Tying The Knot

I am so excited to be attending a great friend from college's wedding in Israel. As a little "happy" and belated birthday present I made her this custom sterling silver bow necklace. It is inscribed with their Hebrew names and is intended to represent the strong bond between them. Mazal Tov, Mara and Harel!  

Sterling Silver Necklace with Israel background

"Tie the Knot"

 'It isn't clear whether this expression derives from an actual knot used in marriage ceremonies or whether the knot is merely symbolic of a lasting unity. Knots have a place in the folklore of many cultures and usually symbolize unbreakable pledges. Actual knots have certainly been used in marriage ceremonies for some time and the tradition of trying the wrists of the bride and groom with twine continues today in marriages in the use of sashes which are placed over the principal's wrists. The word 'knot', although not in the phrase 'tie the knot', has been associated with marriage since at least the 13th century. '

Sterling Silver

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

Last week was my sister's 30th birthday, so I wanted to make her something special just for her.  I was inspired by an article she wrote in which she tells her story of becoming sober and the journey to happiness going into her thirties. On the back of this locket the words, "happiness, bliss, laughter, love, courage, respect, kindness," are stamped.  These are words she lives by each day, and she can keep a secret message or picture inside as well. My birthday wish to her is that she wears it in the best of health and happiness. Happy birthday, sis!

The locket is made of textured oxidized brass and sterling silver and a handmade oxidized brass hammered chain. The beautiful iridescent gemstone is a labradorite. Labradorite is a power stone, allowing you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals. It is excellent for strengthening intuitions.

Use labradorite to:

• Stimulate imagination
• Develop enthusiasm and thus, new ideas
• To see more clearly in meditation

Labradorite, Brass, and Sterling Silver Locket

Labradorite, Brass, and Sterling Silver Locket

Labradorite, Brass, and Sterling Silver Locket

Labradorite, Brass, and Sterling Silver Locket

MFA Thesis

And I'm done!

The past two years I have been attending Memphis College of Art earning my Masters in Fine Arts. It has been a great experience refining my craft and creating a conceptual body of work that means so much to me.  I look forward to using these skills as well as expanding upon them to create even more beautiful works. 

For more detailed information on the individual pieces in this collection feel free to contact me at becca@beccabelzjewelry.com

Artist Statement

            I am inspired by the spirituality that exists within each of us when we are faced with the death of loved ones and the mourning process. The connection between life and death, the physical and the mystical-- all exist differently for each individual, but the presence of ritual, whether religious or personal, is comforting to everyone. The reliquaries, worn close to the heart, give a physical reminder of the deceased, while the personal grief is stored inside. This imprint on the chest is part of the grieving process and serves as a monument to ones we lost, but who continue to be a part of us.

The natural oxidation process of base metals, such as copper and brass, mimics the grieving process in that it is continuously decaying. The dendritic quartz resembles eternal life with its unchanging properties. The vein-like “growth” encapsulated within these gemstones resemble the ephemeral life frozen in a moment of time. Each piece evokes personal memories between the wearer and the deceased. These “Reliquaries of Remembrance” stimulate personal emotion in the wearer through their religious symbolism and connection to the departed.

Loving lockets

The Brick Locket 

 

Labradorite, Copper, Brass

 

Front

Inside

Back

Jewels

Other projects from my Metals 2 Class:

Rutilated Quartz, Copper, Nickel, Photograph

Labradorite and Copper Ring

Brass and Copper Riveted Cuff

Metal Purse: function and fashion in the form of metal

 Metal Purse: function and fashion in the form of metal.

This purse was so much fun to make! I love the lace textured metal next to the distressed leather. Also, I handmade the chain and added a magnetic closure on the flap. I can't wait to wear it!

initial sketch

Copper, leather, labradorite

Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel...I made it out of metal.

Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel...I made it out of metal.

initial sketch

brass, copper