searching for materials that best give expression to her designs and only
works with vintage stones in order to preserve the desired classic vintage
look with a contemporary twist. “Success in design comes from the
materials all working together in unison, giving purpose to one another,”
says Musetti.
“So much of today’s jewelry looks like every other piece — you can’t
say that about Katerina’s work,” says client Sara Jane Lowry. Typically
one of Musetti’s collections includes a full parure including a necklace,
earrings, brooch and bracelet. Sometimes the artist creates a demiparure of just a necklace and earrings. Other creations vary depending
on requests and what the fashion loop predicts for each season. Many
of Musetti’s creations are “convertible” — for example, the dangle
suspending from a necklace is typically detachable and can be worn as
a brooch. All one-of-a-kind limited-edition pieces are signed with the
Katerina Musetti Designs cartouche.
She has never calculated the time it takes to create a piece or collection
as each is unique in complexity of design. Pieces with forged metal and
manipulated wire-work take the artist longer. If pearls or dangles are
added, wire-work is required before they can be suspended from other
parts of the piece of jewelry. Furthermore, some stones require filing and
sanding to fit just perfectly.
Musetti’s expertise has also led her to become an author. In 2008
she and Schiffer Publishers produced “The Art of Juliana Jewelry,”
which showcases Juliana crystal jewelry made by William DeLizza and
Harold Elster from 1947 to the 1990s. It includes more than 375 color
photographs of the jewelry as well as information on the makers, design
elements, construction techniques and details to assist in identification.
The book has been praised as inspiring “for seasoned collectors and
novices who are beginning the fantastic voyage into the world of Juliana
jewelry.”
As an artist’s mind is always at work, Musetti’s future plans include
the expansion of her line with the hopes of certain limited-edition
designs entering the retail market in stores. For more information on
Katerina Musetti Designs and to purchase from the collections, visit
katerinamusetti.com or email [email protected]. n
Photos Courtesy of Katerina Musetti, Megan Gardner and Sasha Danielle
Canon-Mac | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 15