“Rough finishes and recycled metals.” That puts into plain perspective what Leah Sakellarides‘ jewelry collection is all about. Inspired by feminine strength, Leah strives to create a jewelry collection that projects her interests in science, space, and strong female role models (think Amelia Earheart and Joan of Arc). Her jewelry pieces are named after scientific references, i.e. “Helix”, “Vector”, “Kinectic” and definitely exude both the imperfections of natural metals and the careful attention to detail Leah puts into handcrafting each piece herself in her Los Angeles studio. A self taught metalsmith, Leah showcases the natural properties of her materials using oxidation to melting and hammering of metals. It’s the imperfections that make her designs interesting.

Take TYCHO (Tycho being the name of a prominent impact crater on the moon) as seen below, a set of 7 stacked rings made of recycled silver and 14K gold fill. The oxidation and rough hammered finish give a texture and edginess to simple stacked rings.

Or how about QUADRATIC and VECTOR, thinly hammered, hand shaped earrings that are one continuous piece and don’t have an earwire or backing. The handcrafted metal gives the earrings an imperfect and organic shape. They are so unique and beautiful in their simplicity.

In addition to Leah’s handmade jewelry collection she also runs an amazing blog. Dubbed VELOKOVA, it explores topics ranging from science and photography, as well as a Velokova girls category that features different female figures from history and current events that exude power and strength and are well worth looking up to.