Click on the photos to learn about what they show.
The premise is simple: Pore over the jewelry you own, choose your current favorite or a piece that’s especially noteworthy, and send in a photo along with the reason you selected it. The only criteria: you must own the piece and it must have been made by someone other than yourself.
This series aims to offer some insight into what AJF members think is important in the field. We also hope it will expose more contemporary artists not only to our community, but beyond it.
You may not think of yourself a jewelry collector, but consider this possibility: Perhaps one is a purchase, two’s a coincidence, and three’s a collection. No matter how you define yourself in relation to jewelry—maker, collector, enthusiast, gallerist, curator, or not at all—you almost certainly own a number of pieces of jewelry. So—knowing that your choice can change tomorrow—which piece do you like best in your collection today, and why?
This is the fourth in this series; we’ll publish a fifth installment next week. (Check out the first one, the second, and the third). Thank you to everyone who contributed. We couldn’t do it without you!
!["Michael Rotenberg’s favorite jewel is a brooch by Mariko Sumioka"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_0993_1024x768.jpg "\"Michael Rotenberg’s favorite jewel is a brooch by Mariko Sumioka. "Based on Japanese traditional architecture, it uses natural materials and colors," says Rotenberg. "I love the simplicity of its design and its architectural elements." | Mariko Sumioka, Box Brooch, 2020, oxidized silver, enamel on copper, antique kimono, 40 x 40 x 10 mm, photo courtesy of Michael RotenbergMichael Rotenberg’s favorite jewel is a brooch by Mariko Sumioka\"")
!["Scott Duerstock wears brooch Alternated Color No.5 bby Yong Joo Kim"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/YJK20brooch20on20Scott_1024x768.jpg "\""I have an ever-growing collection of brooches and lapel pins," says Scott Duerstock, who cofiunded Gallery Yun Gee Park, "but this one by Yong Joo Kim seems to continually find a place on my attire, especially when the mood or occasion calls for something vibrant and dynamic." | Yong Joo Kim, Alternated Color No.5, 2019, Velcro® hook-and-loop fastener, thread, oxidized sterling silver, photo courtesy of Yun Gee Park GalleryScott Duerstock wears brooch Alternated Color No.5 bby Yong Joo Kim\"")
!["Yong Joo Kim, Alternated Color No.5"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/YJK20brooch_1024x768.jpg "\""Similar to works by artists such as Heejoo Kim, Seulgi Kwon, and Jeounghye Park, the form of this piece by Yong Joo Kim is biomorphic, conjuring the image of an imaginary sea creature or rare botanical, though it’s more angular than the other examples listed," says Scott Duerstock. "As such, it functions happily as a lively hybrid of brooch and boutonnière. Additionally, I admire the creativity and innovative use of common material and the severe attention to craftpersonship." | Yong Joo Kim, Alternated Color No.5, 2019, Velcro® hook-and-loop fastener, thread, oxidized sterling silver, photo courtesy of Yun Gee Park GalleryYong Joo Kim, Alternated Color No.5\"")
!["Charon Kransen selected this piece by Mirjam Hiller"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/20210616_114342_1024x768.jpg "\"Charon Kransen selected this piece by Mirjam Hiller to feature in this photo essay. "Mirjam made this brooch for my 60th birthday in my favorite color. Now, after 12 years, I still love it!!!" | Mirjam Hiller, brooch, stainless steel, powder coated, photo courtesy of Charon KransenCharon Kransen selected this piece by Mirjam Hiller\"")
!["Mirjam Hiller, brooch"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/20210616_133243_1024x768.jpg "\""Mirjam works from a flat sheet of stainless steel—see this drawing, which is how she envisions all her work," explains Charon Kransen. "She saws, cuts, then bends it into a 3D shape." | Mirjam Hiller, brooch, stainless steel, powder coated, photo courtesy of Charon KransenMirjam Hiller, brooch\"")
!["Biba Schutz also selected work by Mirjam Hiller as her favorite"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4260_1024x768.jpg "\"Biba Schutz also selected work by Mirjam Hiller as her favorite. "As soon as I saw Mirjam Hiller's work at Charon Kransen Arts at SOFA, I was engaged," says Schutz. "The brooch grabbed me and I wanted to have it for myself. It’s small and contains many of the characteristics that draw me to process. The piece feels great in the hand, is wearable, and gives me a personal warmth." | Mirjam Hiller, title unknown, 2005, enamel on copper, photo courtesy Biba SchutzBiba Schutz also selected work by Mirjam Hiller as her favorite\"")
