The Mallory Studs are made from acrylic gemstones set in brass frames with sterling silver and fine silver ear components. Each ‘stone’ is hand cut, sanded, and polished to resemble her own version of gemstones that sparkle with holographic material. By utilizing multiple gauges of acrylic and brass these earrings are medium, lightweight and easy to wear.
Mallory Studs- Nikki Couppee
Nikki Couppee is originally from Pensacola Beach, Florida and currently resides in Oakland, California. She holds an MFA in Jewelry/ Metals from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio and a BFA in Jewelry/ Metals from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
Her work examines the connection between adornment and social status. Using non-traditional materials such as acrylic, brass, holographic foil, and found objects, Couppee creates jewelry that appears opulent. By utilizing time-intensive processes, she further references the language of fine jewelry, with the intention of elevating the work. Using everyday materials, she is able to exaggerate the size and abundance of gems to parody class issues inherent in fine jewelry.
Couppee's work has been featured in many publications including American Craft, Allure Australia, Marie Claire Australia, Metalsmith Magazine, Modern Magazine, Vogue Brazil, Daily Candy and Lark Book's 500 Enameled Objects. She exhibits her work globally through exhibitions, gallery representation, fairs and recent runway collaborations for Paris' Fashion Week and Australian Fashion Week with designers Romance was Born.