As cool and eclectic as Anthony Lent’s jewelry designs are, you’d expect nothing less from a visit into his world where he calls home just outside of Philadelphia. His design studio is nestled amongst beautiful greenery, bright flowers and shady trees yet minutes away from the busy streets of Philly. Equal parts antique machinery and modern tools, mixed with technology and inspiration surrounding every nook, this is where creativity abounds and jewelry is made. The studio is an old carriage house that Anthony Lent has had for 27 years, which sits behind his home. Inside you’ll find books upon books lining the shelves, a large light-illuminating window, and a narrow twirly staircase that is definitely not one size fits all.
Upon my visit, I got to see first-hand how his iconic celestial faces, human faces, mythical creatures and sculptural figures are created. With collections like Victory–which depict winged faces and hearts, and Fearless–which feature skulls, snakes and spiders, his work is transcendent and boundless. One of the very first pieces I fell in love with years ago were his rings which feature hands grasping a central gemstone. Other designs feature body parts like lips, eyes, as well as hands and help define a collection of jewelry known to beguile its admirers. Anthony began his career as a trained goldsmith in Germany and has created all kinds of interesting things–like jewelry parts, mechanisms, automata, and the most beautiful music boxes you’ve ever seen! He has worked for a few prestigious jewelry houses, as well as taught at FIT in the jewelry department. It was only in 2012 when his two sons Max and David joined the company and steered him toward a goal of creating a consistent jewelry line that is accessible to stores and consumers.
What I found to be incredibly interesting during my visit was Anthony’s use of different kinds of tools and technology to create his magnificent designs. Besides processes like casting, fabrication and 3D printing, a machine called a pantograph reducing machine which actually is the same type of machine Renee Lalique used to create many of his jewelry and glass designs (which oddly enough I had the pleasure of viewing on exhibit at the Corning Museum of Glass two days before visiting Anthony). This machine allows Anthony to reduce the size of a design, like his relief sculptures he creates, to a desired size for various uses. It is also used to create identical mirror images as well as achieve an incredible level of detail–so when he takes larger sculptures and reduces the size of them, no detail is lost in the size reduction transformation.
As an antique jewelry enthusiast, I love how Anthony Lent‘s detailed designs are reminiscent to pieces of the bygone era. I’m not sure if it is because he uses many of the same tools that were used to make antique jewelry, or because everything he does is particularly handcrafted as was antique jewelry, or because he often uses Victorian and Art Nouveau motifs, but whatever it may be I like it and I notice it. Antique jewelry collectors are embracing and celebrating his work, often becoming die-hard collectors themselves. Mixing Anthony Lent pieces with antique jewelry makes for some great stylistic combinations. You can even find his designs sold side-by-side with antique jewelry, like for example at Bijoux in Lutherville, MD who exclusively sells antique and estate jewelry, along with Anthony Lent Jewelry. Makes for a winning combination.
I had such a fun visit with Anthony Lent Jewelry and getting to see his personal studio and try on some of his amazing pieces. Special thanks to Anthony and David for taking the time!!
In Your Dreams Jewelry July 24, 2015 at 5:07 pm:
I love the sun/moon face. Anthony has a very interesting style! I'm fascinated by the idea of 3d printing in jewelry–wonder where it's going to be in 10 years, and how it's going to change things!
{kyle}
In Your Dreams Jewelry
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