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• September 19, 2007
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Designer Arielle De Pinto discovers how metals really can be precious. By Micki Bloom

"I was exploring materials at that time, seeing what could be done with them," explains jewelry designer Arielle De Pinto, describing the beginnings of her collection of hand-crocheted precious metal necklaces. "I found this crappy unsoldered aluminum chain at a trimmings store and was desperately trying to integrate it into my work. I was also obsessively knitting and crocheting. It was almost inevitable that the two would come together."

And come together they did, in a decidedly un-crappy collection of intricate entanglements woven with sterling silver and vermeil metal—materials De Pinto describes as "elemental." Favorites from the collection include the Inlay Collar, a piece so regal it might have been snatched from Cleopatra's personal collection, and the counfoundingly soft Victorian-esqe Ruffle. But our final vote is cast on the Long Web, a darkly seductive and asymmetrical centerpiece with the kind of rough and delicate texture that fits De Pinto's final word on her collection: "I just want to touch it!"

Long Web necklace, $290, available at No. 6, 6 Centre Market Place (between Broome and Grande streets), 212-226-5759. For more information, go to www.arielledepinto.com.

Designer Arielle De Pinto discovers how metals really can be precious.