The Wendy Brandes 'Maneater' collection consists of seven one-of-a-kind rings, each of which features a triumphant creature on top, with a tiny man tucked away inside of the band.

Purchase includes individual, signed story books per item, as well as complimentary gift wrapping. The right of first refusal will be offered upon work's completion to the collector who invests in the full collection.Įach piece in the collection was made by exceptional artisans in New York City, using the ancient lost wax casting method. The finale to this deep exploration of women's roles and attachment to jewelry will be the largest of the 8-piece collection.

The eighth and final piece is currently underway and has been in work for more than 18 months. The idea to explore the ways in which women have been perceived as more dangerous than their male counterparts has fascinated Brandes for decades, finally culminating in this high art collection. An avid historian with a particular interest in women's history led her to study Empress Wu Zeitan of China, whom was often referred to as a 'dragon lady' during her tumultuous reign. This concept of hidden qualities has long informed her jewelry career, with many pieces including mechanical elements. The artist was first inspired after collecting a bell as a young child, which had a dragon on top, with the knight inside of it - clamoring against the bell's sheath and defeated. Her popular and wry blog has for more than a decade touched on pop culture and feminist ideas, making the term 'Maneater' both more potent and, at times, laughable. Brandes's taps into her past career as a journalist as she tells intricate stories through the earth's most valuable treasures.

The collection buzzes from well-known whimsical stories such as the Whale and Jonah or the Dragon and Knight to iterations more personal to the artist, such as her ode to her beloved New York City taxi cab, who refuses to pick up a Wall Street passenger. This series of seven one-of-a-kind, sculptural artworks explores the once pejorative term 'Maneater,' with fanciful interpretations of creatures winning out over their oppressors or captors. This listing is for the complete seven-ring 'Maneater' ring collection designed by contemporary jewelry artist Wendy Brandes.

Antique pink sapphire ring