Antika Nueva

I am very proud of Antika Nueva Jewelry, because it's based on design and aesthetic principles close to my heart.

I draw my inspiration from a number of sources: architecture, stained glass windows, the Baroque and Victorian periods, and New Age, Celtic, early Christian, and pagan iconography. I tend to "design big"; even my small pieces are dramatic, eye-catching, a centerpiece for an outfit. This is partly because I originally was designing for just ME--I'm a tall and big woman, and dainty unobtrusive jewelry just gets lost on me! I like pieces that have dramatic punch. I love the drama and pageantry in Renaissance festivals, and I also love the lightheartedness that that atmosphere encourages. I try to make each piece while being mindful of the person who will wear it. I love the idea of making someone feel pretty by donning one of my pieces of jewelry.

Sturdy:

Every Antika piece is "field-tested" by me; a more daunting prospect than you would think. I have managed to break almost every kind of jewelry under the sun. Each design as I create it is created with "can I break this? Is it likely to fall apart?" echoing through my head. If a piece incorporates glue, I use some of the hardiest adhesives available. Under even extreme wear, these pieces will generally hold up. If they are more delicate, I WILL TELL YOU.

Recycling!

I was a Girl Scout--reduce, re-use, and recycle was drummed into my head at an early age! Along with the Yankee "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" attitude which is an integral part of New Englanders! Many of my pieces incorporate odd and unusual materials, or pieces of old, broken jewelry recycled into new. I do very little "production" jewelry, because my materials are so eclectic. I like knowing that my customers and I are wearing something truly unique. An Antika Nueva piece may have started life as part of a lamp, in a hardware store, or as some 1950's lady's favorite party necklace, but they continue on as a unique piece of jewelry for the person wearing them. I am constantly scouting for new materials and ways to use them, to the point that I have to be dragged out of junk shops and hardware stores. "Hmm…I wonder if those ten-penny nails could be used for something…."