Pearl renos supreme: Janis Kerman

Janis Kerman in her studio

Today, the Passage's windows are beautifully dressed thanks to a star in the jewellery firmament, Janis Kerman.

Any Janis Kerman piece is a treasure, but of particular delight to me is how she restyles pearls, transforming a simple strand into an intriguing and deeply personal piece. A Kerman pearl piece doesn't 'wear you', it is you.

She invited me to visit her studio, thanks to an introduction from a Montréalaise, Chantal, who has commissioned a pearl project.

Though I have admired Janis's work since the early 1980s, when she spread a trove of necklaces and earrings on her studio table, my heart lept. J'etais toujours boulversée.

Before my eyes was was her artist's statement, "It's not the symmetry, it's the balance". Delivering that aphorism takes an exacting yet audacious stance, an assured eye joined by mastery of the art.

A Kerman commission work begins with a sketch; she describes the starting point: "My client came with a full "bag of stuff" and I created a double strand with elements in sterling silver and 18k gold. We used angelskin coral, carved jade, ruby, citrine, grey moonstone, blue topaz and padparasha sapphires. The two strands can be connected by using tongue clasps so that she can wear it as one long strand."

Photo courtesy Janis Kerman

The finished necklace is a 'memory book' that, as she says, "could be worn with a t-shirt, as well as more dressed up things":

Photo courtesy Janis Kerman

There is no such thing as obsolete when your older pieces meet Janis Kerman. Suppose you have a tangle of chains and charms you haven't worn since you gave up shoulderpads, and your mother's cameo brooch.

Janis's elegant rope used her client's pearls and charms; gems include amethyst, citrine, ruby, blue sapphire, diamond and a cameo:  

Photo courtesy Janis Kerman

Or Tahitians! Janis says, "This client supplied her gorgeous cultured Tahitian graduated strand and stones that she collected over time. It was fun to incorporate the jade she received as a child from her parents, the rubies and other gold charms that held much sentimental value."  

Photo courtesy Janis Kerman

Should you wish a piece with new pearls, she has an enticing selection. Below, Janis shows a recent pair of earrings:

Freshwater pearl and sterling silver earrings

Janis works with clients throughout North America. Via Skype or similar apps, you can discuss your wishes. Conscious of budgets, she advises, "Start with the clasp; you can add other elements later." And that clasp will be striking and special.

Visit her web site to see more of her work, and check the gallery list for North American galleries, many of whom have their own sites.

Montréalers, mark your calendar for her show, "Reminiscence: 45 Years of Creating Contemporary Jewellery" at the Canadian Guild of Crafts, April  27-May 28, 2017. Or plan a visit, the city is thawed out by then and you'll have a terrific time!

I was so enchanted after my visit that I couldn't fall asleep—instead of sheep, I counted the unworn pieces that, once touched by Janis, could have a splendid new life.