For the discerning, sophisticated woman…
Cohasset Mariner
Fri Apr 25, 2008, 01:14 PM EDT
By Mary Jane Hanron
 Cohasset - Now that
the season of spring social events is here, it can be a dilemma to
brighten a wardrobe while simultaneously making a wise investment. The
secret to a fresh, elegant and timeless look, long has been known to
Cohasset’s Maryann Englander, fine jewelry designer. Her answer may be
surprising, but the result is a hand crafted, one-of-a-kind design
inspired by some of the earliest art forms known to man.
Englander’s
original and sophisticated style is evident in the pieces she creates
using precious metals, gems of dazzling color and shape and a
combination of intricate techniques. She will be showing her “Dragonfly
Studios” collection at King Jewelers, Inc. on Thursday May 1st from
9:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The fine arts graduate from Wheaton College
has been honing her skills for some time and has developed her concepts
from a variety of pursuits. According to Englander, “My work combines
my fine arts education, my background in printmaking and my avid
interest in medieval history, ancient civilizations and mythology.”
Hand knotting and chain design, both ancient techniques are the two primary methods found in her work.
“I
hand knot because the pieces fall on the body with grace,” Englander
says. She even dyes her own silk for knotting which exemplifies an
intricate attention to detail almost non-existent in jewelry made today.
Englander’s
collection is intended for a discerning and sophisticated woman. This
focus is compatible with a continuing trend in which females purchase
their own pieces of fine jewelry. Of course, a gentleman’s selection of
a gift remains a traditional and well received practice, especially for
many upcoming spring holidays, celebrations and anniversaries.
According
to Englander, she makes only one or two pieces per style of jewelry.
This emphasizes, “Individualism and design evolution,” while ensuring
that a woman’s selection will not be seen on others or become a fashion
whim.
Among the details seen in Englander’s artistry are: “Chain
designs embellished with wire-wrapped stones….fine quality precious and
semi-precious gems and 22k and 18k gold accents.” Blue topaz,
tourmaline, peridot and quartzes are but a few of the stones used in a
variety of shapes and cuts. A glance into a case displaying the
collection reveals smooth soft surfaces of stones interspersed with
those of feminine, faceted ones such as tear shaped briollettes. She is
resolute in her desire to maintain the integrity and quality of the
design and the materials within, ensuring its timelessness.
The
jewelry collection makes its Cohasset fine jewelry store debut as a
desire for traditional and heirloom pieces with an innovative flair
reaches a new height. Englander’s creations would be as appropriate
worn to a red carpet event as on a summer porch overlooking the
Atlantic. This New England town, which brims with tradition and quiet
elegance, provides a fitting place for the designer to work as well as
to call “home.”
To indicate the influence that lore, history and
ancient teachings have on her visions, Englander explains the name for
her company. “The word, ‘Dragonfly’ came from my fascination with the
cross shape. I love that shape and incorporate various old world
versions in my designs. A Navajo jeweler friend and former teacher
showed me some cross shapes in Navajo weavings which reminded me of
dragonflies. ‘Dragonfly Studios’ evolved from that.”
Englander
chats with ease and enthusiasm while telling a tale of a Greek god and
goddess or a Celtic legend and how it inspired one of her baubles. She
is able to suggest pieces compatible with interests or background of a
client or relate an anecdote that sparked an idea for a particular
jeweled ornament, making it a conversation pieces as well as part of a
wardrobe.
The designer hopes her art will evolve as she expands
her command of various jewelry techniques, including “Repousse, chasing
and gold granulation. My ultimate goal,” she continues, “is to make
each piece in its entirety by hand.”
|
