Fine jewelers, including Seaman Schepps, Verdura, Silvia Furmanovich and Aletto Brothers, celebrate the unique beauty of wood in their designs.
The use of natural organic materials in decorative objects and jewelry dates back millennia. Wooden beads and ornaments have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and early African and Asian civilizations crafted intricately carved pendants and other jewelry out of this plentiful material. In the early 1900s, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods ushered in a revival of wood’s use in the decorative arts.
While the juxtaposition of wood with precious metals and gems may seem incongruous, the combination has proved to invoke a natural richness and unique quality to contemporary fine jewelry. Wood is versatile: it can be carved, inset with stones, dyed and is lightweight. Because no two pieces of wood will ever be exactly alike, each piece of wood jewelry is inherently unique. What once might have been considered not precious enough for jewelry, wood has found its way into the designs of Seaman Schepps, Silvia Furmanovich, Vhernier and Aletto Brothers, among others.
Brazilian Beauty
“The beautiful rich hues and patterned grain of wood celebrates this most precious sustainer of life, for as we know trees are the lungs of the planet,” said Silvia Furmanovich, who is celebrating her eponymous company’s 25th anniversary this year. She produces one-of-a-kind jewelry, bags, home decor and furniture, employing artisans from around the world, including India, Japan and Chile, to craft her creations. This bracelet, made in her home country of Brazil, draws on the country’s traditional wood marquetry technique. It is crafted of multicolored wood marquetry, 18K yellow gold and diamonds.
Land and Sea
Known for its bold and colorful designs, Seaman Schepps makes extensive use of natural materials sourced from both above and below the ocean. The brand first opened its doors in New York in 1908 and has maintained a steady retail presence since then. In addition to wood (the brand’s rosewood, citrine and peridot frog brooch is pictured here) and its ever-popular shell earrings, Seaman Schepps offers an extensive line of home accessories crafted from stones and minerals, including aventurine, agate and red jasper.
Linked In
Milan-based Vhernier is well-known for incorporating ebony wood into its signature bold and sleek pieces. The brand “aims to create beauty through simplicity,” and that is evident in every jewel they create. Founded in the mid-1980s, the brand incorporates other unconventional materials into its pieces, including aluminum and rock crystal. This bracelet, from the brand’s recently introduced Mon Jeu Maxi collection, is made of ebony and 18K rose gold.
Towering Achievement
Aletto Brothers’ founder Bartolomeo Aletto has a special connection to design history. In 1889, the Naples, Italy, native was commissioned by a member of the nobility to make a commemorative jewel for the new Eiffel Tower. The family-owned brand, now based in the U.S., is in its fifth generation. This handmade necklace is crafted of rosewood and 18K yellow gold.
