Shades of joy

3.5 x 0.5 x 0.3 cm

sterling silver and sapphires

These pieces are all sculpted in wax, then cast in 925 silver, at which point the artist set a mixture of yellow, green, teal and blue sapphires. The earrings are a part of her collection Fragments of Joy. Joy is not linear; we find fragments of it everywhere, sometimes overt, often well-hidden, but always present for those who seek it. This collection honours the nods to joy that life gives out in order to provide meaning and depth to our days, for those who want to appreciate things to their utmost potential. The shapes features in "Fragments of Joy" demonstrate the fluidity of life, constantly changing and evolving into the next form. Each sapphire represents a small moment of joy, found amidst our journeys; the little sparks in our lives which call attention to themselves, gracefully.

Chaké Kouladjian is a Montrealer born in 1986, who originally thought to pursue graphic design. She completed a Bachelor's degree in this field, before turning to jewellery-making as a more appropriate medium for her passion and creativity. She was seeking a way to work with her hands, and focus her artistic inclinations into something tangible, when she first stumbled into this industry, and found a home for herself. Kouladjian then decided to enroll in jewellery design at the college level in order to perfect her art. An avid learner and experimenter, she is thrilled by the prospect of creating pieces which can be worn, rather than just admired. Of her various influences, she is largely inspired by sculpture and bold use of colour. Her style is organic, reflecting the lines and curves of the natural world which have always spoken to her. Kouladjian is an intuitive artist, who gives herself the grace to let errors turn into unexpected, fascinating forms. She allows the work to create itself, in part, throughout her process, and become something eye-catching. Her goal in making jewellery is to create the final touch to any outfit, and provide that cherry on top, which makes the wearer feel as unique and inspired as the jewellery itself.