Decaying plant matter inspires ring design
Vancouver-based jewelry designer Aland Irène doesn’t just look to nature for inspiration for her designs. She actually uses it.
To create pieces for the latest collection of her eponymous line, Irène used decaying plant matter as both a starting point for inspiration — and a physical basis for her creations.
We caught up with the goldsmith and designer to learn more.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what do you create?
A I create handmade, one-of-akind jewelry inspired by nature. As a designer, it is my goal to create timeless treasures, wearable art to be cherished and passed down from generation to generation as an heirloom. I want the wearer to feel empowered and inspired by a piece of jewelry that is as unique as them.
Q What makes your designs unique?
A My latest handmade collection, The Sonora Line, is a perfect example of what makes my designs unique and shows my interest in nature’s intricate details. I created this series of solid-gold rings from a decaying plant that I had found eight years ago. I noticed the beautiful lace-like fibrous material that remained and knew I had to add it to my collection of curiosities for future use. It had an ethereal quality to it and wove together like an intricate three-dimensional road map.
Each ring takes weeks to make, starting with my sketchbook and a pencil. The plant is carefully sectioned off and shaped in preparation for a method called casting, where it’s placed in a cylinder with a claylike investment and burned out in a kiln. This leaves a negative space in the investment, which allows the molten metal to fill the space and create an exact replica of the delicate organics in the form of solid gold. The metal is then further worked, shaped, filed, polished and finished with the setting of the stones. The sculptural bohemian-style statement rings represent years of work, dedication and the importance of seeking beauty in unlikely places.
Q What is the price range for your jewelry designs?
A Prices reflect the metals, gemstones and time that went into each piece. Typically they fall in the $300-$4,000 range.
Q Where can people find them? A The Sonora Line is currently available at alandirene.ca and in store at Roseark, located in West Hollywood. New pieces are added to my website weekly, so I encourage people to check back often. You can also follow my work on Instagram @alandirenedesign for a behind-thescenes look at my workbench. My followers enjoy watching the creative process and even help me pick gemstones!