M E E T T H E M A K E R
I'm a jewelry designer and metalsmith creating wearable works of art with modern simplicity. I consciously disregard the traditional, yet originality and quality craftsmanship are important to me.
Inspired by the irregular yet perfect shapes in nature, I create handmade jewelry in my sun-drenched studio. Designs in metal are hand-fabricated before adding bits of color from carefully selected gemstones. Each piece is finished with an intended patina that will only grow more beautiful with wear over time.
Every piece is handcrafted by me. I often use raw materials so no two are exactly alike. Most designs are one-of-a-kind or created in limited edition.
I attended a technical jewelry design school in Florence, Italy and also studied with an internationally-published master jeweler in Pennabilli, Italy. My education continues at every chance. I love this life. I love what I do. I hope you find something you just adore. Welcome. I'm glad you're here.
Visit in person at the waterfront boutique,
ZoZo's at Caneel Bay
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
This site is a sampling of creations.
To view additional and in-stock items,
please visit Instagram & Facebook.
© 2010-2021, Karen Calandra Jewelry
F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
I LOST AN EARRING. CAN I ORDER A REPLACEMENT?
Due to the ever-changing nature of the collection, single replacement earrings are not offered, however, another pair can usually be recreated if similar gemstones and raw materials are available.
THE PIECE I WAS HOPING TO BUY ALREADY SOLD OUT. WILL YOU BE OFFERING MORE?
While it's possible more will be created, the collection is an evolving work and all pieces are handmade. Color choices and a similar design series may reoccur, yet the only way to ensure getting the creation you like best is to buy the item when it's listed.
WHAT DOES PERSONALIZED & HAND STAMPED MEAN?
It means your piece is one-of-a-kind and has been crafted by hand, which is not to be mistaken with being engraved. Part of the organic character of hand stamping is that it's not perfectly spaced with a machine as in mass production, yet rather stamped by hand one letter at a time. No two are ever exactly alike.
WHAT IS THE MATERIAL AND HOW DO I BEST CARE FOR IT?
Sterling Silver
For some folks, sterling silver never oxidizes on their skin. It's a body chemistry thing. If your pieces don't stay super shiny, then a polishing cloth works well with just a little rubbing. If it doesn't have any pearls or other soft gemstones, one can use a chemical dip such as Connoisseurs Silver Jewelry Cleaner. Don' t dig chemicals at all? Use toothpaste with baking soda. Simply coat the piece with toothpaste and use an extra soft toothbrush to clean, then rinse under warm water and air dry.
Gold-Filled
How long 14k gold-filled lasts comes down to what touches it (chemicals while wearing), what stays on it for long periods of time (or gets taken off with harsh cleaning products), and how you store it. As with sterling silver, more airflow means more chance of oxidization. Put in storage when not wearing and do not use chemical jewelry cleaners or treated cloths on 14k gold filled products. Again, the recommendation is to minimize exposure to moisture and chemicals (perfumes, salt water, chlorine, bleach). Use a mild liquid dish soap and water to remove oil build up, then dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
Copper
Wright's Copper Cream paste can be rubbed on and rinsed well before drying. Don' t dig chemicals at all? Rub the copper piece with lemon, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth, or pour lemon juice in a bowl, add salt to the liquid, then dip your piece and leave 5-10 minutes.
Brass
Bar Keepers Friend liquid works quickly and very well. Don' t dig chemicals at all? Rub the brass piece with vinegar, salt and flour. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt into 1/2 cup vinegar and add flour until the mixture becomes a paste. Rub into the brass, leave for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and buff dry.
Gemstones & Storage:
Most colored gemstones can be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap (rinse well), and a soft toothbrush. All pearls can easily scratch and should never be exposed to harsh chemicals as they quickly lose their chatoyancy. Dry all jewelry pieces well before storing. The best case scenario is after wearing your jewelry wash and safely store your pieces. This process helps to remove sweat, perfume, lotion, etc. Now, about body chemistry ... the fact is that people's hormones are different and a variety of things may come out of their pores (hellooooo too much alcohol), so that fact makes it difficult to nail down exactly why your piece is oxidizing. Oxidation and different body chemistry for everyone is a real thing. It can cause sterling silver, copper and gold-fill to tarnish more quickly for some. An easy fix is to not wear your Karen Calandra Jewelry in pools or hot tubs. Those things are like nasty, little chemical baths and are harsh environments for your jewelry. I also suggest no sunscreen, no perfume, no cleaning products with bleach and no nail polish remover. This will help to ensure a long life for your bling.