Precious Medals

Whether its a 4-H medal won by a pre-teen in the 1920s Nebraska, a boxing medal earned by a British pugilist in 1890, or purple heart from a French Hospital circa 1917, each of the antique medals used to create Melissa Abercrombie's delicate yet enduring jewelry collection, Blue Ribbon Salvage tells a story.  SW sat down with Melissa to hear her own story behind the inspiration, and creation of this breath taking collection.

SW: On your blog you mention that your pieces are the result of 15+ years collecting medals and findings, how did you first become interested in collecting these antiques?

MA: Since I can remember, I've always appreciated wandering through aisles or piles looking at things, hunting for items I had a inkling could  be awaiting discovery. I've taken great pleasure in finding treasures with a back story, a meaning beyond just function. My focus on medals actually originated in the time I spent with my grandparents.  I remember a trip to visit an elderly Irish shut in  (who was 101!) when I was about ten years old. Their friend, Peter, gave me a round medal when we were leaving and told me it would bring me good luck. I had that medal in my back pocket for many years to follow and I believe he told me the truth. I love the idea of commemorating our moments in life.

SW: What inspired you to rework these antique pieces into modern jewelry?

MA: I believe medals represent a two-fold purpose as art form and accolade. Many people wear religious medals on chains however a great many medals don't have an eye placed on them. Re-contextualizing the pieces and defining their new purpose allows the owner to enter the narrative and become part of the story.

SW: How do you decide which pieces will 'work' as a redesign and which will not?

MA: hold on to hundreds of medals waiting for the inspiration to create a new piece. Sometimes that comes as a commission, other times I simply see something in a different light, or a certain type of imagery appeals to me. My favorite are figurative pieces that touch me on some level ... beauty, irony, humility or memory. If I come across a medal that is too evocative of negative images or events I tend to shy away. There really are medals for every type of person and every type of commemoration.

SW: Do you ever do custom work, maybe redesigning a medal or piece a customer brings in to you?

MA: A large portion of my work is custom based. I have made pieces for people who wanted to preserve objects from their lives or that they had inherited. For some it's to grieve losses and others to celebrate moments. It is odd how many people identify with a medal in particular and choose it as their signature piece. Sometimes there's a blurred line as to whose medal it really is and it's a gift to be the facilitator in that.

SW: Your pieces are very unique and clearly attract a very particular buyer.  Do you imagine the person who will purchase a piece while you are working on it?

MA: While everything I make is something I would wear,  sometimes I look to friends or loved ones for inspiration. Often I make pieces based on the medal itself evoking a color, form , or design that will accentuate it's value. These pieces are inherently  narrative- the real work is being in the right place at the right time so that the right person finds what they were missing.

SW: Do you find it difficult to part with the pieces after so lovingly giving them new life?

MA: I hold on to things just long enough to let go of them. I guess I possess the medals but rarely do I take possession of them~ if that makes any sense. I have a very hard time letting go of anything with the cross of Lorraine on it~ they always remind me of my grandma Lorraine. 

SW: Where can local shoppers find your work in the coming weeks?

MA: The best way to find my work is through my website at BlueRibbonSalvage.com. There you can find updates on upcoming shows, links to my etsy shop , and a list of retailers who carry my work including Maude Shop in Petaluma and Lucia Apothecary in Cambria.  [Those interested in the collection] Please feel free to contact me for a viewing or for more info at Melissa@blueribbonsalvage.com.

Comments

[Nicole]

Melissa's work is gorgeous! Precious medals, indeed!

[Katy O]

I own multiple pieces lovingly crafted by Melissa. Every time I wear one I get stopped and asked about it. I find myself not interested in buying jewelery elsewhere because I am attracted to so many of her items and would rather hold out to get another piece of hers!

[xxx]

Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!