2 Roses Studio Turns Computer Components Into One-of-a-Kind Art Jewelry

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed)
Aug 7th 2010 at 9:01AM

So, it's statement jewelry you're looking for? Look no further. 2Roses, the Southern California-based jewelry-making studio has pushed the envelope on experimentation in jewelry design and the results are outstandingly original and, in some case, downright humorous. Take for example, the eclectic jewelry made from computer components. Talk about taking the concept of recycling to a new level.

The studio, a collaborative effort between metal smith Corliss Rose and lapidiary John Lemieux Rose, uses a wide variety of highly unorthodox materials and truly pushes the limits on jewelry design -- establishing the Roses' place in American art jewelry at the same time. The studio's one-of-a-kind adornment and objects d' art are priced from $350 to $17,500.

Gallery: 2Roses Studio Jewelry

The studio's most recent work blends traditional adornments with computer and electronic parts as objects of art. John Rose says the use of "found" objects as adornments is as old as mankind itself. Objects that were "discovered" were often attributed with talismanic and magical properties. String, glass, bottle caps and buttons have all been fair game for jewelry-makers.

Rose said that he chose computers and electronics as a material because they "literally define the 21st Century and our technological society." He added, "(Computer parts) are at once precious and disposable, hidden yet everywhere, defiant of expectation and conforming to a relentless precision." Rose said that he chose computers and electronics as a material because they "literally define the 21st Century and our technological society."

Rose said that adapting the computer components into functional, wearable art required considerable experimentation. Weight, movement, comfort and the mechanical working properties of the materials needed to be considered. Most computer components are made for low-temperature soldering, which wouldn't work for jewelry-making. Also, the parts couldn't come into contact with a flame used in traditional soldering, so alternative methods of connection had to be developed. The finishing process presented challenges as well.

Works from the 2Roses Studio have been on exhibit at The Hermitage Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Museum of Art and Design and the Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston, as well as the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and the Los Angeles Museum of Art.

Tags: 2roses jewelry, 2roses studio, art jewelry, jewelry

Filed under: Jewelry

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Inbar Aug 8th 2010 5:02PM

2Roses, You ROCK!!!

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