MHJ STUDIO 2018
THE CONCEPT My work is all about the materials. What I love is to find rare and unusual materials, shapes and colors and then fashion these elements into designs that are wearable. I draw inspiration from my environment and also from the uniqueness and beauty of each material. My desire is to create jewelry that has value because it is made of elements that are visually rich, the composition unique and the workmanship skilled. Also, to create personal ornament that IS personal and not mass produced. I have created six major collections and every year I add new pieces to each. • • •
I Just Could Not Resist Collection – Creations made from rare and unusual materials. Gemstone Collection – Brilliant and unique gemstones Reflective Collection – Fine crystals and glass
• • •
Pearl Collection – Luminous fresh water pearls and Mother of Pearl creations Hearts Collection – Beautiful heart pieces in various materials for the loves in your life Island Dream Collection – Tropical island inspired pieces with sub groups of Tribal Tones, Botanicals, Sea Bubbles, Jewels from the Sea, and Flowers.
What is new for 2017 is displayed on the following pages. I hope you love the pieces as much as I loved making them.
A MESSAGE FROM MARY
I moved from Miami, Florida in September 2016 to Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. I now live in the amazing sustainable community of Serenbe. My new environment is providing fresh inspiration for pieces in the 2017 collection. Living in this area, surrounded by forest and an awesome organic farm, provides me with daily nourishment and inspiration from nature. This year I am adding a new collection, the Serenbe Organic Collection, that will replace the previous Island Dream Collection inspired by the tropical environment of my previous home of Miami, Florida. With new visual and cultural inspiration to inspire my future work, stay tuned for pieces with a botanical and woodland reference. I have also been developing my skills for fashion and jewelry photography to create this catalogue. Numerous photo shoots and days of editing and composition have gone into the production. This has been no small task but such a joy to see it all come together. I hope you enjoy. I am very grateful to the stunning model Kathryn Lawrence who has shared her inner and outer beauty on the pages of this catalogue to become the face of the MHJ style.
MHJ I COULD NOT RESIST COLLECTION – MICA GROUP I am often asked where I find my great materials. I research, research, research. From the internet to gem shows in various locations including Tucson in February. The show in Tucson is a jewelry designers dream, except for maybe a trip to Nepal or Jodhpur. In Tucson, more than 24 venues all over the city are focused on the pipeline of materials. From rough stone straight out of the mines to finished exquisitely cut gemstones. In addition, vendors of pearls, beads, findings, fossils, and ethnic crafts from all over the world come to Tucson for two weeks. I seem to never have enough time to take in all the shows. Just too many venues and too many temptations. When I am attending the Tucson shows, I am looking for materials that are unique in cut, color, texture, or style to bring to you. And, I am very picky about the quality of what I bring back. Also, on every trip I find materials that do not naturally fall into my other five collections, but are fabulous and inspiring. So, I have created a new category this year of pieces that I designed from materials that I just could not resist. One of these materials is the mineral mica. Last year I obtained a collection of mica elements in various shapes and colors from a mine in North Carolina. (pictured left). The 2017 Collection features exotic new pieces created from this rich and visually ever changing mineral.
What is MICA you ask?
Mica is a silicate mineral. My collection incorporates mica from mines in North Carolina. The mica from this area has been mined, used for ornamentation and other purposes, and traded by American Indians for over 2000 years. One early explorer of this area was Hernando Desoto who is reputed to have come through the area around 1540 looking for gold and silver. Some of the gold and silver he sought turned out to be mica. Mica again led prospectors to this area after the Civil War, and many fortunes were made from this peculiar mineral in the last 150 years. Mica is used in a variety of modern products including cosmetics, toothpaste, paint, drywall compound, electrical components and as insulation on the space shuttle. Mica is a naturally occurring mineral created from a collection of silicate minerals and composed of varying amounts of potassium, iron, aluminum, magnesium and water. It is found with a thin-sheet like or plate-like structure with various compositions and physical properties. Mica forms flat six-sided monoclinic crystals along with an extraordinary split in the direction of larger surfaces. This allows the mineral to be easily cleaved into optically flat films. I am a huge fan of the Outlander series on Starz and Terry Dresbach’s costume designs. Claire’s wedding dress incorporated mica into the underskirt. Mica has been used historically in elegant clothing to reflect candlelight. Check out her blog to see how her team pealed the mica flakes from rock for the wedding dress. www.terrydresbach.com/the-materials/
20” Exotic and delicate. Organic shapes of mica with black manganese and orange iron oxide streaks are suspended from a delicate oxidized silver chain. These flakes were pealed from Mica rock and retain their natural shape. Mica flashes gold when exposed to direct light. Definitely an entrance statement.
