E-originals

It is human nature to compartmentalize our lives; it's how we keep track of things. But it is also in our nature to look beyond our immediate surroundings.

Historical reference is the basis for unique boxes that each contain a related piece of jewelry, contained but not confined. All of the vessels have openings through which to view, breathe, and allow for growth. In these works, the enclosure is not secondary but an integral part of the experience of the piece.

As a container is opened, the jewels inside are presented in a unique way that accentuates the heart of the work.

"The Earth's Reliquary" is a solid silver, cast and fabricated ring box that closes with a pressure-fit. The domed lid of this container houses a cast silver thorn from a Hawthorn Tree as its permanent relic. The cast Papal Rings, so named for the stones set in the "palm" of the band, nestle inside the box with a separate velvet pillow (not shown) when not worn by the viewer.

"The Passing" is a sarcophagus-shaped box decorated with natural precious stones on top of a sliding lid. The container is cast silver and fabricated together. The Hairsticks are fabricated of silver sheet, each tipped with an onyx bullet on one end and a faceted stone on the other end in a bezel setting. The spiculum (elongated-conical shape) is durable enough to stay securely in twisted hair, but is light enough to be comfortable to wear.

"Mother's Box" is cast of high-quality silver and fabricated in an unusual round shape. The "doors" open opposite to each other by a snap-latch made of fine silver and amethyst. Inside, the doors each contain a hook on which separate rings are hung when not in use. The "Mother's Rings" are worn fit together like puzzle pieces. They are individually beautiful, but are most complete when they are together. Theses particular rings contain my own birthstone, a blue zircon and the birthstone of my son, a ruby--a new twist in the classic tradition of a mother's ring with her childrens' birthstones. Individually commissioned rings will contain the birthstones of your choice with price being dictated by the stones.

"Visions of You and the Rose-colored Glass" is a house-like box with a pressure-fit "roof". The lid of this container lifts up vertically to reveal a chain hung by hooks in the "ceiling". The fine silver window frames house fine silver pendants with plique-a-jour enameling that comes alive with color when viewed through light, much like stained glass. The pendants are interchangeable with the pendant of the necklace that also contains an enameled background.

"The House of Cass" is cast and fabricated with all panels set with walls of mica. The "hip-roof" hinge is secured by a staff of silver topped with a pear-shaped emerald in a bezel setting. The interior of the box contains a hand-held medallion of fine and sterling silver that encloses a photograph set under mica.

Questions, Commissions, Comments = E-mail me at... erose@hatteras.ws

All content © 2001 E. R. Landry