Lingua Nigra

Modern Abstract Jewelry and What Inspires

[linguanigra]

Lingua Nigra on Revolution of Race!

Hi All! It's been a while! I had the pleasure to talk to Pam of Revolution of Race and think you should check it out!

Click on the image below to find out more!!

[linguanigra]

Gilded Chime Chandelier Earring - Turqouise

Who doesn't love a fun pop of color?

We thought it would be fun to paint these fun wooden beads with some turq paint to give the "illusion" of real turq beads (but without the weight!)

These earrings will surely be one of your favorites, as they are really fun to wear with all black or a funky outfit!

- approx. 3" long

- white metal, vermeil earwire, brass and 22kt gold plate

- made with love in the U.S.A.

[linguanigra]

Cyber Monday!! Enjoy 20% off everything online until Wednesday!!!

I bit the bullet and joined the bandwagon! Enjoy 20% off anything here. Get some jury while you can!!

xx,

alicia

[linguanigra]

When one of your models can't make it to the shoot, sometimes the maker becomes the model, tattoos and all. Showing off some rose gold plated bangles. What do you think? Excited to throw these beautiful pics @brownbutterbeauty did on the site!!! Shibori dress by @katrinreifeiss * * * * #linguanigra #juryjuryjury #tattooculture #kneetattoo #blackwork #afropunk #blavity #bodymodification #newyorkdesigner #handmade #jewellery #blackwomanart #designermaker #ftaacademy #riojeweler #metalsmith #igjewelrycommunity #chicagodesigner #brooklynartist #blackphotography #anthropologie #essencestyle

[linguanigra]

In 2002 I picked up this cd from the "Recommended" section on the 1st floor of Tower Records on Broadway near St.Marks. I played it ALL THE TIME. This album was part of the soundtrack to the beginning of my jeweler's life. I had never heard of this group or this woman before but knew their debut album was fantastic. Fast forward a few months and I see in the Village Voice that they're having a show in Brooklyn. In a loft...re: someone's apartment. I dragged as many of my friends as I could so they, too, could hear the gospel of Sharon Jones. Neil Sugarman was at the merch table (right by the washing machine). Hypnotic Ensemble opened up for the band. Little did I know that performance in 2003 in Bushwick was their very first show. I have watched Ms. Sharon Jones, a former corrections officer, rise to local fame, then shine in the international adoration she always deserved. I've seen her on boats, in parks, in establishments in Brooklyn that are long gone. I'm so happy I was able to witness her rise to the top, along with the hard working Dap Kings. I am so sad that I will never hear this woman's voice again. Words can't even describe how I feel. She was the May 4th to my May 5th. Her spirit will be missed. Bosco, Neil and the rest of the @daptonerecords family, I'm so sorry for our loss, because Sharon was a friend to me too. * * * #sharonjones #neilsugarman #boscoman #brooklynsoul (at Daptone Records)

[linguanigra]

I should be sleeping but I'm finally editing photos from September. Behold, a longer version of the Small Boulders earring will be up on the site very, very soon! So excited to share the rest with yall! * * * #linguanigra #goldjewelry #fashionjewelry #riojeweler #juryjuryjury #metalsmith #essencestyle #brooklyndesigner #newyorkjewelry #blackdesigner #blavity #afropunk #handmade #nmaahc

[linguanigra]

Babies. That's what I call pieces I did when I was first starting out, pieces that still look amazing next to newer items I've created. The thing I love the most about Lingua Nigra is that it's about thr shape and the texture. They both play with each other. Instead of a perfect circle, I followed the form of the reticulation, the highs and lows of the ridges to create an "abnormal" circle. They stand out from afar and are a quiet kind of dramatic up close. Man I love the jewelry! * * * * #linguanigra #juryjuryjury #goldjewelry #costumejewelry #joyeria #showmeyourearrings #goldmoon #essencestyle #blavitystyle #blavity #npr #huffingtonpost #giftguide #brooklyndesigner #nmaahc #museumjewelry

[linguanigra]

Lingua Nigra Museum Date #18 (i think) You don't have to travel across the ocean to get to Greece! Well...at least not to see a full scale replica of the Parthenon! Created for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, this building is the only thing left standing, as this, along with other structures were made to be temporary. This building was restructured and is now very, very permanent. Among the exhibitions at the exposition were actors working at slaves picking cotton (no lie), a mariachi band representing Cubans, and many many more uncomfortable things. Thanks to the homie Mary for taking me to this place! * * * #lnmuseumdate #theparthenon #nashville #getcultured #centennial #celebrate #overalls (at The Parthenon)

