Bio

Lauren Blais earned her BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a concentration in small metals and now creates her jewelry in her studio at Joy Street Studios in Somerville, MA. She creates hand-crafted jewelry inspired by Victorian mourning jewelry with a modern and edgy twist using both traditional and alternative metalsmithing techniques. Her pieces are dark, deft and delicate constructions of sterling silver etched with antique wallpaper patterns and accented with the highest quality natural gemstones, raw minerals, fur, exotic leathers and 24k gold vermeil. Lauren's jewelry is predominately crafted using traditional metalsmithing techniques such as lost wax casting, piercing, forming, fabricating and enameling.

artist statement

The objects that I make are inspired by my past and historical references. Jewelry as wearable art has always been important to me because it plays with the personal relationship to the body and the nostalgic connection it has created between people throughout history. I am drawn to ornate embellishments as well as the social acceptance of death, mourning, sentiment and nostalgia of the Victorian Era. I have always collected obscure objects throughout my life that hold sentimental value to myself while others may find them curious such as bugs, fur, hair, old family photos, letters, jewelry and linens. Basing my jewelry on these personal objects allows me to create something permanent that can be passed on through generations creating a new history of its own. Developed in the tradition and styles of the Victorian Era my jewelry focuses on ornamentation, symbolism and sentiment of my life.These pieces are predominately created by using traditional metalsmithing techniques such as lost wax casting, fabricating and enameling. These age-old traditions are linked back to the historical time periods that highly influence the conceptual aspects of my work. The repetition of historical connections between the processes and the aesthetics of my jewelry is an important aspect used in creating it.

Jewelry

All pieces are made with sterling silver, gold or bronze and the highest quality of leathers and natural gemstones. Returns will be accepted for merchandise credit only. Pieces are made to order, and will ship out within 7 business days unless otherwise noted.

Shipping

All jewelry is shipped via USPS Priority : Ground($8), 2nd Day($15), or overnight($26) in the United States.

Wholesale

For wholesale orders please contact Lauren at: laurenblais@laurenblais.com

Photography Adrien Broom info@adrienbroom.com www.adrienbroom.com Alyssa Greenberg www.alyssagreenbergphotography.com