Aluminium Jewelry by AB Andreina Brengola: minimalist and simple forms originating from a complex manual processing

The choice of working behind a closed door, with a studio open only by appointment, was not an easy one from the sales point of view, but it was the most necessary for the development and evolution of my jewelry-making art. 

Time is so much needed in order to experiment and understand, through trial and error, the matters with which I work, which fascinate me deeply and have a physical power on me. Aluminium rings and stretchy steel threads may be used by other designers too, but I know that my style is highly recognizable. I dedicate so much time to the exploration of these two elements, playing with them, shaping them and combining them, that my imagination never fails to provide me with the inspiration for new designs, each unique.

The studio where I currently work was a gift. It used to be used for meditation lessons, in fact it has a magical aura and offers silence and peace. It is an oasis where I can focus and find the answers. Evolution lies in research and also in chance, in having the luxury to follow my instinct and let the matter guide me. The processing is rather complex, but the result I aim at is simplicity and minimalism. 

Here, with no interruptions, I can immerse myself in the materials and create a dialogue with them. I work a lot on tridimensionality, on creating emptiness or, better said, negative space, and I like to play with textures. I like the idea that those who look at my jewelry cannot make out how exactly it was assembled. In a way, it's imperfect.

Imperfection is true beauty. I don't start with a drawing, I just let my imagination guide my hands. My jewels are imperfect in the sense that each piece is individual and unique, there is no sameness, never a repetition. As mentioned in another post, I create my raw materials from scratch. You cannot find ready-to-use aluminium rings in the market, thus I purchase chains and open them, which means that each ring is slightly different from the others. But I prefer it this way, because I want my jewelry to represent me and my values, I need to recognize myself in my craft, this is why I gave my brand my own name: AB Andreina Brengola.

First of all, uniqueness and imperfection. In a world where most goods are factory-made by machines, identical and without humanity, I believe that flaws are the essence of exquisiteness. Distinctiveness, with all the risks it comes with, it so much needed and it is a value I believe in and pursue.

Then emptiness or negative space, which allows to create tridimensionality, architectures with a volume. This feature is so rare in bijoux, 

Follows clarity, transparency. My jewels don't hide anything, you can see both sides and both sides are made with care and attention to detail, there is no facade, everything is visible and honest.

Besides, my aluminium jewels give women the possibility of choosing how to wear them. There isn't just one predefined way, and the possibility of choice is another value of extreme importance to me.

The lines are clean, minimalist. They are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Simple designs resulting from a complex process. Excuse me if I quote Brecht, but it's true that "it is simplicity that is difficult to make".

Last but not least: the sense of touch. The physical feeling that stretchy steel threads combined with aluminium rings provide is incredible, a sensation of comfort and niceness. Wearing my jewelry must be a pleasurable experience, they enhance the person that wears them not only because of their aesthetic but because they make her feel at ease, comfortable, relaxed.

Different pieces of jewelry provide different feelings, the variety of combinations allows an infinity of tactile feelings. It's difficult to explain, but the elasticity of the matters is incredibly delightful. This is why it is so important for me that my clients can come here in my studio and take their time to feel the jewels, touch them, try them and understand which one was made for them.

I am so grateful for what I do and also for the time I can spend studying these industrial materials. This sense of time is a privilege. I have learned to listen to it and have also developed a patience within myself that I never had before.. My processing is interminable, some designs and combinations require hours and hours. I have to breathe in, fully focus and take the time... but this has made me calmer and I think that my jewelry conveys this sense of positivity.

The colors too are just right, because they are based on a contrast: they are shiny and matte, they add light and make themselves present without screaming, they are elegant and gentle, balancing harmony and simplicity.

It was important for me to explain my choice of working in a private studio and the importance of having the time to focus and dedicate to the materials in order to create jewelry that is not obvious, but quite the contrary. Timeless designs, handmade, unique and involving all senses. Jewelry made to be like a second skin.