 Bonnie Riconda’s jewelry design philosophy is based on her love of brilliant, bright colors, a light feeling of airiness, and of all things truly hand-created by the artist. She uses no pre-made or fabricated parts, but wraps all gemstones and beads by hand, and even makes her own hoops and french wires. Precious and semi-precious gemstones, austrian crystals, freshwater pearls, and other stones are used in combination to create a wonderful palette of colors in her original designs.
After getting a BFA from York College of PA in 1998 and an MFA in painting and sculpture from Long Island University of New York in 2000, Bonnie’s love of jewelry and creating things by hand determined her course in starting her business Calico Juno Designs. With no experience in jewelry creation, she started experimenting with some gemstones and wire she bought in a little store in Long Island, and after many trial-and-error flops came up with about 30 original designs, and the creation of the website www.CalicoJunoDesigns.com.
After just 7 years later, and a crew of great girls that make up Calico Juno, the website now features over 850 designs, all handmade in our studio. Calico Juno Designs is carried by retailers all across the country, and many places internationally as well. Magazine features include INSTYLE, LUCKY, MARIE CLAIRE, SHOP, SEVENTEEN, GLAMOUR, MODERN BRIDE, THE KNOT, YM, FIRST, BRIDE'S, JEZEBEL, COSMO GIRL, FAMILY CIRCLE, REDBOOK, COASTAL LIVING, ESSENCE, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, and many more. Calico Juno Designs has been worn by MTV and VH1 vj's, by Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives, Dylan Lauren, Kathy Lee Gifford, and Geri Ryan. She is also featured on many other jewelry websites.
Calico Juno has recently just opened up their first retail store! Grand opening was April 4, 2009 and was a huge success. If you are in the area, please come visit us. The address is 310 City Island Ave., City Island (Bronx) NY 10464
Recently we've been adding to our inventory in the way of other artists' works. We'll be selling all handcrafted (naturally!) wearable accessories like nuno-felted and crocheted scarves, bags, and hats, among other items.
Come check out the artists:
Just Scarves by Robin Dina
Scarf it up by Louise Giordanno
Mereille by Mereille Gourlay
Carpetbagger Creations by Pat Barrett
Swim by Jayne Wilson
Kanokwalee by Kanokwalee Pusitanun
High Plains Knitter by Dianne Gray
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