Tina Negri jewelry

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like sterling silver skulls. If you're tired of chocolates, hearts and flowers, check out this edgy collection of jewelry by local designer Tina Negri. It's a little bit goth and a little bit punk and the perfect gift for your valentine.

The designs began with a find at an antique show where Negri spied a vintage plastic skull – originally a Cracker Jack prize. The tiny, smiling skull inspired her to cast it in sterling silver. Rather than being scary or macabre, this one seems a little jolly – perhaps because of its Cracker Jack origins. "Skulls are classic in their own way," says Negri. "The thing I like about this one is it has a little history to it."

Using her prized find, Negri designed several pieces including a three-skull ring, a three-bangle set and a necklace. The bangles ($152 for the set) include one plain sterling silver bangle, one embellished with riveted leather tabs and one with a skull charm attached to a "pony hair" cowhide leather tab. She also has a studded leather cuff with skull charm ($100). As for the triple skull ring ($120), why have one skull when you can have three? It makes much more of an impact. Most pieces cross seamlessly over gender lines, making gift-giving easy.

Not into cranium covers? Negri also designs one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces and crosses using vintage finds and semi-precious stones. Her work is influenced by her architectural background, Hispanic heritage and a summer spent taking jewelry classes in San Miguel De Allende in central Mexico. "Everything there is handmade. They even make their own tools," says Negri. Many of Negri's designs have a hand-crafted, pre-industrial aesthetic and liberal use of rivets. For warmth and contrast she incorporates organic elements. For example, her horseshoe necklace features a 3-by-3 and a half inch sterling silver horseshoe with rivets on a vintage black chain embellished with wood rosary beads ($250). Some of her rings are vintage brooches in bright colors ensconced in riveted layers of sterling silver.

Nordstrom carries Negri's line in select east coast stores and the Westfield Topanga store in Canoga Park, Calif. In Seattle, you'll find her designs exclusively at Halo Salon. You can also make an appointment with Negri by calling 206-718-1074. Prices range from $100 to $300.

Watch for new designs from Negri in the future. She mentioned something about using rubies for eyes ...

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