For over thirty years, Carolyn Morris Bach has produced fabulous jewelry which is distinct for its visual metaphors and themes, which are often taken from classical iconographies. This has made her jewels popular among diehard jewelry connoisseurs, such as these signed 18k gold metallic bone earrings from 1994.

Origins

Carolyn graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, and resides in the southern part of the state. As a consequence, her work stands out and has become wildly successful, and is collected by clients both in the United States as well as worldwide. She has also been recognized by numerous organizations including the Smithsonian, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and National Endowment for the Arts along with the American Craft Museum. In fact, one of her brooches was featured in a book Madeline Albright wrote called Read My Pins.

As a youth, Carolyn studied ceramics while at her Michigan high school. At the time her interest in jewelry was minimal, but one of her art instructors suggested she give it a try. She did and quickly realized the talent she had for the craft. Bach has stated that her work is usually effortless and she gets it correct on the first try.

Design Highlights

Her studio itself has become quite famous as forests and pastures surround it, and this natural environment with its stunning imagery has influenced her style. There is great symbolism in her jewelry, which represents the power inherent in wind, rain, the sun, moon, plants and even stones. While other jewelry designers prioritize a contemporary, cosmopolitan look, Carolyn Morris Bach is grounded in the natural world and all that is non-industrial.

She purchased an 18^th century property near the Cape which was overgrown and then transformed it into a one of a kind living and work space. There are modernized additions which complement the property’s classical charm, along with mature hardwoods and walls made from stone. She has invited members of the media into her home, where they can see glimpses of her inspiration and genius.

For example, there is a workbench which holds a brush made by her using deer antlers she found while hiking through the woods. There are few jewelry designers on Earth who would think to craft a brush out such a thing, but this shows how her inventive mind works. In fact, her entire property manifests the same natural sensibility which is seen in the jewelry. She has further stated that her artistic life and home are totally interwoven.

Features

These Morris Bach earrings from 1994 are a classic example of bone jewelry. They have been signed and in addition to 18k gold they also contain sterling silver (with a purity of .925 percent). On the front you can see a miniature face with a whimsical expression that is designed to capture feminine nature and essence. The bone has been expertly carved and displays an opened mouth bezel which is set in the silver, and adorned by four little fish. The earrings are preowned, manifest minimal wear and display an elegant patina.