Castles and Cages

Who: Youngjoo Yoo of jyjewelry
What: Floral and Architectural Image Jewelry
Where: Iowa City, IA
Web: http://youngjooyoo.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jyjewelry
Why: I can't decide which I adore more...Youngyoo's light, lacy hollow-formed jewels or her witty and whimsical sculptures and tableware. Her cage-like combos in sterling or bi-metal are wonderfully gothically elegant. Tiny trees sprout on handles, castles float in the clouds, ships sail across your dinner table...all so creative and imaginative! Hollow constructions can be head-bangingly difficult, so my hat's off to her. It's no surprise she's won so many awards...this girl's a shining talent!