This necklace is made from fine and sterling silver. The internal circumference measures 43cm.
With this piece, Nicola was accepted as a finalist in the National Contemporary Jewellery Award held at Griffith Regional Art Gallery from 28 October to 18 December 2022.
Below is Nicola's artist statement for this work:
"When I was a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer. My interest in fashion and clothing later turned into a hobby, and I made clothes (mostly dresses) for myself, often preferring to create my own patterns rather than following one. I later discovered silversmithing, and instantly felt a connection with this medium, which I have pursued ever since.
In the last few years, I have created and developed my own aesthetic. My work explores the materiality of highly malleable fine silver sheet metal, which I refine through a rolling down process, pushing the metal to its limits. The result is a thin, delicate material that I can manipulate in the same way as a stiff fabric. With this process, I mimic in metal the movement and folds of fabric. In a way, I am fulfilling my childhood dreams.
The Layered Ruffled Collar Necklace was inspired by the Elizabethan ruffled collar, which demonstrated the confidence and pride of the wearer. The symbolism behind a silver interpretation of the Elizabethan collar is that it will imbue the wearer with the same confidence and pride. The use of chain brings a contemporary perspective to this concept, and makes it easily wearable."