!["Mirjam Hiller, title unknown"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mirjam_Hiller_1024x768.jpg "\""This was from one of Mirjam's first bodies of work," says Biba Schutz, "and it’s wonderful to see how and where she is now. I still am drawn to her work." | Mirjam Hiller, title unknown, 2005, enamel on copper, photo courtesy Biba SchutzMirjam Hiller, title unknown\"")
!["Tanel Veenre, Kafka"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tanel20Veenre20Garden20of20Heavenly20and20Earthly20Delights21_1024x768.jpg "\"Kadri Mälk says, "One of the favorite pieces in my private collection is this brooch by Tanel Veenre, made some years ago. Its original title was ‘Garden of Heavenly and Earthly Delights,’ but for me it’s ‘Kafka,’ in honor of Gregor Samsa, who awoke one morning as an insect. Without complaining. No explain, no complain. Tanel accepted the renaming." | Tanel Veenre, Kafka, photo courtesy of Kadri MälkTanel Veenre, Kafka\"")
!["Kadri Mälk wears Kafka by Tanel Veenre"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kadri_Maelk_portrait20with20Kafka_1024x768.jpg "\""I wear it on very special occasions," says Kadri Mälk, "like on my Mom’s funeral last week. A sensitive piece. And black on black." (Editor’s note: In case you didn’t know, Mälk collects almost exclusively black jewelry.) | Tanel Veenre, Kafka, photo courtesy of Kadri MälkKadri Mälk wears Kafka by Tanel Veenre\"")
!["Janis Kerman wears the necklace by Brooke Marks Swanson"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Brooke20Marks20Swanson20necklace20worn_1024x768.jpg "\"Janis Kerman continues: "I had planned to wear it to my niece’s wedding last March but, unfortunately, the pandemic had other ideas and we never made it to the wedding. I still haven’t had an opportunity to wear it, but I have it on display and get some enjoyment in looking at it lovingly every day. Can't wait to have the right occasion for it to have its debut!" | Brooke Marks Swanson, Necklace, oxidized sterling silver, pearl, knitted leather, photo courtesy of Janis KermanJanis Kerman wears the necklace by Brooke Marks Swanson\"")
!["Brooke Marks Swanson, Necklace"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Brooke20Marks20Swanson20necklace_1024x768.jpg "\"Janis Kerman explains that she met Brooke Marks Swanson at a SOFA show while they were exhibiting together in Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h’s booth. "We hit it off immediately," says Kerman, "and when she and her family came to Montreal we got to spend more down time together. We were both committed to owning a piece of each others’ work. Brooke chose a pair of my asymmetrical earrings, and I died for this collar, which she customized just for me." | Brooke Marks Swanson, Necklace, oxidized sterling silver, pearl, knitted leather, photo courtesy of Janis KermanBrooke Marks Swanson, Necklace\"")
!["Robert Ebendorf, brooch"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_0170_1024x768.jpg "\""A friend purchased a chopstick brooch by Robert Ebendorf," says Gail Hufjay. "Here began my love of found materials. I started to take classes with Rebekah Laskin, a student of Bob’s. After she taught me the basic jewelry-making skills, I started to study Bob’s work. Then I collected all kinds of treasures which I have incorporated into the work I do today. This piece is my favorite in my collection—a favorite brooch by a fantastic artist." | Robert Ebendorf, brooch, photo courtesy of Gail HufjayRobert Ebendorf, brooch\"")
!["Lorena Angulo, Corliss Calavera Brooch"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CorlissCalaveraFront_1024x768.jpg "\""In 2010," says John Rose, "emerging Mexican artist Lorena Angulo was doing innovative work in precious metal clay, focused on translating traditional cultural folk themes into new forms. The relatively new medium of PMC was also evolving and expanding. Sterling silver PMC was well established, but copper and brass PMC were just being introduced. Their working properties were not well known, and only a few artists were taking on the experimentation needed to learn how to work with them. As a creative challenge, we commissioned Lorena to do something that hadn’t been done before: combine all three PMC materials in one piece. We left the creative execution entirely up to her. The result is the first-ever jewelry to combine all three types of PMC. Lorena created a traditional Calavera mask with a tree of life motif and named the brooch in honor of Corliss Rose, for whom it was commissioned. | Lorena Angulo, Corliss Calavera Brooch, 2010, precious metal clay, 102 x 76 mm, photo courtesy of John RoseLorena Angulo, Corliss Calavera Brooch\"")
