The Maker
Hi there,
I'm Eduardo Mari, and every piece of jewelry you see here is handcrafted in my NYC studio. I'm fascinated by the transformative power inherent in different materials. I embrace the challenge of creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
My love for jewelry making is twofold. Firstly, it's in the meticulous process: melting metals, engraving under the microscope, fabricating shapes and designs and refining each piece. Secondly, it involves the sourcing of the materials, from gemstones to silk for unique necklace cords. Going to the source is a great excuse to travel the world!
Color is also a driving force in my work, captured in pure pigments I use with lacquer and gemstones cut in my studio.
The life each piece takes on beyond my studio is truly exciting. Unlike other artworks, jewelry becomes a personal expression, carried, felt, and explored by its wearer. It transforms as the wearer interacts, alongside other objects, environments, cloths and moods. Sharing this unique connection between the creation and the wearing is an exciting collaboration.
The Lacquer
Lacquer, a durable and water-resistant material has been used in art for ages and finds a special place in my work. I blend clear lacquer with vibrant powder pigments to achieve an array of colors with infinite possible variations to produce bespoke lacquer beads.
Each handmade bead starts with a wooden core, layered meticulously with colored lacquers to achieve its final form.
This resilient material cures gradually, allowing for unique carving and finishing techniques. From luminous fluorescent layers to iridescent pearls, the possibilities are endless.
The Silk
Exclusive to my jewelry, I use 100% pure silk sourced directly from Ramanagara, India. In my quest for the perfect cord for my lacquer beads, I was not satisfied with commercial silk and cords commonly used in jewelry making. Determined to find the finest silk, I travelled to one of the largest silk cocoon auction houses in India near Bangalore.
Forming bonds with locals involved in silk production, I witnessed the fascinating process of silk extraction, from boiling cocoons to spinning them into exquisite golden skeins. Recognizing the superior quality of this raw silk, I embarked on a journey to master its use.
By utilizing the Japanese braiding technique called kumihimo, dating back to the time of the samurai, I am able to create a continuous woven cord of pure Ramanagara silk. Sixteen strands of fine silk, washed, dyed and waxed are meticulously braided on a marudai to make the finest silk cord.
