<b>Jono Pandolfi '95 on Creative Roll</b>

People usually think of Jono as an accomplished ceramicist, but he currently designs and makes jewelry (he also creates bracelets and pendants) in his loft in Brooklyn. He says he crafts everything in a straightforward, simple way embracing the “plasticity” of silver, which he likens to clay but, he says “just moves a lot slower.” His designs came from a series of razor clamshell earrings, that quickly evolved into pieces made from sterling silver and fresh water pearls—now his signature style. He incorporates a “.925” icon into some of his more than 30 styles which refers to the purity of the silver. He thinks it slightly references a “nine to five” image for, in his words, his “urban, edgy” designs that don’t comply with the trend in earrings right now.

Hoping his earrings are about wearing something that’s not been seen before Jono says, “Jewelry is all about the reaction. More so than any other medium, I think. Seeing women react to it, want it, get really excited; I really get into that. It's also fun working in a medium that has a high perceived value to begin with; that's the main difference between my work in silver and my work in clay.”

Jono’s earrings, bracelets and pendants are available in boutiques in SOHO and Williamsburg in New York City, in Saratoga Springs at the Tang Museum Gift Shop at Skidmore College, and directly from him through his website Jono Pandolfi DesignsThe price range is $100 and up. Jono says there are more ideas for jewelry in the pipeline using unusual materials and ideas. As for his pottery, Crate and Barrel has asked him to develop some of his lines for their 2005 collection, but nothing is finalized yet.

Jono is understandably excited and pleased with the success his jewelry is generating. We at Millbrook wish him the best as his creative successes continue.

Coincidentally, Ali Wentworth of "Ali and Jack" is sister of Ben Wenworth '93.