Shape A - $250.
Shape D
Shape G
Shape E
Shape B - $150.00
Shape D - $150
Shape E - $150
Shape F - $150
Shape G - $150
Shape H - $150
19.5� Mica and Crystal - $325.00
19.5� Double strand of post industrial recycled mica and silver wire wrapped crystal briolette. $325.00
19� Single strand of mica and silver wire wrapped crystal briolette suspended from textured sterling silver chain. $150.00
19� Single strand of post industrial recycled mica disc and silver wire wrapped crystal briolette are suspended from textured sterling silver chain. $150.00
20� Post Industrial recycled die cut mica elements combined with crystal briolette and bronze baroque fresh water pearls comprise this very textural glimmering piece. $160.00
19� Post industrial recycled die cut mica elements attached to oxidized sterling silver chain $80.00
– I COULD NOT RESIST COLLECTION – OXIDIZED
MHJ
Oxidized brass cast Goddess face with gold cable collar. 20% discount if you can identify the Goddess. $125.00
31.5� gold filled chain with extender supports oxidized metal Egyptian scarab medallion. $150.00
Oxidized metal butterfly design suspended from bronze metallic adjustable leather halter with gold wire wrapped detail at knot $125.00
– I COULD NOT RESIST COLLECTION – BELLS
MHJ
18” Bright bronze toned metal organic bells attached with hand knotted bronze metallic leather cord and organic bronze clasp. $225.00
18.5� Bright bronze toned metal organic cone shaped bells attached with hand knotted bronze metallic leather cord and organic bronze clasp. $225.00
MHJ TASSEL COLLECTION
37.5” of White Jade orbs, silver toned hand beaded ball from Nepal, coordinating silk tassel and sterling silver toggle clasp and charm comprise this beautiful, elegant long tassel necklace. $200.00
37.5� of luminous White Jade orbs are strung with tiny matte silver spacer beads. Greige silk tassel and gorgeous handstitched matching beaded ball from Nepal , Sterling silver toggle clasp and charm complete the composition. $200.00
36� of Moonstone orbs, 24K gold over copper embossed Tibetan focal bead, luxurious coordinating blond silk tassel is accented with matte gold findings and toggle clasp. $250.00
30� of Moonstone orbs, hand blown Venetian glass olive green and bronze focal element and luxurious black silk tassel are rich elements in this necklace. The Moonstone is accented with olive green Venetian glass cubes adjacent to the matte gold toggle clasp to provide interest in the back. $350.00
37� Tiny silver spacer beads set off color graduated Moonstone orbs. This piece features a graphite hand beaded focal element from Nepal and luxurious black silk tassel. Sterling silver toggle clasp completes the composition. $350.00
37.5� Featured in this piece are a dramatic Ashanti antique brass African medallion and long bronze silk tassel. Antique brass cubes are sprinkled among hand made glass cube beads to support the medallion and luxurious tassel. A matte gold toggle clasp with extender completes the composition. $350.00
36� - A dramatic Ashanti antique brass African medallion and long black silk tassel are the features of this piece. Hand made clear glass cube beads with faceted Smokey topaz spacer beads support the medallion and luxurious tassel. A gold toggle clasp completes the composition. The dramatic length looks amazing with long dresses or tunic tops. $350.00
35.5� of stunning olive Crab Fire Agate faceted oval beads are combined with a hand blown Venetian glass focal bead and olive green silk tassel. Each Fire Agate bead is end capped with 22 k matte gold bead and connected with gold filled hand made wire loops. 23.5� drop to bottom of tassel. $375.00
Gorgeous 4� gold chain tassel earrings with matte gold bails and stud posts. $150.00
L-1 Black deer skin leather strapping supports handmade black horse hair tassel and wire wrapped quartz point. This piece can be worn in many different ways. $125.00
L-2 66� - Black deer skin leather strapping supports handmade double tiered white and midnight brown horse hair tassel and wire wrapped quartz point. This piece can be worn in many different ways. $125.00
L-3
L-4
L-3 82” Dark brown deer skin leather strapping supports handmade 3.5” sorrel horse hair tassel and wire wrapped quartz point. $125.00
L-4 75” Dark brown deer skin leather strapping supports handmade midnight 4.5” brown horse hair tassel and wire wrapped quartz point. $125.00
L - 3 Â
L - 5 Â
These versatile pieces can be worn in many different ways. L-5 Black deer skin leather strapping supports handmade black deer skin leather tassel and wire wrapped quartz point. $150.00
Metallic gold thread wraps natural flax to create these charming tassel earrings.
