Handcrafted Jewelry: Necklaces
From her early years in New York City, Victoria Varga has handcrafted jewelry from precious metals and a variety of materials that are often discounted as ordinary. Victoria has perfected a process of combining sterling silver, 23 karat gold leaf, resin, crushed stone, and artist pigments to create her signature line of jewelry.
Mixed Colors Slalom Pendant
Available resin colors: aqua, orange, green, and purple
Available in: 23K gold leaf, onyx, lapis & jasper
Sterling silver pendant with mixed color inlay
Size: 2 7/8" X 3/4" X 1/4''
$315
Japanese Flowers Pendant
Available resin colors: aqua, orange, green, berry and purple
Available in: 23K gold leaf, onyx [shown], lapis & jasper
Sterling silver square pendant with black onyx inlay
Size: 1/2" X 1/2" X .25"
$80
Square Firn Pendant
Available resin colors: aqua [shown], orange, green, berry and purple
Available in: 23K gold leaf, onyx, lapis & jasper
Sterling silver square pendant with aqua inlay
Size: 1/2" X 1/2" X .25"
$85
See more VICTORIA VARGA JEWELRY at victoriavarga.com.
Artist Statement
My work is made of sterling silver with an inlay of resin and crushed stone or glass. First the graphics are cut out of sheet silver and set in a bezel. A thin layer of resin is poured over my designs. To create an inlay, I grind semiprecious stone or glass into a fine sand with a pestle and mortar. I make a porcelain-like paste by combining these powdered materials with resin. The lightweight paste is packed into the back of each bezel. This process is reminiscent of "scagliola," the ancient Roman art of mixing ground marble and granite dust with plaster. This blend of old and new techniques allows me to create jewelry that is bold, lightweight, and fun to wear.
Victoria Varga received her BS in Fine Arts from Skidmore College in 1984. After completing her graduate studies in metals at Syracuse University she moved to New York City with her husband, Daniel Brouder, where the couple co-founded the studio that bears her name. After fourteen years in Manhattan, Daniel and Victoria relocated their studio to the coast of Maine where they continue to hand fabricate her jewelry designs.
