Alberni artisanal designer jewelry

My knotted jewelry designs are inspired by the Inca culture and the metal, charm and chained jewelry combines some contemporary approaches. Both approaches combine unlikely materials into one, harmonious art piece to wear. The idea of using knots came from my desire to communicate as the Incas did more than 1000 years ago. They created a sophisticated language device of colorful clusters of knots called “Quipu”. A quipu is a cluster of knotted fibers which, back then, communicated statistics and ideas. It was the equivalent to our writing."

About my Jewelry

Inca Quipu on display at The CLT Mint Museum

See How Gemstones Are Made HERE

Alberni is a mixed media artist, constantly exploring material and elemental relationships, and responding instinctively.
As a full time visual artist, she works in her art studio by day and makes artisan jewelry on the side, by night.
Her mixed media paintings and installations take her on a journey where she joins her past with her future and reconciles with her present.
Her jewelry combines all sorts of natural materials, sustainable woods, recycled glass, metals, gemstones and other exotics, many of which are bought through fair trade practices.

Each knotted necklace is inspired by unique intentions and has its own title. Ultimately, she strives to connect people, thoughts and inspirations through this work.
Depending on style, necklaces can be worn in a variety of ways and several can be adjusted to desired length.
Beads I use include: African metal, bone, clay, coconut, copper, crystal, fiber, gemstone, glass, recycled/repurposed material, horn, sustainable tagua and sibucau nuts, paper, pewter, porcelain, resin, cai, sustainable congolo and pachaca seeds, shell, sustainable wood, & many other exotics!

Tagua nuts come from this Palm

Nuts are in clusters

Each nut looks like this

Acai seeds

Dyed tagua nuts and slices

ORNAMENTS

For December holidays, I create hand painted & signed glass ornaments & stemless drinkware.
Each year, shapes and sizes vary so stay tuned!