When architect Beth Naumann’s career wasn’t adding up to creative bliss, she decided to explore the missing variable.

What she had: solid sketching skills and a strong understanding of construction design.

What she needed: a more tactile form of expression.

Inspired by a love of geometric shapes and art deco, Naumann plugged in more hands-on time making brass mobiles, which led to the creation of Hellbent. The self-taught artist cuts, sands, twists, and links the same material as her mobiles into embellishment-free brass necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that use free-moving connections.

Add form and funk-tion with delicately dangling deco chevron earrings or elevate office attire with the small drape necklace. More versatile than square, the cube design kick-started the whole project.

Plus, everything’s priced at numbers that won’t make you wince.

Story problem solved.

Available at Accident & Artifact, 381 Valencia Street, at 15th Street (415-437-9700); at bethnaumann.com, $55-$110.

Photo: Courtesy of Beth Naumann