JET of the Day - VenusVelvet

Hello and welcome to our JET Team blog once again!

Donna is taking a well-deserved day off today the team is inviting you to join us in one of my favorite Etsy jewelry shops, venusvelvet. Owner Carolyn handcrafts truly unique and covetable contemporary jewelry in her Toronto studio, making each piece of jewelry individually by hand. She uses only high quality materials including sterling silver, gold and mixed metals, and prefers to use ethically sourced and recycled materials whenever possible.

Carolyn's most popular designs are characterised by a minimalist aesthetic, which reflects her love of nature, sculpture and architecture. Her formal art training is also evident, in the distinctive lines and deceptively simple beauty of much of her jewellery.

One particularly striking collection (and my personal favourite) is Constellation, which features dots carved into the surface of the metal, giving an effect that Carolyn describes as looking like "sparkling stars in the night sky". And they really do! For the romantic at heart, how about a unique set of His and Hers Wedding Bands (1). These matching sterling silver rings have a refreshing contemporary feel, and are specially designed for star struck lovers! Carolyn's rings are available in a widths from 3mm band to 18mm, so she is certain to make a ring to suit you.

The Constellation collection is available in a choice of 14k gold, sterling silver with a brushed matt finish, or sterling silver with a mottled black oxidized finish. The black finish really does make the pieces look like the night sky! This is especially true of the convex Night Sky Pendant Necklace (2), which looks like it is covered in randomly twinkling stars. There are several co-ordinating earring styles to choose from, including the Square Stud Earrings (3), which have an industrial feel to them.

You will also find modern classics in venusvelvet, like Carolyn's effortlessly chic Simple Modern Leaf Earrings (4), made from recycled solid 14k gold. In addition to being kinder to the environment, these minimalist earrings will look fabulous with any outfit, daytime or evening. Another stunning modern piece is the Sterling Silver Wave Bracelet Set (5). This set of three bangles is made from random ripples of sterling silver, designed to be worn stacked together. As Carolyn says, "the more you stack the more dramatic the look!"

This innovative designer's work also reflects her Baltic ancestry. Amongst many pieces in her shop showing Baltic, Nordic and Pagan historical influences is the geometric Brass and Sterling Silver Amulet Necklace (6), which reinterprets ancient Baltic design elements. This mixed metal piece has gold and mustard patinated brass pieces alternating with sterling silver, and triangular shaped charms to catch the light and create fluidity of movement.

Very few minimalist jewellery designers can tempt me away from my preference for Regency to Victorian designs, but Carolyn's work does - in spades! To me, her pieces demonstrate a tangible affinity with nature, and a wonderful timeless quality. I do hope you've enjoyed this quick look at Carolyn's jewellery, and I suggest you drop by venusvelvet soon to see her work for yourself!