Merci, Merce! - Unexpected Accessories

If you were born in the early 90's and fiended after candy like Kanye fiends after himself, then one of your favorite treats had to have been he Nestle Wonder Ball. The surprise and twinge of excitement you felt when you chomped your way to the inside of that milk chocolate-y sphere of bliss was awesome. And that toy/ sticker that was in the middle? Fuhgeddaboudit! That was the best part. Each was unique and each was meaningful to the person who worked so hard to get it.

These were the exact feelings of excitement that surged through my brain when I came across Merce Jewelry by Mercedes Gazzano Ashkenazi. Each one of her handcrafted pieces features unconventional materal combinations (like bamboo with cotton and bronze, metal with cashmere thread and waxed thread with felt).

Merce was born when Buenos Aires native and Tel Aviv resident, Mercedes decided to quit her hi-tech job and become one with her creative side. She then studied Industrial Design at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design along with art and ceramics to hone in on her craft and make truly unique pieces.

Here are some of my favorite pieces in her collection:

The Tassel Open Choker, made from bronze, cashmere and cotton - $120

The Stitched Brass Ring, made from red waxed thread and antique brass - $80

The Statement Fabric Bracelet, made from cotton fabric, brass beads and plastic chili peppers (ha cha cha!) - $65

The Black Leather Bib Necklace, made from genuine leather and bronze - $125

This is my Fringe Statement Bracelet, (and how I styled it) made from brass, cotton and bamboo. (Also available in red).

and the cute packaging it came in :)

All 58 items in her collection are available for purchase here.

**Disclaimer: Merce jewelry DOES NOT come in a milk chocolate ball. Enjoy!