Introducing The Shape of Things:
A brand new and highly-anticipated collection of sculptural designs has arrived and we couldn't be more excited to share these pieces with you.
Keep reading to hear more from Jillian (Founder & Designer) on her inspiration, the design process and why this is her favorite collection yet.
- What inspired the Shape of Things collection?
This collection has been a long time coming. It first started banging around in my head after a flight delay in San Francisco allowed extra time to pop into the San Francisco MOMA. I fell in love with the Ellsworth Kelly exhibit… I’m not sure how long I lingered there. The colors and shapes were mesmerizing and I especially loved the pieces that featured organic and linear shapes alike. As I left the museum I remember typing into my iPhone notes, “new collection: shape of things.” That was 2016. Fast forward to 2023, the collection was still in the back of my mind, but I wasn’t sure where to take it. Then in the same week, I visited Joshua Tree and rediscovered Dadaist sculptor, Jean Arp. The rounded smoothness of the boulders at Joshua Tree and the organic unusual shapes of Arp’s early works both felt like they could be expressed in jewelry form. In order for the pieces to be successful they needed to feel like a sculpture where they could be observed from a 360 degree perspective and feel special.
- How does this collection differ from previous ones?
I kept the palette clean (featuring mostly gold and white diamonds, with a few two-tone moments) and let the sculptural shapes do most of the talking.
- What was your favorite part about designing this collection?
I think the process was really fun and there was an ease to it—nothing felt forced. I worked closely with Jennifer, our VP of production, and that felt so collaborative. Creating the sculpted link chain actually was one of the trickier designs to get right and we kept going until we had a completely unique link which is exciting!
- Can you share more on the materials & techniques used in this collection?
I hand drew almost everything in the collection. All of the unique sculptural and amoeba shapes needed to be considered from a 3D perspective.
- What was your favorite piece to design and why?
In Orbit is a special design. I just love that it looks like a little spaceship when you view it from the side and the big chunky tiers of gold remind me of the planets orbiting the sun.
- Which Shape of Things piece are you most excited to add to your jewelry box?
The large Kelly statement ring. It’s BIG and it reminds me of the Bob Hope house by John Lautner. The book, John Lautner, Architect, changed my life and the way I contemplate space and design. The way that the disc of white gold plays with the yellow gold surround is also a nod to Ellsworth Kelly, another favorite artist of mine.
- What do you hope others feel or experience when wearing this collection?
I hope they’re excited! I think this might be my favorite collection to date. It was the hardest edit I’ve ever done. Many of the prototypes didn’t make it to the final cut. Organic shapes in jewelry have existed for eons, but I hope they see the special sculptural elements and little details that make this collection feel extra special. I also have had fun styling it with my existing Marrow pieces and the collection flows seamlessly together with them.
Styling rapid fire (which piece you would wear to each of the below):
Special event (wedding or party): Large white diamond sculptural free form earrings
Date night: Large Kelly statement ring
Errands: Curved free form gold ring + curved pavé ring
Office:white diamond abstract bezel necklace (I absolutely love the diamond cut chain!)
Casual outing: 8mm sculpted link gold necklace and bracelet