Brilliant blue silk thread wraps rich purple silk to create these stunning tassel earrings. Oxidized sterling silver ball posts.
Rich black silk thread wraps shimmering white silk to create these high contrast tassel earrings. Oxidized sterling silver wire hoops complete the pieces.
$25.00
$50.00
$50.00
MHJ ACAI SEED TASSEL NECKLACES AND BRACELETS
The value of the Acai seed tassel necklaces and bracelets is derived not only from the untold hours devoted to selecting the beads and assembling these pieces but to the beads themselves. Acai seed beads come from the Acai palm primarily located in the Amazon Rainforest. The fruit juice and seeds from this palm have been linked to health, youth and beauty for centuries. The fruit and subsequent seeds, is a renewable resource and provides a sustainable livelihood for subsistence harvesters without damaging the Rainforest. The beads are dried, drilled and dyed in South America and then shipped to suppliers. A purchase of one of these necklaces is providing income for impoverished areas.
 I obtain the beads in a large multicolored batch and then spend hours sorting through the colors to find enough beads to make a tassel necklace in my style. Because this is a natural material, dyes take to the seeds in various tones and hues. After the initial sorting, I then ombre (color graduate) the tones and hues to create the necklaces and bracelets. As in nature, I have used green (tiny jade beads) as spacers for all of these pieces to offset the colors. When making the necklaces, I feel like I am actually “painting� with beads to create a pleasing tonality to each piece. In addition, the bracelets are sized to be worn either as a bracelet or layered as a necklace with a corresponding tassel piece. The richness of the colors are perfect to accent an all white or all black garment or add texture to a colorful fashion statement like the beautiful Camilla dresses below.
37� This necklace incorporates graduated color tones of apple green, teal, turquoise and river blue. Silk sea mist tassel and large turquoise orb are focal elements. $150.00
28� Blue tones wrap bracelet or necklace with silver toggle clasp. $100.00
38� This necklace incorporates graduated color tones of tulip red and berry shades. The back is finished with complimentary apple green tones. Plum like resin focal bead and passion red silk coordinating tassel complete this necklace. Perfect for the holidays. $150.00
23� Red and berry tones wrap bracelet or necklace with silver clasp. $95.00
22� This necklace incorporates graduated color tones of apple green and azalea pink. Luscious pink silk coordinating tassel completes this necklace. Think Lilly P and Palm Beach. $150.00
38� This necklace incorporates graduated color tones from pumpkin orange, through burnt harvest oranges and ends in citron gold. Silk peachy orange tassel coordinates with the tones of the acai seeds. $150.00
30.5� –Orange tone wrap bracelet or necklace with silver hook and eye clasp. $100.00
36� - This necklace incorporates graduated color tones from pale coral, through salmon and peach red shades, and ends in complimentary apple green. Yummy melon pink silk coordinating tassel completes this necklace. $150.00
21.5� Salmon tone wrap bracelet or necklace with silver hook and eye clasp. $100.00
