Pierced Silhouette Brooch, from "Order & Ornament Series," 2003 oxidized silver glass 2 3/4 X 2 3/4 x 3/8" Photo:Marianne Arneson

Studying the context of traditional ornamentation within the decorative arts highlights its beauty, meaning, and importance.

The arrangement of repeated parts into patterns creates symmetries and contrasts that are alluring and elegant, and fulfill the basic human desire to embellish.

In my jewelry, pierced silhouettes of oxidized Silver are systematically arranged and intersected by grid 5 of gemstones, pearls, and 18k gold, or scattered randomly to deconstruct controlled patterns, creating bold fragmented images on an intricate scale.

Layering motifs, patterns, and the theories embedded in ornament's history decodes certain rules of decoration, presenting contemporary ornament of a detailed and wearable nature.

Pierced Silhouette Breeches (detail), from "Order & Ornament Series," 2003 oxidized silver 18k gold, glass freshwater pearls Photo: Marianne Anderson