Jenne Rayburn Presents New Animal Jewelry for 2013

Jenne Rayburn, a designer jewelry artist, known for her distinctive handcrafted jewelry and fashion accessories, announces her latest handmade designs. Featuring animal jewelry based on timeless silhouettes from folklore, mythology and legend, the new Ark Collection designs include a fox, hedgehog, seahorse and octopus. The Ark Collection of inspirational animals and symbols connects the wearer to stories of hope and strength, and remind us that every person is uniquely powerful.

The inspiration for Jenne Rayburn's handcrafted jewelry and accessories comes from thinking about the role of cultural narrative in constructing identity. "My process is to create narratives for my work that intertwine ideas about mythology and tradition," said Rayburn.

Creating a collection of animal jewelry was a natural evolution of this exploration, because animals play key roles in many culture's creation myths where they are essential to survival, are respected as equals and are meaningful representations of human potential. "Ancient peoples recognized their power to transform nature, and consequently the need to live with balance and harmony, never wasting nature's gifts or taking the natural world for granted," states Rayburn. "Animals became powerful symbols for both the virtuous and malevolent way to live." The Ark Collection strives to reconnect us with that sensibility.

Jenne Rayburn's designs incorporate fine and sterling silver, 18-karat matte gold plated brass, antiqued sterling silver plated brass, and raw brass. Statement jewelry that is versatile and easy to pair with any outfit, The Ark Collection of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooches and earrings features bold to petite size charms. "Jewelry is one of the personal touches that makes a woman's outfit truly unique," notes Rayburn. "In designing this collection, I wanted to create a broad range of coordinating imageries and sizes, drawing from cultural myths as diverse as indigenous Americans to Ancient Egypt, Asia and Persia." Each unique jewelry piece is individually made so no two are alike.