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.

New Animals will be available Spring 2013. The handcrafted jewelry comes on custom printed cards that include the story and symbolism of the animal, making it the perfect choice for a unique gift. Retail prices range from $30 to $180.

Visit Jenne Rayburn's collections http://www.jennerayburn.com

Visit Jenne Rayburn on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Jenne.Rayburn

About: Jenne Rayburn is a Boston-based jewelry/textile artist who also studied interior design and architecture, and her work explores the convergence of architecture, design, technique and identity. Jenne is known for her designs combining vintage textiles, findings and components, with contemporary textile design. A graduate of the University of Washington where she studied metalsmithing and fiber arts, and of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a MS in Design, Jenne has been designing jewelry and accessories for over 20 years. Perpetual curiosity and a passion for experimentation resulted in her first jewelry collection made from etched copper and brilliantly colored enamel. Since then, Jenne has created six unique collections of jewelry and fashion accessories that combine careful workmanship with unique materials and designs. It is her hope that the wearers of her pieces will find joy in a delightful artistic statement, and also something that enhances their individuality and confidence. Her work is carried in local galleries and online. Please visit http://www.jennerayburn.com for Jenne Rayburn's online flagship store. For wholesale information, please visit jennerayburn.com/wholesale.com