Spring has arrived in Sydney and we are keen to shed some layers of clothes as the sun is popping out. Ladies, it is time to flaunt some new accessories on your bare skin, and Smug Designs’ new botanical range of bangles and earrings has cropped up just in time. Made from etched stainless steel which is hand finished and formed in their workshop, the pretty botanica-cuff piece from the range is available in a choice of three botanical patterns.

The inspiration for the shape of the botanica cuff came from a traditional rectangular cuff with all straight lines removed to make the cuff more organic and graceful looking. The three different patterns were inspired by floral designs and motifs from the Art Deco period. The cuff is designed to complement the drop earrings which are also part of the recently released botanical range.

“We’re known for our origami-like forming of silver and gold via hammering and folding. We are now doing this with stainless steel to produce a style of jewellery that is identifiable as ours and very different to the companies simply using a flat sheet of stainless steel. Of course we are using industrial processes to etch the metal, but we bend and hand finish each piece” said Rik Juod of Smug Designs.

Stainless steel is dubbed ‘new silver’ and will not tarnish like sterling silver and is long lasting without having to clean it. Living the busy lives we do, we love the the low-maintenance factor but also how it is hypo-allergenic which means it is ideal if you have a sensitivity to sterling silver or gold jewellery.

Smug Designs is a collaboration of designers Rik Juod and Marcelo Zavala-Baeza. Their unique hand-made jewellery for men and women include rings, earrings, bangles, necklaces, pendants, cuffs and more.

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