such as Czechoslovakia, Japan, Germany and Italy. Musetti is constantly
searching for materials that give the best 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,” she says.
“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 demi-parure
of just a necklace and earrings. Other creations vary depending on
requests and what the fashion loop predicts for each season. Many of the
creations are “convertible” — for example, the dangle suspending from
a necklace is typically a detachable brooch that can be worn in another
fashion. 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 so unique in its 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
Musetti and Schiffer Publishers published “The Art of Juliana Jewelry”
that showcases Juliana crystal jewelry made by William DeLizza and
Harold Elster from 1947 to the 1990s. The book 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. It has been praised as “an inspiring book for seasoned
collectors and novices who are beginning the fantastic voyage into the
world of Juliana jewelry.”
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 kmusetti3@verizon.net. n
Photos Courtesy of Katerina Musetti, Megan Gardner and Sasha Danielle
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2016 | icmags.com 11