Crocheted: A Masterpiece of Brazilian Lace in Jewelry

Camilla Marcondes Transforms Traditional Brazilian Lace into a Statement Necklace

The inspiration for Crocheted came from the handcrafted lace made in the northeast of Brazil, a tradition brought from Portugal in the 18th century. This craft has been passed down from mothers to daughters for over 200 years, and Marcondes wanted to honor this legacy in her design. The necklace uses the delicate cutouts and floral patterns of the lace as its main elements, transforming the traditional craft into a piece of modern jewelry.

Marcondes faced two major challenges in the creation of Crocheted. The first was incorporating the intricate cut details into small pieces of metal, requiring precision laser cutting. The second was ensuring the necklace was not too rigid and could move with the wearer. The solution was found in the use of mini rivets, which allowed for a slight movement in the necklace.

Crocheted is made of brass with a brushed and slightly tarnished finish, giving it an antique gold tone. The necklace consists of 12 cut-out pieces imitating floral lace, joined by mini rivets. A grosgrain ribbon is used for the lashing on the neck, adding a light and romantic touch to the piece.

The necklace was designed in vector software and then reproduced on sheet metal through laser cutting. This combination of traditional inspiration and modern technology is a testament to Marcondes' innovative approach to design. The necklace was first sketched in March 2014 and produced in June of the same year.

Crocheted is not just a piece of jewelry, but a statement of Brazilian culture and craftsmanship. The necklace was developed for a large fashion exhibition in Sao Paulo that had 'Brazility' as its main theme. Marcondes chose lacework not only for its beauty, but also for its representation of the northeastern tradition, a handcrafted work done exclusively by women and passed down through generations.

With its intricate design and cultural significance, Crocheted is a testament to the power of design to transform traditional crafts into contemporary art. As Marcondes puts it, "Crocheted is a maxi-necklace in an antique gold tone. Due to its size and eye-catching presence, it is to be worn as a Statement Jewelry."