!["Anncha Briggs wears brooch by Arthur Hash"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_3260_1024x768.jpg "\"Anncha Briggs says, "I have not been wearing that much jewelry during the pandemic, but a piece I bought in 2019 by Arthur Hash has worked very nicely with informal outfits. I was surprised to see his work in the recent Crafting America exhibit at Crystal Bridges, in Bentonville, AR, US. I was so pleased for him!" | Arthur Hash, brooch, laser-cut steel, 102 x 102 mm, photo: Anncha BriggsAnncha Briggs wears brooch by Arthur Hash\"")
!["Monika Brugger, On the Surface of Fingers"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/brooch20monika20brugger_1024x768.jpg "\"Rita Soto Ventura tells the story of how she came to own this piece: "Some years ago at Munich Jewellery Week I had the opportunity to meet Monika Brugger. During her visit to our exhibition, accompanied by her students, she proposed we exchange pieces and since then I have followed her work, a body of tremendous conceptual jewelry. It is valuable to read the books that talk about her work, which is deeply seductive. This is my favorite piece." | Monika Brugger, On the Surface of Fingers, 2008, brooch, photo courtesy of Rita Soto VenturaMonika Brugger, On the Surface of Fingers\"")
!["Rita Soto Ventura with brooch On the Surface of Fingers by Monika Brugger"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/portrait20rita20soto-20brooch20monika20brugger_1024x768.jpg "\"Rita Soto Ventura goes on to say, "Thank you for being able to share in this space some of the pleasures of life." | Monika Brugger, On the Surface of Fingers, 2008, brooch, photo courtesy of Rita Soto VenturaRita Soto Ventura with brooch On the Surface of Fingers by Monika Brugger\"")
!["Mette Saabye selected her wedding ring by Per Suntum as her favorite piece of jewelry"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mette1_1024x768.jpg "\"Mette Saabye selected her wedding ring as her favorite piece of jewelry. "My friend and colleague, Per Suntum, made me this ring in 18-karat gold. It’s a two in one ring and it serves as my wedding ring. Per originally made Ring 21 in gilded bronze, and it was purchased by the Danish State Arts Foundation in 1994." | Per Suntum, Ring Nr. 21, 18-karat gold, copyright Per Suntum, photo courtesy of Mette SaabyeMette Saabye selected her wedding ring by Per Suntum as her favorite piece of jewelry\"")
!["Per Suntum, Ring"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mette2_1024x768.jpg "\"Mette Saabye shared what Per Suntum said about the ring: "This is jewelry as an intimate sign. The human being lives daily with countless choices between intellect and emotion, between enthusiasm for technological development and an appreciation for the sublimity of nature. A piece of jewelry can create contact with this person. A piece of jewelry … must contain soulfulness as a prerequisite, so that the observer as well as the wearer … is moved, is seduced, takes time for contemplation, feels excited, even provoked." | Per Suntum, Ring Nr. 21, 1994, gilded bronze, copyright Per Suntum, photo copyright Thomas DamgaardPer Suntum, Ring\"")
!["Ralph Bakker, Ring Revelry 5"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_9032_1024x768.jpg "\""The extraordinary construction, with the framed stone placed crosswise on the ring, makes the stone rest on the adjacent finger," continues Liesbeth den Besten. "The setting has 24 small grains of gold on the ribbed outside, connected with the same amount of golden grains on the inside—together they hold the stone. The color of the cut opal is mysterious. It is deep yellow when you look in it, but from a distance it looks much paler. There are some patches of white in it, like clouds in a summer sky. This ring combines the tactile with the visual. It’s a feast to wear." | Ralph Bakker, Ring Revelry 5, 2020, gold, silver, tantalum, opal, 45 x 22 x 22 mm (opal, 10 mm tall), photo courtesy of Liesbeth den BestenRalph Bakker, Ring Revelry 5\"")
!["Melis Agabigum selected Joshua Kosker's piece"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_0816_1024x768.jpg "\""The first time I saw Josh Kosker’s work was in 2014," says Melis Agabigum. "He had been awarded the Ethical Metalsmiths Emerging Artist Award for the So Fresh + So Clean exhibition. I felt an overwhelming series of emotions: desire to own a piece, envy that I hadn’t made the work myself, and admiration for the conceptual depth and craftsmanship. I was completely smitten with each and every object I saw." | Joshua Kosker, Untitled, Dove soap bar, sterling silver, stainless steel, photo: artistMelis Agabigum selected Joshua Kosker's piece\"")
