About
The Brand
Inspired by the kaleidoscope of colors and patterns found in butterflies, fish, flowers, and Caribbean art, Solomon Strands is a collection of handcrafted designs, all of which are one-of-a-kind pieces, that celebrate the uncommon beauty of gemstones while evoking a sophisticated, tropical flair - an earthy elegance.For the Jamaican designer based in Florida, her influences are apparent through her use of unusual and natural materials. Her designs are striking pieces, intended to incite conversations and complement beauty, elegance and character.
The Designer
Renée Solomon, a journalist-turned-jewelry designer, is the creative artist behind the jewelry line Solomon Strands. It is a bold, sophisticated collection of handcrafted designs that transcend seasons and trends. For the Caribbean, self-taught designer there's great satisfaction in working with her hands. To communicate a unique visual message with the potential to inform and excite others, gives a heightened sense of value to the creative process. It's not just jewelry.
Each piece Renée creates tells a story. The wearer finishes the story by selecting a piece that reflects their individual taste and personality. She designs and meticulously crafts each piece as a work of art, meant to become a mode of self-expression.
The jewelry often combines contrasting and unexpected colors and shapes punctuated with a distinctive design. Wearers share with her their satisfaction in knowing that no one else can own anything like their one of a kind. Solomon Strands' jewelry offers an alternative to mass-produced, cookie-cutter jewelry.
Working within the ethos of authenticity - using quality colored stones from around the world - she hand selects each gemstone. Always fascinated with the natural world, nature informs Renée's creations - from the intricate textures and captivating motifs of flora and fauna. Artistic inspiration also comes from her world travels and the eclectic Caribbean art that has always surrounded her.
Prior to becoming an accomplished jewelry designer and entrepreneur specializing in the creation of exceptional pieces, she spent more than a decade working as a reporter and freelance writer. She earned her master's degree in journalism from the University of Miami and received an AJP diploma from the Gemological Institute of America. Today, she combines her artistic and sound communication skills not only to translate clients' ideas into original works of wearable art for specific occasions; but also to produce and market bespoke pieces to meet the demands of clientele who understand the value of craftsmanship and special creations.
During the creative process, she thinks of some of the remarkable, mindful women she's encountered, finding elements tailored to suit their traits - and to suit her imagination. Beginning any elaborate piece is not unlike gathering information for a news story. In both fields, she's found, it's about inciting conversations.