Michael Michaud



As part of the Botanics unit I looked at some of the work of Michael Michaud. I particularly liked the herb, fruit and veg collections.



 

 

The Michael Michaud Jewellery Collection, designed by Michael Michaud, is a world renowned collection of botanical jewellery. It captures the beauty and exquisite detail of nature using soft patinas on bronze accented with pearls, beads, coral and stones. His exacting attention to detail gives you true to nature, botanical jewellery.

 

This unique jewellery is made by creating moulds directly from botanical elements in a process similar to lost-wax casting. While traditional lost-wax casting begins with a hand-carved model of wax, Michael Michaud instead uses an actual leaf, branch or flower in place of the wax model. A mould is created around the botanical element and as it is heated the plant matter burns away and leaves behind a beautifully detailed mould of itself.

 

Michael Michaud Jewellery is renowned for its beauty and workmanship and is featured in the finest museums,  galleries and speciality retailers around the world. Many collections are commissioned by leading museums such as The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The National Gallery of Art and the Château de Versailles.

 

Artist Michael Michaud attended the Rochester Institute of Technology's prestigious school for American craftsmen, where he studied under designers Hans Christenson and Gary Griffin and became a master in the creation and manipulation of moulds. After graduating in 1980, Michael Michaud continued to perfect his craft while working under jewellery designers in the New York City area. In 1991, he found himself working in New York City's flower district and living in the beautiful Connecticut countryside - his love of the natural beauty that surrounded him began to blend with his passion for creating jewellery which lead to the birth of Michael Michaud Jewellery.
 

Each piece of Michael Michaud Jewellery is handcrafted  in New York, U.S.A.

Pea Pod Bracelet

Pea Pod Earrings

 

Blueberry Earrings

Raspberry Earrings

Cranberry Bracelet

 

Rosemary Earrings

 

Rosemary Spray Collar Necklace

Sage Earrings

Sage Necklace

Thyme Necklace

 

I also like the flower and tree collections ...

 

Hydrangea Cuff Bracelet

 

Hydrangea Earrings

 

Lily of the Valley Earrings

Pussy Willow Necklace

Charm Necklace

Charm Bracelet

Acorn Earrings

 

 

I found Michaud's work fascinating and there is definitely a lot of attention to detail. The items are so realistic that the viewer may think they are looking at the real thing. I would love to be able to learn more about this technique.