Designed after the Serpent of Sarah Bernhardt

I joined Elisa Melegari a designer and artist, in creating a jewel called the “The Dragon”. Named by the client Whoopi Goldberg. This bracelet and ring combo was inspired by the bracelet designed by Alphonse Mucha and executed by George Fouquet, “The Serpent” 1899 for Sarah Bernhardt.

The original bracelet

                                          The Journey of Whoopi Goldberg’s Dragon  

Birth of “The Dragon” Now Whoopi Goldberg Jewelry, create here in the technique of Champleve enamels. This bracelet and ring combo was influenced by the jewel designed by Alphonse Mucha and executed by George Fouquet, “The Serpent” 1899 for Sarah Bernhardt.

We began with the drawing by Elisa Melegari, a young NY jewelry artist. The client Whoopi Goldberg, approved. She had visioned this jewel for 20 years whithout finding anyone to execute it for her.

You can see below many steps but not all that took place to create such a jewel.Cast in silver to insure fit and comfort before moving to gold.

With great friends in the industry I was able to create just the right team. And the execution of the design creation began! Kathy Drake for additional wax work, Master jeweler Tom Herman for the hinge design and execution. Brian Reed for the casting.

After the fitting, Whoopi Goldberg felt she would like the head to move to add comfort. This would allow her to bend her hand easily. I traveled upstate NY to visit Master jeweler Tom Herman and a hinge was added under the head.

Time to cast in gold, and I began the detail work. After casting all needs to be chased to bring out the detail. You can see how the enameling took place,from one end of the jewel to the other. After cutting just the right opals Whoopi requested, shaping and polishing took place before setting them into the “Dragon’s” eyes on the head and ring.

And away the jewel goes to the teams’ Master stone setter, Drew Hadley, for over 400 diamonds.  It was an awesome job by all!

Delivered to a happy client. Whoopi Goldberg