I don't like high maintenance people and I really don't like high maintenance, needy plants. So much so that once when I moved to a new house and inherited a bed of roses, I dug them up. I made sure they found good homes, but I could not get them out of there fast enough.
But after last week's opening for Tal Moran and her newest collections of jewelry based upon plants I am going to have to re-think the rose.
Her opening was Thursday and we had a captive audience due to the severe "weather channel" show that was playing out the atelier's windows. The disturbing yellow green tint to the sky, the torrential rain, the lightening and occasional tornado that touched down in Atlanta did not deter dedicated jewelry lovers and here are some of their favorites.
Rose Vines and Thorns
Above is a bangle set of twigs accented with gold and diamonds. The highly irregular, ebb and flow of the twigs is oxidized and is a beautiful ensemble for the wrist. The cuffs to the left feature a casting of rose vines Tal harvested from an ancient place in Sardinia. The thorns, the texture to the vine preserved in silver. The silver's gentle concave swoop provides protective custody of the pearl and the thorn which are reflected in the high polished surface that has been oxidized. The thorns are now beautifully approachable, but approach with caution. This bracelet can be custom made in any width.
Bamboo Stack Rings
Our garden tour has now left the rose bed for that patch of verdant, yet pesky bamboo! This ring became the order taker of the night! Available in sterling silver or 14K gold sprinkled with diamonds, this stack ring can be stacked and stacked, mixed and matched and plays beautifully with others. Starting at $98 and topping out at $300, it's easy to see how you can have a finger full in different colors (rose gold, yellow gold, oxidized sterling or silver) and different finishes... high polish, satin or a rougher bead blast.
Rose Thorns and Tourmaline
Lastly, a parting shot of more rose thorns. Tal was struck by the similarity of the structural growth of rose thorns and shark teeth. Here, the thorn gracefully drops from a windowpane of tourmaline. The tourmaline is cut in a very low rise rose cut and is framed by 14K yellow gold wire. Every thing is hand made by Tal and can be custom made in your choice of metal and stones.
Perhaps you have a favorite plant that should be immortalized on your wrist or ear? We'd love to explore your options. Tal is available for appointments through August.
