If you want to make Emily Johnson smile, all you have to do is talk to her about Michael Zobel. Easily one of the most talented designers and goldsmiths of his time, Moroccan-born Michael Zobel uses exquisite gems, unusual techniques and fabulous shapes to give life to his unbelievably awesome jewelry.
When I asked Emily about her favorite piece in the gallery she gravitated towards the beautiful ring pictured below. The warm grey gold contrasts strongly with the platinum, and Zobel uses black diamonds to highlight the stark white of the most precious of metals. With a BFA in sculpture from MCAD, Emily is impressed by how Zobel can take the most basic kind of jewelry, the ring, and make it into a sculptural wonder. Not only does this ring have a delicious weight, but the ribbed texture makes it comfortable despite its width.
Emily's love for Zobel might have something to do with the fact that she owns one of his pieces already, and the grey gold and platinum ring pictured above would be a fabulous addition to her collection. Pictured below is Zobel's "Metropolis" ring, from the personal collection of Emily Johnson. The ability to take a completely normal gem like quartz and turn it into a small masterpiece like the ring below is uncommon: it takes precision, skill and, above all, imagination. The sculpted quartz and champagne diamonds set in platinum are transformed into a tiny city that never ceases to amaze.
Zobel's jewelry is like nothing you've seen before and I'm sure Emily would agree with me that seeing it merits a trip downtown, even during rush hour. Here are a few other pieces from his collection...come try them on and marvel at how good a piece of jewelry can make you feel.
-Louisa Podlich
