DiSpagna Designs:
By: Mut Asheru and Matthew DiSpagna (mostly Matthew)
Occasionally I come across wrapped stone jewelry that looks like someone’s child took a bunch of wire and got busy. But that’s not the case with Matthew DiSpagna’s beautiful one of a kind pieces. They are delicately artful, fun and sophisticated. They are indeed one of a kind. If you see a piece you like, purchase it because when it’s gone it’s gone and cannot be reproduced. We’ve asked him to share with us some pieces from his most current collection. Take it away Matthew!
First up, my second brooch ever, The Ether Drift Theory(EDT). EDT contains one Aquamarine and one Tsavorite Garnet wrapped in Sterling and Fine Silvers. This brooch measures 1.5" x 1" and took about 30 hours to complete. It's name comes from an old Aeon Flux episode of the same name, in which in the end, Aoen remains suspended eternally in an inanimate state, much like the stones in this broooch. EDT is currently for sale for $325.
Next up is Izar. Izar is a piece that was almost never created. Half way through this piece I almost scrapped the whole piece and I'm glad I didn't. Izar contains Orange Tourmaline, Purple Scapolite and Tri-Color Tourmaline wrapped in Sterling and Fine Silvers. Izar took approximately 27 hours to create, there is so much metal work that is unseen that makes up the structure of this piece.
Izar measures 1.2" x .8", it is very small and much tedious work went into this wrap. Izar is currently for sale for $350.
Lastly for the wraps, my most recent piece, Modesta. Modesta is by far my most favorite wrap to date. In this wrap is Aquamarine, Ethiopian Opal, Imperial Topaz, Rubellite and Tsavorite Garnet wrapped in Fine Silver, Sterling Silver, 14KT Red Gold and 14KT Yellow Gold. This is my first time working with Red Gold, it adds a nice feel to the work. Modesta measures 1.75" x 1" and is for sale for $475. This wrap is such an amazing piece of work in my opinion.
Now, onto the rings. A few months ago I released The Disepshun Collection. The Disepshun Collection is all my work that is made using tradition jewelry design techniques. Casting, metal forming, stone setting and soldering to name a few. The two rings I am presenting to you are sold, as they were custom projects.
First one up, A Mother's Ring(MR). MR was a custom ring made for my mother for Mother's Day. The materials used are Sterling Silver, one oval cut Peridot, my mother's birthstone, and 3 round cut Tanzanites, I am one of three boys, so each Tanzanite represents my brothers and me. Interesting side note, I did not size my mother for this ring, I just went for it and hoped.
Come Mother's Day I came to find out that the size was dead on! The project was very special for this, very very special. A ring of this style would cost around $300-$400.
Last but not least, Nia's Ring(NR). NR was also a custom project, it was my first time working with White Gold and my first time working with GIA Certified White Diamonds. This custom was fun, I had a very open line of communication with the buyer, who bought the ring for his girlfriend, who is a long time fan of my work.
The ring is in the shape of an "N" and to further personalize the ring, we used White Diamonds and Blue Sapphires because Nia is Greek. But wait, there's more, in addition to all this, we tired to fit the boyfriend's birthstone, a ruby, into the mix. Unfortunately, the red would totally mess up the Greek color scheme, so, instead of throwing that idea out, I went ahead and set the Ruby on the inside of the band, the Ruby is always in contact with Nia and she, if she chooses to keep it this way, is the only one who knows it's there. A small, yet very personal touch to this ring that makes it so special. The cost of this ring is around $2,500.
All my work is available at www.dispagnadesigns.com. Custom work is by far my favorite. Each piece is designed and executed with the buyer in mind. I keep close lines of communication open with all my clients; even when the project is long over. As far as inspiration, music is by far my strongest inspirations, its what drives me. All different kinds of music, as with my older brother Nicholas' album on Reverb Nation. I usually stream his music while I work. Other musical inspirations would have to be bands like The Indobox and Sound Tribe Sector 9. But another big inspiration is knowing that nothing is impossible, knowing that I can do whatever I want and I can push myself as far as I want keeps my sails filled with light and positivity.
