Friday, December 3, 2010

CARLOS and CYNTHIA RENDON

The ancient Maya site known as Calakmul is surrounded by a dense jungle region in the Mexican state of Campeche.

It holds over one hundred obelisks that represent ancient rulers and their spouses. Mexico is also home to brother-sister design team Carlos and Cynthia Rendon.

Electricity cables, curling leaves and the passage of time each serve as inspiration for the Rendons’ crisply modern jewelry.

The geometric clean lines are reminiscent of an Eastern European aesthetic and like Finnish designer Björn Weckström their sterling silver jewelry is characterized by matte finishes.

However, even in the absence of polished luster and gemstones, the designer jewelry’s alternately smooth curves and brisk lineation is sleek, and elegant.

“We are influenced by modern trends, urban styles, contemporary fashion and everyday life,” says Carlos. “They are our creative points of reference. Nonetheless, graphic arts and above all our beloved Mexico City are the elements that inspire us to create.”

The Rendons take rather complex sources of influence creating beautiful, understated interpretations. I think it is amazing that they are able to take, for example, the spiritualism of stairs and pare it down to its essence in their Mystic Stairs Pendant Necklace.


“Historically, in many cultures throughout the Americas, stairs represent ascent or descent into spiritual realms,” says Carlos. “The patterned, rugged textures of the step designs are created to enhance the illusion of movement.”

Their sterling silver ring called Interconnections is a lovely coil design of two separate spirals that can be joined or left separate. The ring “symbolizes the connection between modern day elegance and pre-Hispanic silver designs.”

The Rendons’ sterling silver cuff bracelet, named Electrifying, is a stunning work of randomly intertwined silver wires that is inspired by electricity cables running through the stalls of Mexican street vendors.

“Through our designs my sister and I try to communicate our ideas and feelings about this piece of land where we were born and raised.

Our jewelry reflects the experiences, surprises and adventures that come from living in such a grand city.”
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Photo 1 (top right): Sterling Silver Iceberg Drop Earrings
Photo 2 (center): Sterling Silver Electrifying Cuff Bracelet

Photo 3 (bottom left): Sterling Silver Interconnections Ring Band

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