The Aesthete series is comprised of 1000 necklaces, each unique. Each piece is numbered as DF A. The majority of the items are made of sterling silver coffee spoons with brooches also made of sterling. Most of the spoons are from the art deco period with many painted with enamel reflecting the colors popular during that time. While all of the spoons in this collection are sterling silver, a few of the brooches are copper, particularly the US-based Hogan Bolas line created in the 50’s. The brooches were chosen based on their compatibility with the deco spoons, so some of them were created in the 40’s - 90’s looking back to the deco style for inspiration.

Examples of items that worked well with deco spoons from throughout Europe, include “glass art” pieces from the 20’s and 30’s perfected in the 40’s (especially Czech art), “glass art” rhinestones that became works of art in the US in the 40’s and 50’s (Juliana, Weiss, Kramer, etc.), French designs by Catherine Popesco in the 60’s , painted butterfly wings, mastered by Thomas Mott in London and Albert Shipton in the 20’s, (imitated by American artists represented), hand painted brooches from the Edwardian era, sterling Marcasite pieces, including Judith Jack, sterling hand etched brooches from 1800’s -1950’s, Beau sterling from the 60’s, Topazio from Portugal in the 40’s, Carl Art, primarily produced in the 50’s, Coro, also produced in the 50’s, Harry Iskin (30’s-40’s), WE Richards (early century), Danecraft (mid-century), Pierre Bex (60’s), Laguna, La Mode (40’s-70’s), and pieces chosen simply for their playfulness, like cha cha beads, tropical enamel, glass art enamel pieces, and Avon sterling high heels, all from the 60’s.

Many of the master Scandinavian silversmiths of the art deco period worked with enamel on both tableware and jewelry. Their work is represented in many of the exquisite spoons utilized as well as brooches and earrings of the same design and colors. The most prolific designer for both is David Andersen who worked in Oslo in the late 1800’s. His company continued working with silver and enamel through the 1950’s and provided numerous art pieces in stunning colors and shapes. Other Scandinavian silversmiths who provided the world with both gorgeous tableware and jewelry at the beginning to the middle of the 20th century include Danish George Jensen. Volmer Bahner, Meka, JEMAX, Norwegians Einar Modahl, Aksel Holsem, Marius Hammer, Jacob Tostrup, TH Marthinsen, Hans Myhre, Albert Scharning and, Kristian Hestenes.

Scottish work by Ward Brothers is represented as well as English spoons with works by Deakin and Francis, Turner and Simpson, Henry Clifford Davis, William Suckling and Sheffield,

Early American sterling silver spoons (late 1800’s early 1900’s) by Gorham is also used in a few pieces.

The collection is named for the concept the Love of Beauty. All of the 60 artists represented in the collection worked to create perfection in the art form of jewelry and tableware (See information link below). While a few of the pieces combine work by a sole artist (e.g. David Andersen) most of the pieces combine work of one or more artists for a sublime synergy.

I was told by many that these items could not be fused; that what I wanted to create could not be done.

The Love of Beauty…something all of these artists, and some of us, have in common.