MARCELA ROSSL

Widely known as a "masterpiece of architecture," today we take in the astonishing Machu Picchu in Peru.

Also called "The Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu is a remarkable historical site containing structures built with uncanny precision and forethought.

Peru is also the home of featured jewelry designer Marcela Rossl.

Rossl basks in flexing her artistic muscles. "I've always loved crafts. I create ceramics, paint, draw, and I make candles," she says.

After completing courses in both jewelry design and silversmithing, Rossl initially made jewelry for herself loving to experiment with different stones and learning their properties. "I made my own jewelry, and people would take them off me saying `I want this one.'"

Mindful of jewelry's massive appeal to women's need to feel beautiful, Rossl wanted to create designs that not only served this purpose but also were elegant works of inspirational art. "This art is beauty that highlights beauty." With this mission in mind, Rossl officially established her jewelry design business in 2003.

Rossl opts to keep her designs clean and simple allowing the rich, natural beauty of semi-precious stones-- like jade, carnelian, and quartz--to take center stage. Her Natural Fortunes Necklace, for instance, is a gorgeous display of the dark, mysterious allure of black agate as it suspends from leather cords and offset by small, sterling hoops.

"This stone was highly valued as a talisman or amulet in ancient times," she explains. "It was said to quench thirst and protect against fever." Her metalworking skills are equally sublime, presenting silver in minimalist, geometric forms such as her Cycles Earrings, and the intricate, criss-cross detailing of her Universe Necklace.

Like fellow designer Shona Fidgett, Rossl's design approach is an example of simplicity's power. Rossl recognizes that natural beauty does not necessarily require elaborate enhancement.

"For me creating jewelry gives me great personal satisfaction that pushes me to constantly create new and better designs," she offers. "Each piece of jewelry represents a moment in my life. This is my passion."

For more on Rossl's designs, check out WatchMojo.com's video interview, below,with the designer.


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Photo 1 (top right): Turquoise Fortune and Happiness Necklace with Sterling Silver
Photo 2 (bottom left): Carnelian Cluster Passion Necklace on Sterling Silver Chain