dna

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
is a molecule that encodes
the genetic instructions
used in the development and functioning
of all known living organisms and many viruses.
Along with RNA and proteins,
DNA is one of the three major macromolecules
essential for all known forms of life.
DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints,
recipe, or code, containing instructions needed
to assemble other components of cells.
Metaphorically DNA may also be considered
as a way to keep and transmit information
or perhaps messages in small and compact places.

DNA Bracelet

DNA Bracelet

In my line of jewelry,
I have designed and created several pieces
which reflect the concept and design of DNA:
a pendant, earrings and a bracelet.
For the Bracelet:
each link is separately cast
with tiny interlocking hinges
allowing it to flow smoothly over your wrist,
all done by hand.

Perfect for Microbiologists and other folks who work with the tiny encoders.
If you wish to have a DNA Bracelet created for you
Please visit my
Dna Bracelet Page.

I received an email form a professor in Massachusetts who was preparing for a special announcement: Sravanti Viadya was to take the final leap towards her PhD. As a special gift for this important event I was commissioned to create a three dimensional model of a special Protein.

In her words:
This pendant called “Extended Helices” shows the unique parts of the structure of a protein, called caspase-6. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts study this protein because caspase-6 plays an important role in Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The structure of caspase-6, which was determined by Sravanti Viadya and Jeanne Hardy, showed structural changes as the three helices extended upward toward the caspase-6 active site. This “extended helices” piece was commissioned for Dr. Vaidya as gift for her Ph.D. graduation.

extended helices

Jeanne sent me images of the protein with the hope I could create a relief (one sided sculpture) for an amulet, however she said “if you can make it three dimensional, that would be better”. Better is better, so I made it as a full 3D sculpture. Shown here in 24k gold.

She was presented with the necklace when she “defended” her paper and immediately used it as a teaching aide to explain the science behind it.

If you are interested in having something special made, please visit my how to order custom page.

Last Fall, I developed a special collection of jewelry called the DNA Sequence: matching pendant, bracelet and earrings patterned off of the molecular theories of DNA construction of sugars and phosphate groups joined by ester bonds. Using the classic shape of the balls and rods, the earrings are 1 1/8” long resembling icicles tapering down from the ear.

DNA Earrings
DNA Earrings

Those who are “big fans” of the nucleotide know the image is a symbol of the basic building blocks of life itself, currently being mapped for the subtitles of genetic understanding. Although research is ongoing, the image means more to us than the object it represents: evolution both physical and spiritual; a way to reconstruct the past and a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Even the shape of the double helix is echoed in nature on a much larger scale though plants and other naturally formed shapes. You don’t have to be a geneticists to appreciate the earrings; they may be a metaphor for “the basics”, the tenacity of life, better living though knowledge, miracles through molecules and more.

These earrings are a part of the collection, originally designed for my friend Dina, but you may purchase your own pair by visiting the DNA Earrings Page.

Based on the molecular theories of DNA construction,
Amulets by Merlin has created a line of jewelry harnessing the double helix motif.
Instead of using the classic construction
of sugars and phosphate groups joined by ester bonds,
the pendant, bracelet and earrings
are made of silver (or gold if you prefer).
Using the classic shape of the balls and rods,
the pendant is over two inches long with the pattern moving up over the bail;
the earrings resemble icicles tapering down from the ear
and the bracelet is created
with tiny interlocking hinges
allowing it to flow over supply over your wrist.

DNA Jewelry

The DNA Jewelry Collection

DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints,
recipe, or code, containing instructions
needed to assemble other components of cells.
Metaphorically DNA may also be considered as a way
to keep and transmit information
or perhaps messages in small and compact places.

Dina Emerson’s nickname is DNA
and upon commissioning a ring for her partner
we developed a DNA ring.
Originally intended as a “one of a kind ring”
for her “one of a kind Bo”
but we thought it an interesting idea
to extend the ring into a full line of jewelry.
A new ring design for public release is forth-coming.

Dina is a Force of Nature with the Art of the Theater:
on and off stage
she blends into the fabric of
Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère
as if conjuring the images with her voice.
Twice nightly she sings mezzo-soprano
across the theaters of Treasure Island in Las Vegas
and the miracle of Mystère manifests fresh as an opening night.
She is accompanied by the beautiful
Silje-Marie Norderhaug who carries the soprano.

With the blessings of Dina Emerson,
Amulets by Merlin now presents a full line of jewelry:
the DNA Sequence:
pendant, earrings and bracelet.
Perfect for Microbiologists
and other folks who work with the tiny encoders.

Years ago (back in the 1980s) I lived in Southern California. Being an avid listener to KPFK’s “Something’s Happening” one of the regulars was Terrance McKenna: and Ethno-Botanist who spoke long and glowingly about his trips into the Amazon and his research of various ideas that involved 2012, the I Ch’ing, Mushrooms, DNA, the Mayans and a host of other ideas. In the course of listening to these late night broadcasts I created and amulet the closely resembles mushrooms growing into a peace sign.

Peaceful Mushroom Amulet
Peaceful Mushroom Amulet

In the early Nineties Terrace visited the Bodi Tree in Los Angeles: a very large alternative bookstore. My Buddy Russ and our Ladies visited the store to pay our respects, however due to other issues the connection wasn’t made.

Late in the Nineties I attended Starwood where Terrance offered lectures. I was honored with a visit to my booth that the Man Himself. After examining my work I presented him with a copy of the Peaceful Mushroom Amulet as a “thank you” for the hundreds of hours of lectures I was able to listen to the KPFK.

“My God!” he exclaimed. “The usual response I get from folks is: ‘I taped them from the radio and gave them to all my friends!’” then he laughed.

Although I never saw him again (he passed away some years after that) the thing that struck me about him was his laugh: infectious, kind and full hearted. When I make the amulet, I can almost hear his guffaw.