MHJ GEMSTONE COLLECTION - LABRADORITE
LE- 1 4” - Large Labradorite tear drop earrings with gold bezel suspended from textured matte gold stud posts. $350.00
LE – 2 $200.00
LE – 3 $75.00
LE – 4 $125.00
LE – 5 $75.00
LAB – 1 - 16 ½” $175.00
LAB – 2 - 18” $200.00
LAB – 3 - 18” $175.00
LAB – 4 - 33” $200.00
LAB – 5 - 19” $75.00
LAB – 6 - 25” $175.00
LAB – 7 $350.00
– GEMSTONE PINK AGATE
MHJ
19” PINK AGATE - 1 $375.00
20” PINK AGATE - 2 $375.00
MHJ GEMSTONE ROSE QUARTZ
16” Three strands of rose quartz nuggets. These stones remind me of cherry blossoms in the spring. $400.00
MHJ GEMSTONE QUARTZ POINTS
16” Warrior princess necklace. Quartz points assembled with hand knotted natural leather. Natural leather halter with silver end caps suspends the composition. $125.00
MHJ GEMSTONE SOLAR QUARTZ
20” SQ – 1 $125.00
20” SQ – 2 $100.00
18” SQ – 3 $90.00
MHJ GEMSTONE HEMATITE AND CZ PAVE
20” P – 1 $190.00
19” P – 2 $190.00
18.75” P – 3 $175.00
MHJ GEMSTONE RED CORAL
19” Red coral pendant with silver snake chain. $175.00
MHJ GEMSTONE PINK OPAL
24.5” Pink opal pendant suspended by fine sterling silver snake chain. $200.00
MHJ PEARL COLLECTION
70.5 “ of 47 AAA quality fresh water taupe coin pearls on hand knotted dark brown leather cord. $470.00
70.5 “ of 47 AAA quality fresh water taupe coin pearls on hand knotted dark brown leather cord. $470.00
82� of 37 AAA quality fresh water white coin pearls on hand knotted dark brown leather cord. $370.00
70� of 46 gold fresh water coin pearls on hand knotted black leather cord. $ 460.00
87.5� of 45 gold fresh water coin pearls on hand knotted black leather cord. $ 360.00
78.5� of 40 grey fresh water coin pearls on dark brown hand knotted leather cord. $350.00
79� of 31 AAA quality fresh water coin pearls on natural hand knotted leather cord. $310.00
18.25� of 35 fresh water baroque pearls hand knotted with natural leather cord. $140.00
27� of 39 fresh water white pearls hand knotted with dark brown leather cord. $250.00
19� of 31 AAA quality fresh water white coin pearls hand knotted with red silk cord. Sterling silver toggle clasp. $310.00
21� of AAA quality button pearls hand knotted with white silk cord. $432.00
21� Necklace with 7 Mother of Pearl ovals attached to silver chain. $80.00
Two bracelets – Organic and variegated Mother of Pearl disc attached to silver chain. $40.00 each
MHJ REFLECTIVE COLLECTION
17.5� Crystal briolette, bronze fresh water baroque pearls and Pyrite gemstones are elements in this sparkling and elegant piece. $150.00
18.5� Three strands of handmade glass cube beads from Africa, silver Hill Tribe spacer beads and bronze fresh water pearls comprise this elegant necklace. $300.00
OG – 1
OG – 1 49” of gold filled tubes that separate and accent the small teardrop opalite glass beads. These chameleon beads change color depending upon the background of the garment. This piece can be worn in several ways but I love it best worn diagonally across the body. $250.00
OG - 2 24� Three strands of tiny smooth teardrop opalite beads that flash blue, violet and gold are the essence of this creation. These beads have a wonderful feature. They change color depending on the garment you are wearing. This composition is accented with two hand blown Venetian glass 24 k gold foil puffy disc beads suspended with matte gold Rollo chain support. $250.00.
