Seed Pearl Restringing and Antique Pearl Restoration

I have been restoring seed pearl jewelry for over 25 years. There is more to reweaving than just restringing pearls. Repeating a pattern is one thing, but dealing with small pearls which are often clogged with glue and horse hair is something else entirely. I have spent years restoring pieces for Sotheby’s and Christies auction houses. Reweaving also deals with something I call the ‘perfect curve’. Antique necklaces or chokers never form a straight line: The human neck doesn’t have a shape of a cylinder; it is narrow at the top and wider at the shoulders. To hug the neck perfectly, the necklace must be curved, meaning that the size of the pearls must be gradually reduced from the outside curve towards the inside curve. This difference in sizes is frequently less than half a millimeter. The ‘perfect curve’ is also one indication to distinguish between the real thing and an imitation.

If you have any questions or want to get a quote please call 323.640.7340


BEFORE




AFTER

SOME RESTORED PIECES

New Creation - Short Onyx Sautoir

This is my latest creation - made of faceted onyx beads and antique clasps. Inspired by the 1920's and artists like Erte.

Trunk Show

One of a kind ornate and elegant pieces, custom made from brooches and centerpieces. Presented images are only a small part of an extensive collection that was created by Marina J. All pieces in this collection are one of a kind designs created around original antiques centerpieces to match and bring out their original beauty.

Marina will be at Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers in Westwood Village for her Trunk Show on December 14th & 15th. For more information, please visit: http://www.sarahleonardjewelers.com/

If you have a brooche or centerpice that you would like re-imagined into a necklace, please feel free to bring it to the trunk show.

Back from London!

I just came back from London last week. It is such a delight to have my pieces on display in London's famous Burlington Arcade. My new collections were very well received alongside my more familiar signature pieces.

I had a very heartfelt experience in one of the shops that carries a few of my pieces. As I was waiting with Sylvia Ogden of Richard Ogden Jewelers in Burlington Arcade, an older couple came in asking for Robert, her husband. Sylvia explained that he was not in, but more than happy to help them. Over the generations starting from the 1950's this couple had purchased all their jewelry for the milestones in their lives from Robert and his father Richard. Through the years they have bought their engagement rings, wedding bands and gifts for each other and their loved ones from this one store, and it has become tradition for them. In a time when people can shop online, or go to any other place that is more convenient, this couple continues to be patrons to their jewelry store. It was heartwarming to see this interaction unfold before me.

The streets of London, with their bustling crowds are always a highlight for me, as there is nothing like it in Los Angeles. I spent a lot of time catching up with friends and colleagues, and of course I couldn't leave London without buying at least 3 pairs of shoes. Highlights from my trip included; a visit to the Victoria Albert Museum, sipping champagne at the Olympia, an upscale antique show in London, and a quick day trip to Madrid for an important sale. Madrid was quite exciting and must I say very fashionable! I am always fascinated with people watching in European subways and streets. In Los Angels we are always so confined to our cars, that I forget what it is like to be surrounded by people.

A Perfect Pair: Pearl & Emerald Necklace and Bracelet

I have created a wonderful new necklace and matching bracelet that uses wonderful centerpiece floral clasps.

They are now available on 1stdibs

Seed Pearl Restoration

I have done a number of seed pearl restoration projects over the years. Following are just some before and after images. More to come...

To inquire about jewelry restoration please email marina@marinaj.com

I started an Etsy Shop today.  I will be featuring some of my more youthful pieces as well as a unisex collection and eventually a bridal collection.  You can visit the shop here -->   http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarinaJJewelry

I am excited because this week I have been able to spend some time designing  my new website.    If you have any suggestions for convinient layout designs and/or features or links that could be helpful or fun I would love to hear them.

Also I have been digging up some images of restoration work that I have done and it is reminding me of  how great it feels to work with someones precious heirloom that has seen its day and is in desperate need of attention.  I am attaching images of  my restoration work so you can see some of the challenges I have faced.

Finally, I want to share a few historical images of pearl-embelished Kokoshnik ( a cross between a hat and a Tiara).  In the future I look forward to writing about the subject as it is a huge inspiration and treasure to behold. 

Don't foget to check back soon for more updates about Marinaj.com

Before:                                                                        After:

Before:

After:

Kokoshnick:

Today I launched a 500px  account! You can find visit the site and find images of my latest here:

http://500px.com/marinajjewelry

Snake Jewelry

You can now find my jewelry on 1stdibs

Here are a couple of the great pieces that are available:

Antique Snake Bracelet

I found this wonderful antique gold clasp in England. The snake head has an intricate filligree motif and ruby eyes. I made the hand woven pearl rope bracelet, to create a very unique and one of a kind bracelet.

Victorian Snake Necklace

Antique 19th century enamel snake head clasp stands as a centerpiece for this hand woven pearl and emerald beaded necklace. Truly a unique piece.

Victoria Secret Million Dollar Bra

I am so proud to have been part of the Victoria Secret Million Dollar Bra 2011 project. I hand stitched the bra with pearls, diamonds, citrine and aquamarine and a luscious and extravagant tassel made of pearls aquamarine and diamonds.

Inspiration

I am currently seeing all the amazing movies out there like Hugo and The Artist. I am anticipating W.E. All these films are so inspiring, that all day long I think about Art Deco and jewelry design.

While I was in Portland in December, I came across a number of books with illustrations by Erte (of course I had to buy all of them!) which is why I cant stop working on my Art Deco Collection all day and night.