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Hello ! My name is Jacqueline.
After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in commercial illustration and MFA in theater, I spent several years as a scenic artist working both on theater sets and in window display. In my free time I taught myself to sculpt dolls, figures and small objects from polymer clay, papier mache and wire Because of my life long fashion and jewelry obsession I would frequently scour local vintage and fashion jewelry shows, antique flea markets and the like and acquired a vast collection of beads baubles costume jewelry and findings that were begging for a new purpose! Inevitably I was bound to just jump in and create my first piece of jewelry for myself. With no formal instruction I turned vintage marbles into earrings and made my first necklace from vintage plastic floral beads and leather. This is where my journey as a jewelry artist began. I took as many jewelry making workshops and classes anywhere I could find them both locally and out of state - primarily wire working , silver and metal smithing. But one day while shopping for supplies at a local craft shop I came across a book on chainmail jewelry. I knew what chainmail was but had no idea what chainmail jewelry making was all about. I was very curious about the process of creating jewelry apparel and dimensional objects with just a pile of rings and pliers. (yes, I am low tech) As I pursued learning how to make chainmail I was intrigued by the pieces that I formed while learning the basic weaves. The challenge of the more difficult ones were frustrating BUT even more addicting. After a few years of experimenting with different metals and ideas I did a little less chainmail and I began to make and sell simple jewelry pieces made from primarily stainless steel chain. However I never stopped chainmailling and was pulled right back into creating exclusively hand woven chainmail jewelry.
Each piece of jewelry I create is built entirely by hand ( mine to be precise) ring by ring in my home studio. Every ring is meticulously opened and closed as it’s woven into a specific pattern. I find this a soothing and meditative process. After all the experimentation and designing I arrived at “my style”. My pieces are contemporary/ dynamic while also being sleek and wearable. This is the heart of Concrete and Candy… utilizing traditional chainmail techniques with an edgy modern design approach that seeks to combine bold color , texture , functionality and visual contrast.
I’m inspired by bold mostly non figural geometric patterns found in the textiles and artwork of indigenous cultures as well as the paintings and sculptures by 20 th century artists such as Kandinsky, Alexander Calder and the like. I am also influenced of course by current pop culture and fashion trends and the iconic styles of the punk rock movement and heavy metal scene. What matters most to me is creating high quality unique pieces . I strive for meticulous craftsmanship - precise ring closures, attention to detail and quality materials- to produce a durable high end product.
Responsibility as a maker doesn’t end there. My creation process is also environmentally friendly. Creating entirely by hand produces a lower carbon footprint than mass production and all of the materials I use are 100% recyclable .
I use packaging made from organic materials and recycled wrapping papers. In addition the majority of charms, crystals and embellishments I use are destash or vintage stock to repurpose and reduce waste.
I use stainless steel , anodized aluminum , epdm rubber and some jewelers brass. Both stainless steel and anodized aluminum are inherently hypo allegenic , corrosion resistant and are two of the most recyclable metals. *The anodization process for aluminum does not affect it’s ability to be recycled and the anodization process in itself is a non toxic one. The majority of stainless steel can be recycled without losing its durability. The other material I use is epdm rubber. It is also recyclable and completely sustainable. Epdm rubber is mainly used for weather stripping and roofing membranes because of it’s uv and weather resistance and longevity /durability. Also epdm rubber is latex free so it is non allergic as well. You will also find epdm rubber used in the medical / pharmaceutical industries and the food service industries.
I use raw jeweler’s brass to offer a gold color option. Polished jeweler’s brass resembles karat gold and yes raw brass is highly recyclable. Please be aware though raw brass does oxidize- meaning it will darken and develop a beautiful patina with time and wear. It can turn from shiny gold to an iridescent cocoa brown which might be aesthetically pleasing to some people as it gives an industrial vintage character to the jewelry.