[linguanigra]

Balling tons of wire for earrings and making a ton of these today. Post office, here I come. Have a good Saturday yall! * * * * * #lifegoeson #linguanigra #juryjuryjury #dramaticnecklace #riojeweler #museumjewelry #nmaahc #goldjewelry #showmeyournecklaces #essencemag #giftguide #blackdesigner #brooklyndesigner #newyorkdesigner

[linguanigra]

Sitting on the couch watching "Gypsy" on public t.v. when I should be packing this order to send to the plater tomorrow. I love this photo @thepanafrican posted a while ago. Trying to see the beauty in everything these days. I've been decompressing a lot on this couch. A nice departure from the studio decompressing I usually do. What are you up to tonight? * * * * * #raffia #linguanigra #afropunk #lifegoeson #dance #brooklynstyle #juryjuryjury

[linguanigra]

Tonight I'm gifting you a collage by the amazing Alma Thomas. It's calming my mind since social media is presently weeping. Strangely I'm not shocked by last night. I'm not that shocked today. I'm not going to write here and act like everyone who follows me is in the same page as I am, that would be presumptuous. That being said as the most powerful country in the world, we have the worst system for voting and how votes are counted....but maybe its designed that way for a reason. Take care of yourself. Log out of facebook, twitter and even this. Go for a walk. Anxiety is real. Hopefully much won't change. Hopefully this won't be an updated version of "Cabaret". Goodnight.

[linguanigra]

Join me this Wednesday as I talk about being a business owner in these mean streets! The event is free but please rsvp as seating is limited. Email : [email protected] * * * * * * * #badaorg #blackdesigner #jewelrydesigner #afropunk #designerpanel #newyorkdesigner #instasmithy #metalsmith #accessorydesigner #brooklyndesigner #jurujuryjury #linguanigra (at The Actors Theatre Workshop)

[linguanigra]

I am so amped to show these photos in the site!! Here is a sneak peak. Nikki with the Building a Ladder earrings in all their glory! Photo by @brownbutterbeauty Clothing by @katrinreifeiss * * * * #designerjewelry #handmade #madeinusa #shibori #mangoseed #blackart #blavity #bebeautifulla #naturalhair #nmaahc #blackhair #artjewelry

[linguanigra]

Lingua Nigra in the case at The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture....there are literally 3 pieces left in the case! Thanks @letstacoboutit25 for the pic. I figured it was selling because of reorders..but man! Going to bed on a happy note. * * * * * #linguanigra #nmaahc #smithsonianmuseum #museumjewelry #museumstore #ebonymag #essencemag #blavity #chicagodesigner #brooklyndesigner (at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture)

[linguanigra]

Late night sketching for next year...looking at inspiration pics. Love this image of a Calder brooch so much that I got it tattooed on my body. Can you guess where? * * * * * #calder #caldertattoo #jewelryinspiration #ftacademy #linguanigra #juryjuryjury #linework #blackkart #creativejewelry #brooklyndesigner #modernartist

[linguanigra]

Building a Ladder Chandelier earrings are almost ready to go live on the site! The best part about making jewelry is getting to test out what works and what doesn't. I also usually get a ton of compliments along the way. By wearing them I ended up making them much lighter using brass and also white metal. After the photo shoot this weekend, they will be ready!! * * * * * #linguanigra #dsgold #showmeyourearrings #juryjuryjury #streetsyle #blavity #brooklyndesigner #newyorkdesigner #ebonymag #huffingtonpost #haro #riojeweler #amazonstyle #dramaticjewelry #goldjewelry

[linguanigra]

One of my babies. This image graced my business cards for years, got tons of press and is so fun to wear. Made of a reticulated disc with little tubes inside and 22kt gold plate. Made to order in the SALE section. * * * * * #linguanigra #juryjuryjury #goldjewelry #bostonmag #essencemag #essencestyle #ebonymag #blackartist #brooklyndesigner #metalsmith #afropunk #blavity #riojeweler #joyeriafantasia #jewellerydesigner