Chicago - January 19, 2007

Marte, Marte, Marte!

Marte Frisnes Jewelry

The extent of your Scandinavian fashion knowledge begins and ends with a swan dress.

In other words, you’re a bit limited in that arena. 

Don’t despair. Marte Frisnes, Nordic jeweler/model (not the other way around), will de-Björk — er, debunk, your misconceptions.  

Her jewelry-making started as a hobby, but when boutiques began buying her pieces faster than she could produce them (she makes everything with her own two hands), she dedicated herself full time. Today, she creates her signature necklaces, bracelets, and earrings using inspiration from her travels and her homeland.

Frisnes used nature as her guide for her spring/summer line, relying on imperfectly cut, organic shapes (butterflies, trees, leaves) and semiprecious stones. The palette ranges from pale (pink quartz, moonstone, aquamarine) to strong (smoky quartz, amethyst) colors.

Perfect for layering or on their own, day or night, the jewels make everyone appear luminous.

You might say they turn ugly ducklings into swans.

Available at Jade, 1557 North Milwaukee Avenue, between Damen and North Avenues (773-342-5233).