Lookbooks

Capsule

Becky Constantinides

Designer & metalsmith; maker of jewelry inspired by architecture; supporter of women in the arts; passionate about ethical manufacturing and sustainability

Capsule collection of handcrafted jewelry inspired by architecture. Made in San Jose, California. USA.

Annachich luxury designer jewelry on model Shemmai Torres

Capsule collection of handcrafted jewelry inspired by architecture. Made in San Jose, California. USA. Model downtown San Francisco // Annachich Jewelry behind the scenes

The Capsule Collection Story

For over 30 years, the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts occupied the corner unit on the 9th floor of Downtown’s historic Phelan Building. Run by master goldsmith Alan Revere, the Academy is known for its long, storied past of technical excellence.

In the middle of the 2012 holiday season, a New York-based landlord terminated the school’s lease without reason. An entire floor of businesses - mostly jewelers - were unceremoniously shown the door during the busiest and most economically crucial time of year.

I was working at Revere and attending classes when the eviction notices were distributed. I saw first-hand the sadness, anger and frustration during the mass-eviction. For three decades, they’d built something magical at Phelan. With very little courtesy and even less tact, the jewelers were tossed out at the worst possible time.

Erected in 1907 with marble walls and oak-lined halls, the Phelan Building’s architecture makes it an admired piece of Downtown. I felt passionately that someone had to preserve the story and soul of Phelan.

I took images of the ceiling tiles and marble architectural details and I turned them into jewelry. Capsule is my homage to the building as I knew it and the community that was torn apart. Each piece of jewelry represents my personal connection a historic piece of architecture and the school that called it home.

Fortunately, Revere has now found a new home in the Humboldt Bank Building. I'm grateful that they will continue to provide one of the best professional-quality jewelry making educational programs in the country. I hope they continue to thrive in their new location!

You can view the Capsule collection online. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

Love, Becky