MHJ SERENBE ORGANIC COLLECTION
20� I call this my Serenbe Farmer’s Market necklace. Made of beautiful and lustrous red runner beans The double strands are supported with a black leather halter capped with sterling silver and fastened with silver hooks and connectors. $125.00
70 .5� of Ostrich egg shell beads strung on natural leather cord. $350.00
MHJ HEARTS COLLECTION
For the loves in your life. A perfect gift for Valentine’s day, Mother’s Day, Baby Birth, or any other heart felt occasion to celebrate. Hand blown Venetian glass hearts on soft silver or gold cable or gold filed chain. No two are alike and each is a little work of art. 16” and 18” L available. $125.00
H-1
H-2
H-3
H-4
H-5
H-6
H-7
19� Seven faceted crystal hearts attached to sterling silver textured chain. $80.00
MHJ BRACELET Collection My collection of bracelets was inspired by a casual life style, horses grazing in the meadows, tones of stables and forest, and the changing seasons. The clasp castings are designed and manufactured in Spain. I curated the actual clasp I use in my collection to represent elegant functional timeless design for both men and women. Several of the clasp have magnetic closures which make it easy to wear and provide sleek detail to the bracelet. I also select the leathers that are used in the design statement of each bracelet style. The leathers typically come from Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Elegant neutral tones are always available in each clasp. But in addition, I have created a Limited-Edition collection of seasonal colors. Each color is available only for a specific period. A person can build their own collection to have a full year of color pops on their wrist to match the season. The current Limited-Edition collection for fall 2017 is burnt orange and is available through Thanksgiving. Holiday Crimson Red will be available the day after Thanksgiving through December 31. The bracelets come in small, medium, and large sizes. If provided with a wrist measurement, I can make a bracelet to perfectly fit an individual.
MHJ
LIMITED-EDITION BURNT ORANGE COLLECTION – Available until November 25, 2017
SCULPTURED HALF CUFF BRACELET – Limited edition orange Greek Regaliz oval Licorice leather $130.00
MHJ BRACELETS HORSEHEAD BRACELET - Two versions. Version 1 - Double round leather cord. Leather colors: Black, distressed bridle brown, graphite, natural, or limited edition orange. Version 2 - One piece Greek Regaliz oval Licorice leather. Leather colors: Distressed bridle brown or black. $130.00
WRAP BRACELETS – Three versions Version 1 – 37” of rich dark brown distressed leather with silver hook clasp. $130.00 Version 2 – 23 ½” of dark green braided leather with silver hook clasp. $120.00 Version 3 – 32” of dark chocolate brown braided leather with silver hook clasp. $130.00
BAR BRACELET - Elegant contemporary bracelet with magnetic clasp. Two versions. Version 1 – Bar in gunmetal finish. Leather colors: Black or metallic graphite Version 2 – Bar in polished silver. Leather colors: Distressed dark brown, black, metallic graphite, gray or orange. $120.00
HOOK AND LOOP BRACELET Gunmetal loop and hook finish. Leather colors: Distressed dark brown, black or metallic graphite double cord leather.
$90.00
HALF CUFF BRACELET – Leather cord with hook clasp. Two versions Version 1 – Gunmetal half cuff finish. Leather colors: Black or metallic graphite Version 2 – Antique silver half cuff finish. Leather colors: Distressed dark brown, black, gray, metallic graphite, natural or limited edition orange. $120.00
SCULPTURED HALF CUFF BRACELET – Elegant sculptured antique silver magnetic clasp with Greek Regaliz oval licorice leather. Leather colors: B-1 Black, B-2 Distressed dark brown, B-3 Tan, and B-4 Natural. Sizes: Small 6 ½”, medium 7-7 ½”, large 8 ½” $130.00
MHJ
LIMITED-EDITION CRIMSON RED COLLECTION – Available Nov. 25 – Dec. 31, 2017
STUDIO
MHJ
MHJ brand contains collections of one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. Creating one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, that are uniquely individual, has become a passion. I am constantly inspired by the materials I find to create a piece of jewelry that is distinct. Some of the visuals I use include the juxtaposition of precious and common elements, high contrasting materials, oxidized silver or matte gold, shapes other than spheres, long strokes of one color, wrapping with metal wire, leather halters, and the closing of the necklace. In addition to being fascinated by materials, I am a colorist. Combining just the right tone of colors and textures is an obsession. What I love is to find rare and unusual materials, shapes and colors and then fashion these elements into designs that are wearable. I draw inspiration not only from my environment but also from the uniqueness and beauty of each material. My desire is to create jewelry that has value because it is made of elements that are visually rich, the composition unique and the workmanship skilled. Also, to create personal ornament that IS personal and not mass produced. For pricing, orders and purchases please contact: Mary Holman Johnson johnsonmaryholman@gmail.com 703-963-3588 Facebook: MHJ-Jewelry Web Site: http://mhjjewelry.zenfolio.com/ Password is MHJ (all caps)