Robinson Township resident Maureen Elizabeth Bilyeu enjoys adding Katerina Musetti ’ s handcrafted , glamorous and colorful creations to her jewelry collection .
INPERSON
AESTHETIC ARTIST
Robinson Township resident Maureen Elizabeth Bilyeu enjoys adding Katerina Musetti ’ s handcrafted , glamorous and colorful creations to her jewelry collection .
BY NICOLE TAFE
Customers who have purchased Katerina Musetti ’ s uniquely bold , dramatic and dazzling handcrafted jewelry are singing her praises .
The breathtaking colors that decorate the artist ’ s unique pieces are exactly what drew Robinson Township resident Maureen Elizabeth Bilyeu to Katerina Musetti Designs . “ The combinations of colors she chooses are breathtaking ,” says Bilyeu . I love that she uses so many rich tones in her work .”
Musetti , renowned opera-star-turned-contemporary-jewelry-designer , is the owner and creator of Katerina Musetti Designs , a jewelry line inspired and influenced by her years singing opera around the world . “ Being ever present in stage , theater and performance inspires me to create drama and theater through design ,” she says .
Musetti ’ s jewelry line attracts clients who not only regard opera and its grandeur costumes , but also those who love and appreciate the pieces as dynamic works of art . In fact , many of Musetti ’ s pieces are simply collected for their beauty . Ron Uchal is one of Musetti ’ s many collectors . “ Collecting this jewelry is part of my private collection ,” says Uchal . “ I have , and continue to receive , requests from photographers and models to either include this jewelry in photo shoots , or ( to use ) for photos for their portfolios .”
Musetti ’ s jewelry has been exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Design ( MAD ) in New York , and her jewelry creations have accessorized models , professional stylists , brides , pageant contestants , actresses and performance artists . Additionally , some of Musetti ’ s clients simply enjoy wearing the pieces to pool tournaments , the theater or weddings . “ Though the pieces are flamboyantly opulent , they are collected and worn by a broad range of individuals ,” says Musetti .
As an opera singer , Musetti lived in Milan for eight years and performed all over Europe . She trained and performed as a Verdi soprano , singing the
Katerina Musetti with Nowl Campagna
composer ’ s leading ladies in many operas including “ Aida ,” “ La forza del Destino ,” “ Un ballo in maschera ,” “ Il trovatore ” and “ Don Carlo .” Musetti studied with legendary opera singer Renata Tebaldi . Musetti still performs today with current engagements in Chicago , Illinois , and Austin , Texas . In addition to performance , Musetti also works as a vocal technician , training singers who are in productions throughout the United Stated and worldwide in opera , musical theater and Christian contemporary music .
Working from her studio in Greensburg , Musetti personally crafts each piece from beginning to end . “ My clients appreciate knowing that they are acquiring something that has been completely handcrafted by the designer .” She is often asked where the inspiration for her designs comes from and many are shocked by her response : “ I wake up with everything in my head , bringing my designs to fruition out of the dream state . I don ’ t sketch or journal . Upon waking , they are in my head and I immediately go to work .” Musetti is known as a “ colorist ” in the industry and works with not only the design in mind but the contrasting element of colors to be used in her creations .
Musetti ’ s creations are all hand soldered with great attention to detail . “ Each piece is unique in its design and execution , which includes the manipulation of metals , piercing , sanding , filing , wheel polishing , soldering with fire , annealing , hand mounting of stones and more ,” she says . The artist acquires stones from all over the world including countries
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