I was honored to collaborate with Elisa Melegari a jewelry designer, in making a jewel called the “The Dragon” for client Whoopi Goldberg.
Birth of “The Dragon” Now Whoopi Goldberg Jewelry, created here in the technique of Champleve enamels. This bracelet and ring combo was influenced by the jewel designed by Alphonse Mucha and executed by George Fouquet, “The Serpent” 1899 for Sarah Bernhardt. Shown below.
It began with the drawing by Elisa Melegari, a young NY jewelry artist, and to our delight the client Whoopi Goldberg, approved. She had visioned this jewel for 20 years without finding anyone to execute it for her. With great friends in the industry we were able to create just the right team. And the execution of the design creation began! Kathy Drake for additional wax work, Master jeweler Tom Herman for the hinge design and execution. Brian Reed for the casting. After the fitting, Whoopi Goldberg felt she would like the head to move to add comfort. This would allow her to bend her hand easily. I traveled upstate NY to visit Master jeweler Tom Herman and a hinge was added under the head.
Time to cast in gold. After chasing all of the details, the enameling began. With viscous enamels of gold and orange, as you can see on the ring, the dragon’s head and tail.
And away the jewel goes to the teams’ Master stone setter, Drew Hadley
It was an awesome job by all!
Delivered to a happy client. Whoopi Goldberg