Basse taille neckpiece - wave - Differences Unite Us

Materials: Etched copper, enamel, sterling silver, patina.
Dimensions: 3.8 cm x 44 cm x 0.9 cm

This neck-piece has a combination of different processes and materials celebrating cultural diversity.

These gem-like components are then connected to form a cohesive structure.

It is the similarities which unite us and the differences that enrich us.

These differences are what make us unique and interesting, providing stimulation to the group dynamic.

These values are represented in this Basse Taille Neckpiece - Wave through its unique surface treatments and rich color and the unifying arrangement of each section.

Wearing this neck-piece will set you apart from the crowd, but will attract people to you by its exquisite richness and style.

Melody Armstrong
Regina, Saskatchewan. Canada

Melody Armstrong graduated from Alberta College of Art and Design with Distiction, majoring in Jewellery and Metal in 1999. Working with silver, gold, titanium, and stones, Melody’s style is best described as Industrial-Organic. Melody maintains a professional studio and is the jewellery instructor and artist in residence at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Melody Armstrong’s recent accomplishments include having two pieces selected for “Dimensions 2011” exhibition, and receiving the Merit Award; being selected for “Prairie Excellence: The Today and Tomorrow of Prairie Craft” exhibition; being published in “Art Jewelry Today 2” by Schiffer Books, “Art Jewelry Today 3” by Schiffer Books, “Anodized!” by Lark Books and “New Rings: 500+ Designs from Around the World” by Nicolas Estrada; and receiving an “Independent Artists Grant” from the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Melody’s “Build a Gear Necklace” is the cover story in the January 2012 issue of “Art Jewelry Magazine”.

“What is particularly distinctive about my jewellery is its naturalness of form, free from fashionable compromise and extravagance. My jewellery designs testify to the textural dynamic and technical volition behind my work, seemingly to have evolved from organic origins taking on an industrial influence. The ever changing interplay of colors and textures creates dynamic contrasts evoking a vividness of exquisite dimensions is rich, alluring and of the utmost elegance.”


Ganoksin hosts the jewelry list Orchid, with over 13,000 list members from all over the world, speaking from a wide range of technical and aesthetic experiences. The exhibition theme grew out of a desire to celebrate the creativity encompassed in this wide variety.

Artists were free to interpret the theme in any way they chose. Each artist could submit up to six pieces. Interpretations include uniting different materials into one cohesive form; intellectual and emotional “unitings”, where the meaning of the piece unites multiple concepts; the uniting of time - past, present and future; and a number that focus on the harmony created when uniting multiple materials and/or concepts.

The work submitted involved a wide range of jewelry techniques, from very traditional to very cutting edge, as well as using materials from traditional precious metals and gemstones to “re-purposed” and “up-cycled” materials.

The exhibition showcases 330 images chosen from entries from over 111 artists representing 26 countries.

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Serbia, Spain, Trinidad, Turkey, UK, USA, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands

Many of the participants began their interest in jewelry at a young age. Some are relative newcomers to the field, and some have over 35 years of experience as professional jewelers and goldsmiths. While some grew up in families that were goldsmiths, and followed in those footsteps, others only began creating jewelry as adults.