Take a tour of the world and all its rich cultures in the turn of a showroom. How, you ask? Designer Jessica Ricci strives to capture the importance and beauty of each culture and the common threads that tie us together through exquisite, handcrafted jewelry from objects she’s collected in her global travels.
The Providence native studied English Literature at the College of the Holy Cross and then journalism at NYU. She worked for several publications in Manhattan before pursuing her dream of moving to Rome. It was there, wandering the flea markets of the ancient city, that Jess began collecting little treasures and decided to transform them into jewelry. “I just sort of stumbled across it,” says Jess. She took a course in lost-wax casting and taught herself her own creative jewelry making process that she’s now brought back home and used to develop a magnificent series of collections. “I travel to different countries every time, just picking a country and then treasure-hunting for objects to rework,” she explains. Jess tries to visit two different countries each year, with Croatia next on her agenda.
Jess strives to find objects that are culturally significant to each place, like Thai amulets and Italian prayer cards. She also tries to find common objects that can be found and are important in any place – but still have a different look wherever they’re from – like keys and coins. Her newly opened downtown showroom is brimming with stories from each place Jess has visited and features pieces from India, Paris, Thailand, Italy, Argentina, Israel and Nicaragua just to name a few. On the walls of the showroom, Jess shares stories of her travels and sources of inspiration for each collection of pieces and country she’s visited.
Each piece is beautiful, unique and steeped in culture and symbolism. For example, Jess has a collection of raw stone pieces; each cut into neat octagons, and explains the different properties associated with each stone across the world – like balance, love, friendship, communication, happiness and protection. The rest are pieces made from intricate and pretty objects and elements from around the world. Antique prayer cards, tarot cards, henna stamps, Latin carvings, cast lace, amulets, keys and healing stones are reimagined and reworked into lovely rings, necklaces, earrings and pendants.
You too can develop a passion for handcrafted jewelry, as Jess offers classes in the lost-wax casting process at her showroom. Check out the website for more details on this cool opportunity.
A piece of jewelry from one of Jess’s collections is like a small piece of the history and culture of the place its from. Visit the website to learn more about Jess’s process, sources of inspiration and follow her travel blogs. Peek into J Ricci Designs and find something truly significant and special to add to your wardrobe.
CHIC NEWS
Looking for fashionable jewelry and accessories that support a good cause? MRT Jewelers will be hosting a Trunk Show on June 20 to showcase their new collection of Benrus products. Ten percent of sales will be donated to Fatigues to Fabulous, a military organization that helps women veterans’ transition to civilian life. Giovanni Feroce, the new of owner Benrus, will be making a special appearance. 12-5pm. 927 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 435-4500, mrtjewelers.com
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