Evil Eyes: An Ancient Charm Meets Custom Jewelry Design by Julie Glassman Enamel Jewelry

The custom jewelry “miniature paintings” designed by artisan Julie Glassman are born on two canvases: the “human canvas” where they will be worn, and the canvas of raw materials – metal, stones, and powdered glass – where she first expresses and sketches her ideas, drawn from her emotions and experiences.

The union of artist and wearer through a jewelry piece is part of the mystique of custom made jewelry.  Both the artist and the wearer are actualized by its display.  Jewelry showcases the artist and the wearer, and the artist and wearer bring life to the piece.  Custom jewelry is made by an artisan to be worn by one person and passed on to others only with the greatest care.  It needs to be worn in order to be vital, to work, so to speak.  It has an almost talismanic quality.

This nearly magical aspect of custom jewelry design comes full circle in the signature “Evil Eye” line of Julie Glassman Enamel Jewelry.  Although this ancient symbol has been used in protective charms for thousands of years in many cultures, Julie can create unique designs for bracelets, pendants, earrings, and other pieces featuring this striking motif.  So if you need some extra custom protection, admire the design, or want to make a bold statement about turning the tables on the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, here for your perusal are a few examples of Julie’s work featured in her CustomMade portfolio.

Blue Evil Eye Necklace by Julie Glassman Enamel Jewelry at CustomMade.com. The cloisonné enamel evil eye shown here is set in sterling silver, features 14K gold accents, and measures 1.75” wide and 1.25” long. A 16” or 18” sterling silver chain is included. You can custom order similar pieces with copper or brass accents and in different colors and sizes.

Julie creates her pieces using a cloisonné enameling process that dates back to the days of Byzantium.  Cloisonné is a technique for adding gems, glass, and other materials to the surface of metalwork by soldering these elements using strips of silver or gold.  The Byzantine technique utilizes very thin wires of gold and silver, which can result in pieces with an almost pictorial quality.  Julie described this process in a 2008 interview featured on the blog, “For the Love of Jewels.”

“With Byzantine enameling an enamel jewel is created by painting and firing various layers into a fine silver or gold cup with many wires.  It is then sanded down, high fired and set into a piece of jewelry.  Most enamel is just a one-time surface firing.”

Look at the results: the blue irises on this “Eye of Horus” evil eye enamel bracelet are extraordinarily life-like, with surprising depth and even radial structures.  The eyes are bezel set in sterling silver and look as if they are resting between eyelids.  The 14K gold accents resemble eyelashes.  You can custom order a similar bracelet with your choice of eye colors and sized for your wrist.

"Eye of Horus" Evil Eye Enamel Bracelet by Julie Glassman Enamel Jewelry at CustomMade.com

Although evil eye jewelry is currently trendy, Julie has been creating her line since 1993.  She has been metalworking since she was 14, has a degree in jewelry and gems from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and is a self-taught enamellist.  She is also the sole creator of all pieces from Julie Glassman Enamel Jewelry so you can be sure of the quality and integrity of her work.  You can also contact Julie and discuss your specific custom jewelry needs, so she can translate her vision and your style into any type of item you desire.

Need your ears to keep their eyes open?  These  ice blue evil eye earrings feature cloisonné enamel eyes set in sterling silver and can include copper, brass, or 14K gold accents, as well as moonstone and freshwater pearls.  Contact Julie and discuss colors and design options for your own set.

Ice Blue Evil Eye Earrings by Julie Glassman Enamel Jewelry at CustomMade.com

Never mind your heart, what if you wear your eyes on your sleeve?  These cloisonné enamel and sterling silver blue evil eye cuff links are perfect for “the optometrist, ophthalmologist, or just for good luck.”  You can discuss color and design options with the artisan.

Blue Evil Eye Cuff Links by Julie Glassman Enamel Jewelry at CustomMade.com

Looking for a gift idea?  Julie can add birthstones to a one-of-a-kind evil eye custom jewelry piece.

For a style that moves across cultures from antiquity to today, a symbol that is instantly recognized but still remains mysterious, and custom made jewelry that will be uniquely you in a crowd of trendinistas, contact Julie Glassman today and ask about her “Evil Eye” jewelry line.