Probably due to the influence of the mixed media jewelry movement right now, vintage pieces are still a strong trend in jewelry designs.

This is especially true when you can find some unique way to incorporate found vintage objects, components you don't normally expect in a piece of jewelry, into your overall design.

That's seems to be the approach of jewelry designer Jenifer Altman of Juniper Designs when she developed her latest jewelry collection, Pandora's Box.

From a company press release: Inspired by the beauty and mystery of the mythical legend of Pandora, Jewelry Designer Juniper (www.juniper-designs.net) has released an ethereal, vintage-influenced collection of limited edition necklaces, called Pandora's Box.

Using gorgeously unique found objects such as antique brass keyholes paired with semi-precious gems such as Peruvian opal and mother-of-pearl, each unique piece in Juniper's Pandora's Box collection evokes the beauty and mystery of this often misunderstood Greek maiden.

"I really love the overtly feminine shape of the antique keyholes, and the overall symbolism that the delicate but bold pieces call to mind," said Juniper owner and designer Jenifer Altman. "I was really inspired by the legend of Pandora and aimed to create a collection that spoke to the same characteristics of beauty, hope and curiosity that this woman from Greek mythology was alleged to embody," Altman continued.

With names such as "Eternity," "Desire" and "Secrets," each piece in the collection carries through its own connection to the legend as a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Prices for Juniper's Pandora's Box Collection range from $45 to $225 and may be purchased both online (www.juniper-designs.net) and at other fine boutiques throughout the country and abroad.




Believe
Brass keyhole with fresh water
Baroque pearl and vermeil accents on
a double 16" 14k gold-fill chain




Joie de vivre
Circa 1890 French antique keyhole on
a two strands of 16" 14k gold-fill chain
with mother of pearl accents. Keyhole
measures 4" across.




Faith
Brass keyhole with faceted crystal
quartz nugget, gold accents on
double 16" 14k gold-fill chain.




Eternity
Antique brass keyhole with
rutilated quartz on a 18" 14k
gold-fill chain.