arts and Design’s annual show, MAD About Jewelry, and I have been wearing it for years. It’s still one of my favorite, go-to pieces." | Bracelet by Anna Porcu, cameo, onyx, silver, leather, 57 x 51 mm, photo courtesy of Michele CohenBracelet by Anna Porcu\"")
!["Necklace and earrings by Carmen Scar"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bryna20Pomp20102420x20768.jpg "\""I bought this hand painted trompe-l’œil necklace and earrings by Carmen Scar when she participated in MAD About Jewelry 2015," says Bryna Pomp, who curates that event. "I love jewelry with a sense of humor. For me the value of a piece of jewelry is derived NOT from the possibly precious materials that are utilized, but rather by the intellectual thought, design, and originality that the maker puts into it. Would I cherish this ‘parure’ more if it had real sapphires and diamonds? No way … I adore these pieces!" The set includes a bracelet, which isn’t shown. The photo was taken in Munich at MJW, in March 2018. | Necklace and earrings by Carmen Scar, 2015, paint on canvas, inner diameter of necklace 406 mm, photo Martin PompNecklace and earrings by Carmen Scar\"")
!["Necklace by Danielle Gori-Montanelli"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210310_155000_1024x768.jpg "\"Suzanne Walsh bought this necklace by Danielle Gori-Montanelli at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show a number of years ago. "It is one of my all-time fave pieces. The detail is incredible. Plus, if you know me well, you know I really only write with pencil, so this makes me extra happy. I also like that from a distance, it's difficult to tell what it is other than a statement piece. The surprise, whimsy, and quirkiness of the piece emerges as people realize what it is. It makes it a fun piece of art to wear and is a conversation starter no matter where I am—in an airport, at a conference, at work. This piece is pure joy." | Necklace by Danielle Gori-Montanelli, felt, pencils, photo courtesy of Suzanne WalshNecklace by Danielle Gori-Montanelli\"")
!["Akiko Kurihara, Take Care of Yourself! Brooch"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/E35C96DC-D069-4998-B37D-3824AEDCEB47_1024x768.jpg "\"Melanie Bilenker saw this piece Akiko Kurihara at Sienna Patti and loved it immediately. "It is tiny, the true size of a pill, a shiny replica. ‘Take Care of Yourself’ is a talisman and a reminder (needed now more than ever). It is bright and humorous, and I smile every time I see it." Kurihara also makes these brooches in different colors, and in gold." | Akiko Kurihara, Take Care of Yourself! Brooch, electro color-plated sterling silver, photo courtesy of Melanie BilenkerAkiko Kurihara, Take Care of Yourself! Brooch\"")
!["Jewelry by Raïssa Bump"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/E441D1FD-2B74-4A86-A899-9C0E00EE7A44_1024x768.jpg "\"Melody Drummond Hansen selected a couple of Raïssa Bump pieces as her faves. "These pieces showcase Raïssa’s mastery of geometry and her ability to combine strong (even sharp!) shapes like triangles and rhombi to create organic, fluid, and elegant pieces. These are eternally wearable and only get better with a good patina—as we all hope to!" | Jewelry by Raïssa Bump, 2020, silver, gold, bimetal, photo courtesy of Melody Drummond HansenJewelry by Raïssa Bump\"")
!["Paweł Kaczyński, The Silver Pillow"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PODUCHA20kwadrat20MaC582y_1024x768.jpg "\"This piece belongs to the International Collection of Contemporary Jewellery from the Gallery of Art in Legnica. The artist received the Grand Prix in the 28th International Jewellery Competition SILVER in 2019 for this bracelet. "A visual heavy form; by seeing not spectacular, but by taking it in your hand you are suddenly surprised as the object is extremely [lightweight]. The perfection of craft and control over the material is a very important aspect in the execution. The volume of the cubic shape is made with very thin silver sheet and filled with feathers and gives both physical lightness and some stability. So it not only focuses on formal aspects but also awakes curiosity in the haptic experience." —Comment by the jury of the 28th International Jewellery Competition SILVER 2019." | Paweł Kaczyński, The Silver Pillow, bracelet, 2019, silver, welded, goose feathers (inside), 100 x 100 x 100 mm, photo courtesy of the Gallery of Art in LegnicaPaweł Kaczyński, The Silver Pillow\"")
!["Paula Mourão, Mutação 1"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2b_1024x768.jpg "\"Marcela Sardas tells a story of friendship and hope. "This is an incredibly light pin I can wear over summer clothes. It reminds me of sea creatures with it myriad of colors. The artist who made it was one of my first jewelry teachers and is now a dear friend whose work I truly admire. This piece was made during lockdown, but contrary to all expectations it expresses nothing but freedom and joy. I love it." | Paula Mourão, Mutação 1, 2020, Styrofoam, fabric, steel, 90 x 50 x 40 mm, photo: Marcela SardasPaula Mourão, Mutação 1\"")
!["Malene Kastalje, No One Knew When It Was Going to Happen"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Malene_Kastalje_ring_1024x768.jpg "\""I chose my red silicone ring by Malene Kastalje because it is both funny, bold, a little crazy, very light to wear—and I get a lot of comments and questions when wearing it." | Malene Kastalje, No One Knew When It Was Going to Happen, 2017, silicone photo courtesy of Nanna ObelMalene Kastalje, No One Knew When It Was Going to Happen\"")
