Nouveau Motley Jewelry

Rachael Victoria Adams of Nouveau Motley makes an assortment of fabulous jewelry from found objects and upcycled antique wristwatch and pocket watch parts. They play into the steampunk and neo-Victorian style, but can also be worn by anyone who wishes to make a statement. Eclectic and cool, the pieces can be found at NouveauMotley.etsy.com, priced between $25-$300.

We had an opportunity to talk to Rachael and learn more about the line.

What inspires your designs?
The name Nouveau Motley is actually quite poignant in the fact that my inspiration comes from a very wide motley of sources and then adapting that inspiration into a modern or ‘Nouveau’ design. Reading a book or cleaning a closet, I will find a sentence or a fragment that will get my head spinning with ideas. I gain inspiration from anything and everything, really. Antiques, history, anthropology, fashion, art, literature, doll houses, friends, acquaintances. I’m quite obsessed with Victorian Curiosity Cabinets, taxidermy dioramas, and doll houses These three influences are quite apparent in my Kafka Clocks, which are essentially itty-bitty versions of curiosity cabinets housing insect specimens, gemstones and antique clockwork bits.

What jewelry and accessory trends do you see being popular for the summer?
Unique handmade items.

Any tips on saving money on your accessories?
Shop local and handmade. Second hand stores and smart internet shopping.

Here are few select pieces from Nouveau Motley.

Image: Nouveau Motley

This Kafka Clock was made using a modern pocket watch case to house an antique watch movement, a natural insect specimen of the species Sagra Femorata from Thailand, and cabochons of natural carnelian, citrine, and garnet. This tiny shadowbox-like work of art is meant to be worn as a pendant and measures a mere 1.5 inches in diameter.

Image: Nouveau Motley

This necklace was made using a movement from an antique pocket watch upon with I set an antiqued pair of silver plated wings.

Image: Nouveau Motley

This is a brooch that I call “Toying with Time”. It has a soldered bail so it can also be worn as a pendant. It was made using the base plate of an antique pocket watch upon which I set a brass stamping of a Victorian style monkey and the face of an antique wristwatch. I antiqued the stamping by hand using two colors of paint and then sealed in in resin for longevity.

We thank Rachael for sharing this information about the Nouveau Motley jewelry collection. Check out these pieces and the rest of the line at the Nouveau Motley Etsy shop.