Amy Pieroni Designs

Accessories – Atlanta

I was raised in the banks of the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Our house was deep in the woods surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. I spent my childhood collecting rocks, animal bones, leaves and other like objects from the woods and shoreline. The first jewelry pieces I made were bead necklaces I constructed from red clay I dug from the riverbank. I make all my jewelry by hand, in my home studio out of recycled materials, found objects, and conflict free stones. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and therefore tends to appeal more toward the collector and not the casual buyer. I build all my chains by hand using the same techniques (and often the same tools) that the ancient Etruscans and Romans used. It’s a slow process. One might say it’s a labor of love. My process- I would estimate that at least 50% of my working time is spent sourcing and cleaning materials for use. I spend a lot of time in dirty basements, dusty thrift shops and at antique auctions searching for treasures. I can’t pass a yard sale or estate sale without stopping. I am not above dumpster diving. I like to tell people why I am buying the items and what I plan on doing with it. It opens a dialogue of recycling, sustainability, and hope.