7 x 2.75 x .75 cm
24 g sterling silver sheet, rose cut lemon quartz, gold alloy drops, 16 g round sterling wire, liver of sulphur
Raised on the West Coast of British Columbia, Christine Rio is a rain-loving metalsmith who launched her contemporary jewelry brand, Slate Jewelry, in 2016 at Vancouver Fashion Week. While mostly self-taught, she has pursued additional courses from the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, along with numerous classes led by notable silversmiths.
Working out of her studio in Victoria, she strives to craft pieces of wearable art that strike a balance between classic minimalism and luxurious details. Outside of the usual jewelry categories of "fine" or "fashion", Christine's work stands on its own. Drawing on her degree in Classical Studies gives voice to her organic "modern relic" design style. Influenced by movement and texture, history and surrealism, her work blends modern lines with a sense of found objects.
Slate Jewelry takes it name from the blank slate of opportunity that each piece of freshly milled metal presents for a new creation. While most of Christine's designs are considered "statement" pieces, she looks for a balance between refined and bold. Introvert and extrovert. Beauty and imperfection. Jewelry is a way to connect to each other, to start conversations and to share yourself with the community.
She has participated in several international art jewelry exhibitions including Artistar Jewels, Milan Jewelry Week, Automaton 20.21 (joint venture with Spain & Canada), and Romanian Jewelry Week.