!["Joshua Kosker, Untitle"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_0821_1024x768.jpg "\"But the story doesn’t end there. Agabigum goes on, "Years later, I was introduced to Josh Kosker at the SNAG conference in Boston. We kept in touch through holiday cards and became close friends a few years later, in 2018. As a congratulatory gift for showing at Athens Jewelry Week ’18, Josh sent me a soap brooch made specifically for me. Again, I was completely smitten—this time, not only with the brooch, but with him as well. We will be getting married next month (August 2021). It feels serendipitous. In looking through my collection, I’m reminded how lucky I am to have a piece not only by one of my favorite makers, but also one of my favorite people in the world." Congratulations, Melis and Josh!! | Joshua Kosker, Untitled, Dove soap bar, sterling silver, stainless steel, photo: artistJoshua Kosker, Untitle\"")
!["Horst Max Lebert, Silver and White Agate Ring"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Erika20Novaks20HML20Berlin20Ring_IMG_1306_1024x768.jpg "\""I love wearing this ring," says Erika Novak. It’s by Horst Max Lebert. "My husband bought it for me after we saw it at a SOFA Chicago (2018?) gallery. The contrast of the rough steely gray silver against the smooth white stone, and the ellipse shape Lebert used, make the piece so unique." | Horst Max Lebert, Silver and White Agate Ring, photo courtesy of Erika NovakHorst Max Lebert, Silver and White Agate Ring\"")
!["Erika Novak loves wearing the ring by Horst Max Lebert."](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Erika20Novaks20HML20Berlin20Ring_IMG_1405_1024x768.jpg "\""Horst Max Lebert’s method of setting the stone isn’t apparent," says Erika Novak. "Hidden rivets? Although this ring works for all types of occasions, when I pair it with an all-black ensemble and white boots, I’m good to go." | Horst Max Lebert, Silver and White Agate Ring, photo courtesy of Erika NovakErika Novak loves wearing the ring by Horst Max Lebert.\"")
!["Linda Macneil, Festival Nexus Necklace"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_0669_1024x768.jpg "\""I am a necklace freak!" says Kathy Sackheim. "I own more of them than any other type of jewelry." The colors in this particular piece by Linda Macneil are part of what makes this necklace special. "The pendant at the bottom is reminiscent of Art Deco jewelry," says Sackheim, "and yet the shapes surrounding it feel contemporary. I appreciate the historical reference in such a beautiful and creative piece." | Linda Macneil, Festival Nexus Necklace, 2007, acid-polished multicolored transparent and black Vitrolite glass, 24-karat gold-plated brass, pendant: 51 x 70 x 13 mm, overall diameter: 152 mm, photo courtesy of Kathy SackheimLinda Macneil, Festival Nexus Necklace\"")
!["Barbara McFadyn selects the bracelet by Jamie Bennett"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Jamie20Bennett_Janus2011_closed_1024x768.jpg "\"Barbara McFadyn owns a spectacular bracelet by Jamie Bennett. "I love the delicate and intricate details of this piece," she says. "Each segment is like a window into another world. This bracelet is not just another piece of jewelry, but an inspiration to me, and it illustrates Jamie Bennett's mastery of not only the fine art of enameling but metalsmithing as well! I have followed his work and studied with him multiple times since first meeting him at Penland School of Craft in 1982. I find Jamie's aesthetic unique, ever changing, and sublimely beautiful and mesmerizing." | Jamie Bennett, Jaus 11, 2020, vitreous enamel, china paint, 18- to 22-karat gold, photo courtesy of Barbara McFadynBarbara McFadyn selects the bracelet by Jamie Bennett\"")
!["Barbara McFadyn selects the bracelet by Jamie Bennett"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Jamie20Bennett_Janus11_open_1024x768.jpg "\""Each body of Jamie Bennett's work has underlying reference to his research, travels, or everyday inspirations," explains Barbara McFadyn. "The abstract forms and reference to nature's details harmonize in a unique way. I find this piece fascinating. Wearing this bracelet feels amazing. It’s substantial but still light. The richness of the gold and the sugar-fired surface of the enamel are sumptuous, making me feel exquisitely adorned when I wear it. The catch operates smoothly with one hand, making it easy to put on. I love wearing this bracelet—whenever I want to feel special, whether going out or just spending time at home or in my studio!" | Jamie Bennett, Jaus 11, 2020, vitreous enamel, china paint, 18- to 22-karat gold, photo courtesy of Barbara McFadynBarbara McFadyn selects the bracelet by Jamie Bennett\"")