To retain the shiny gold appearance of brass there is a simple process to remove the patina. No chemicals needed! The periodic cleaning of raw brass with ketchup (yes- ketchup) will return brass to it’s bright shiny surface. The mild acid from the tomatoes and distilled vinegar dissolve the oxidized surface. • PLEASE NOTE- if there are crystals on the jewelry , they cannot be exposed to anything acidic. It will dull the surface permanently I would wrap any drop securely in saran wrap if they hang loosely and very carefully rub the piece with your fingers and just enough ketchup to lightly coat the piece avoiding the drop. Then rinse in tepid water.
Store your brass jewelry in the air tight bag provided when not worn I can also seal brass pieces with a clear polymeric sealant to prevent or slow down the oxidation process. * The coating is a low VOC ( volatile organic compound ) formula and complies with environmental regulations. This will be a small additional fee. Please take into consideration that raw brass or any other brass is NOT considered hypo allergenic. It is reactive to skin and depending on a person’s sensitivity it can cause a harmless green tinted mark or an allergic irritation. Sealing the jewelry can help to avoid skin reaction however allergy triggers vary person to person. Your history with jewelry you have worn in the past should give you a good idea for what you can safely wear. For rubber and aluminum pieces - periodically wipe them with a soft damp cloth and then dry with a soft cloth or use the cleaning cloth provided . For deeper cleaning in case of dirt , grime ect - use a DROP of baby shampoo or a very mild liquid soap ( no cream based or moisturizing soaps please ). Rinse well and fully dry with a soft cloth. This will also shine up the anodized aluminum rings as well . Keep pieces stored in bag when not being worn and in a cool dry place. The rubber used in my cuffs is quite stong. In fact it is used for industrial purposes because of it’s durability and resistance to cracking and drying out.. It can be stretched to put on and off repeatedly and will not break. - But avoid ALL sharp surfaces ! ANY sharp metal object or surface can nick the rubber ring which can cause it to break eventually. So please take care and do not pull it on over a jagged metal ring or any metal points. If ever you do need a rubber ring replaced , I will always replace any rings you want me too free of charge. Just pay shipping to send it to me and I will take care of return shipping Cleaning stainless steel is also a minimal process. It will never rust . Occasional cleaning with a drop of dish detergent and water will make the stainless steel sparkle. Dry with a towel or soft cloth .Treat it well also like any other piece of handmade jewelry and store it in the bag it comes with .It really doesn’t need more beyond that. • For pieces with crystals please use caution. A little soap and water is ok for crystal but take extra care and gently dry with a very soft cloth. If a piece has another stone besides a crystal ,a pearl for example I will send specific instructions on how to care for the non stainless steel part.
Simply put, chainmail ( or chainmaille) is a metal fabric like armor used to protect the body in warfare. Producing this “maille” armor is an ancient art form. It is done by weaving or interlocking metal rings by hand in a specific pattern The most recognizable type of chainmail is referred to as the European 4 in 1 pattern also called mesh. The origins of this pattern are attributed to the Northern European Celts sometime during the second century BC However this pattern became universal and was used by warriors throughout Europe, the Middle East and the Byzantine Empire between the fifth and sixteenth century. It is important to note that different cultures throughout the world developed other woven ring patterns and produced not only armor for practical applications but elaborate jewelry for adornment . Also, the people of the Mediterranean, India and North Africa created beautiful intricately woven jewelry using various wire weaving techniques as far back as the Bronze Age. The maille armor of the far East is woven more geometrical in structure and is formed from the radial connection of small and large rings. These patterns are referred to today throughout the chainmail community as the Japanese maille patterns.
We aim to provide the ideal accessory to complement and complete your personal style. Our pieces are crafted to accentuate your individuality, featuring modern designs with clean lines and a gender-friendly (unisex) look suitable for various occasions. From casual wear like faded vintage tees to formal attire like sleek office suits or elegant dresses, our versatile jewelry offers comfort and adaptability for any outfit.
Additionally, our pieces are made from stainless steel, which is recognized as an environmentally friendly material due to its endless recyclability, which minimizes the environmental footprint.
At Concrete and Candy, we are committed to sustainability by incorporating repurposed and upcycled vintage materials into our designs, further reducing waste and promoting reuse.
