With a background in dressmaking, art history and ancient civilizations, artist Chris Davies applies a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding of both the human form, and the historic relevance of adornment, to his prolific collection of work. His jewelry contains kinetic elements that allow the body to become a part of the piece, and he plays with light and color to create a sense of fluidity throughout each of his collections.

The stories Chris tells through his jewelry are both abstract and literal. His latest Scheherazade collection pays homage to the witty narrator of 1001 Arabian Nights, who saved her own life and won the emperor’s heart through her wise and elaborate storytelling. In Scheherazade, Chris’ signature “woven granulation” encases rock crystals in nets of gold and gemstone granules in architectural patterns that reflect the filigree Scheherazade gazed through as she told her tales. The resulting pieces elegantly drape on the wearer’s body, catching and refracting light with her movements, and creating layers of depth and dimension.

Usonian is named for and inspired by the design style of Frank Lloyd Wright, who challenged outdated conventions in favor of an approach that was more harmonious with nature. Usonian reverses the expected relationship of gemstone and metal by setting gold into stone, instead of the reverse. Utilizing clean, bespoke lapidary work with a mother of pearl backing, the collection evokes a sense of seamless modernity, with undulating lines of graceful articulation. As with his “woven granulation” technique, the processes involved in creating each individual piece of Usonian are painstaking. It may take several months to match and cut stones for a necklace, and a month to perfectly match the grain and reflectivity of the mother-of-pearl backing.

Chris infuses all of his work with an adroit sense of the subtleties of color and texture. He is ever mindful of the essential role that light, flexibility and color play in his creations, and he is meticulous in his consideration of the materials with which he works, never compromising his quest for perfection in his pursuit of beauty and impeccable design.