!["Serena Holm, Brooch, Incognito"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/clown201_1024x768.jpg "\""The very exclusive handicraft is stunning," says Hans Ander of this brooch by Serena Holm. "The porcelain puppet clown wears a knitted dress made from silver thread with golden buttons. It’s seated on mirrors with various gemstones and crystals. Any occasion becomes a party when wearing it. It was designed especially for my wife." | Serena Holm, Brooch: Incognito, 2013, porcelain, silver thread, gold, mirrors, gemstones, crystals, photo courtesy of Hans AnderSerena Holm, Brooch, Incognito\"")
!["Nelli Tanner, pendant selected by Jenni Sokura"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nelli_tanner_pendant_1024x768.jpg "\""I’ve followed Nelli Tanner’s career for a while," says Jenni Sokura, "and gotten to know her over the years, too. Knowing someone and being a fan at the same time makes it special for the wearer. You develop a special bond with the jewelry. I’m happy to own a few pieces of hers. This one I got in 2018 when I graduated with an MA of Culture and Arts. It’s hard to photograph since the shine of the silver makes it act like a mirror. The effect is really nice when wearing it. I can see different reflections from it as I move along, and other people can also see themselves in it. The view changes depending on the angle you’re at. The pendant got its form from the series Nelli made around 2012 called Lost Days and Left-Over Longing, which contains pieces of jewelry in the outlines of certain types of purses. The mirror effect and glossy silver make it a delicate piece, but I’ve come to terms with the possible scratches and natural patina—I’ll let it happen." | Nelli Tanner, pendant, silver, photo: Jenni SokuraNelli Tanner, pendant selected by Jenni Sokura\"")
!["Shachar Cohen, It’s Dead, selected by Karin Roy Andersson"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shashar20Cohen_1024x768.jpg "\"Karin Roy Andersson decided on this piece by Shachar Cohen, "Why do you fall in love? It's a question that is difficult to answer," she muses. "With this piece it was love at first sight—the elegant beauty, the soft sensual surface, and the mysterious shape. Then I got to know its humor, the excellent craftsmanship, and how perfectly it fits on my body." | Shachar Cohen, It’s Dead, 2018, steel, 105 x 80 x 15 mm, photo: Karin Roy AnderssonShachar Cohen, It’s Dead, selected by Karin Roy Andersson\"")
!["Shachar Cohen, It’s Dead, selected by Karin Roy Andersson"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AJF20Favourite20jewellery20Shachar20Cohen20on20body_1024x768.jpg "\""I don't know why I love it, but I do, and I will until death do us part," states Karin Roy Andersson unequivocally. | Shachar Cohen, It’s Dead, 2018, steel, 105 x 80 x 15 mm, photo: Karin Roy AnderssonShachar Cohen, It’s Dead, selected by Karin Roy Andersson\"")
!["Erica DeMarco selected the brooch by Kat Cole"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/F1CF7163-822D-4CB0-B365-A78494D6800F_1024x768.jpg "\"Erica DeMarco selected this brooch by Kat Cole as tops in her collection. Why? "First because it was made just for me! Second because it is so strong and aggressive—but the white gloss of the enamel softens it! I feel powerful when I wear it!" | Kat Cole, Enameled Steel Brooch, personal commission, photo courtesy of Erica DeMarcoErica DeMarco selected the brooch by Kat Cole\"")
!["The pendant by Amanda Outcalt selected by Michael and Elaine Bennett"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Amada20Outcalt_1024x768.jpg "\"Michael and Elaine Bennett sent in photos of this pendant by Amanda Outcalt, constructed with silver, copper, and an enameled piece, with finely detailed tactile dots and straight lines marked in the metal’s surface. The imagery of the skull and flowers are a subtly colored drawing enameled in light green, yellow, black, and gray. The reverse surface has a pierced message with the words \For Richard" and a pierced flower shape. "This pendant is flawlessly crafted and designed," say the Bennetts. | Amanda Outcalt, For Richard, photo courtesy of Michael and Elaine BennettThe pendant by Amanda Outcalt selected by Michael and Elaine Bennett"\"")
