Lainey Papageorge: Part 2

Man's best friend. In this case a woman's. . . Elfina was the dog of a lifetime.
Enormous in spirit and soul. One to be honored. And indeed she was.
​Lainey captured the dingo as a remarkable gift for longtime collector Lucinda Bunnen.
Elfina's inquisitiveness, muscularity, sure footedness and intelligence are all felt. The anatomical correctness of the tail, ears and skull are communicated through the stones. One can even gets a sense of her fur. Lainey is a master of interpretation. This brooch can be worn on a chain as a necklace as well. And tells Elfina's story whereever it is worn. 
Although a custom piece, Lainey's storytelling comes through in every piece she makes. And we wanted to tell just a few more of those stories. 

A favorite term being currently bandied about in the jewelry industry is "alternative bridal." The concept has been part of Lainey's design lexicon from the beginning. These rings represent the start of long relationships: Between husband and wife and between the couple and Lainey. Unique and complimentary, the ribbons of gold wrap around the fingers and show how their lives are intertwined. In subsequent years Lainey has had the opportunity to work with Heidi and Bud Griffin on many different occasions. She creates unique pieces that are created, given and received with love. In total. . . they are a history of memories.

Lainey's sensitivity to the natural environment is clear in these poetic mokumé pendants rendered in silver and gold. Mokumé is a Japanese technique dating back to the 17th century. Layers of different colored metal are fused together, folded into metal "sandwiches" and the layering appears as part of the design.
These tiny colorful palettes presented the perfect opportunity to collaborate once again with John Franciscus. John not only saw mountains and rivers, the metals also presented a wild prancing horse and trees. And in the skies, the aurora flare that occurred at totality this past September hovers. These pendants are truly one of a kind. 

Lainey will be in the store this Thursday through Saturday and we hope you'll take this opportunity to meet her and immerse yourself in her work. Perhaps you too will find some pieces that will become landmarks on your life journey. ~ lwM