!["Nicolas Estrada loves this ring by Gregory Larin"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG-20210606-WA0007_1024x768.jpg "\""It’s a unique way to show a skull," says Nicolas Estrada. "I love how the colors combine." | Gregory Larin, White Mask, silver, polymer, photo: Nicolas EstradaNicolas Estrada loves this ring by Gregory Larin\"")
!["Michele Cottler Fox's current favorite piece by Merlin Meremaa"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/E06D088E-16B4-4BFA-BBAF-AA029D3B143F_1_201_a_1024x768.jpg "\"Michele Cottler Fox own this piece by Merlin Meremaa and calls it her current favorite. "It’s so very thin that wearing it seems to risk collapsing the piece, but it’s stronger than it looks, although it rusts and changes slowly so that it will someday disintegrate. I love that the material changes over time, so it’s both solid and impermanent, like all things in life. It’s the second piece I have from this young Estonian maker, with both purchased through Gallery Marzee. I acquired the first sight unseen because Marzee said ‘I think you will like it,’ and of course she was right." | Merlin Meremaa, On the Verge of Fragility, 2019, mild steel/iron with stainless steel pin back, photo courtesy of Michele Cottler FoxMichele Cottler Fox's current favorite piece by Merlin Meremaa\"")
!["Agostina Laurenzano, Brooch"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CelesteLuceroAJFMyfavortiteOFFBODY_1024x768.jpg "\""For all the sensory information that this piece gives upon touch and careful observation, the thing that I inevitably find myself thinking about is how rich the artist's journey is. How a feeling, a sensation, or a hint can dictate the artist's pursuit, inevitably carrying us, the observers, alongside them in the chase. I look at this piece and I think about how dependent the past and the future are on the present efforts at any point, and how sweet it feels to try to understand the many layers of the contemporary jewelry language." | Agostina Laurenzano, Brooch, 2016, wood, paint, resin, pyrite, silver, steel, 75 x 100 x 30 mm, photo courtesy of Maria Celeste LuceroAgostina Laurenzano, Brooch\"")
!["Valerie Mitchell's favorite are these earrings by Sue Dorman"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2AB116F3-0644-484A-983A-BCDF986587F9_1024x768.jpg "\"Valerie Mitchell owns these earrings by Sue Dorman and they’re her favorite jewelry. "Long ago before gentrification and hipster artists found inspiration in their environment, Sue found meaning in the broken glass left on the road in the early days of the DT Los Angeles Arts District. For me it combines meaning with form. Hand constructed, the destroyed becomes precious. Each location and car tow is noted and it speaks of the artist’s resilience." | Sue Dorman, earrings, early 1980s, Toyota pane glass, concrete, sterling, photo courtesy of Valerie MitchellValerie Mitchell's favorite are these earrings by Sue Dorman\"")
!["Steve Ford & David Forlano favor this brooch by Teresa Faris"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FarisBody2_1024x768.jpg "\"Steve Ford & David Forlano favor this brooch by Teresa Faris. "All the cutting makes the metal look soft, light, transparent as a bird's feather," they say. | Teresa Faris, Collaboration with a Bird, 2014, oxidized sterling silver, chewed painted wood, stainless steel, 95 x 85 x 18 mm, photo courtesy of Steve Ford & David ForlanoSteve Ford & David Forlano favor this brooch by Teresa Faris\"")
!["Sara Shahak has a sentimental attachment to this necklace by Ariel Lavian"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/portrait20necklace_1024x768.jpg "\"Sara Shahak has a sentimental attachment to this necklace. "I especially like this piece of jewelry because it’s the work of a very talented colleague of mine, Ariel Lavian," she says. "It is a precious present." | Ariel Lavian, Untitled, necklace, iron, enamel, laser cut, soldered, photo courtesy of Sara ShahakSara Shahak has a sentimental attachment to this necklace by Ariel Lavian\"")
!["Ariel Lavian, Untitled, necklace"](https://artjewelryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/neckless20Ariel_1024x768.jpg "\"Sara Shahak explains, "The jewel is very delicate, with thin contours and at the same time made of iron, which creates a fascinating connection. The enamel work adds charm and uniqueness to it." | Ariel Lavian, Untitled, necklace, iron, enamel, laser cut, soldered, photo courtesy of Sara ShahakAriel Lavian, Untitled, necklace\"")
