At axom home, we create a space that is intentional and focused on design. We’d like to share more about what makes the designers of our favorite things so special. This post is about the artist behind one of our favorite jewelry lines.
Some jewelry is simply an accessory. Ronni Kappos’ jewelry tells a story.
Handmade in Los Angeles, each Ronni Kappos piece begins with an extraordinary collection of vintage German glass beads, many dating from the 1920s through the 1960s. These beads were originally pressed by skilled craftsmen using techniques that produced remarkable colors, intricate textures, and distinctive shapes. The resulting designs reimagine these beads into designs that play with color, imagery, shape, proportion, and whimsy. No two pieces are exactly alike, and subtle variations in color and form add to their individual character and charm. Her pieces are even sold by The Whitney Museum in New York City.
What makes Ronni’s work especially captivating is the creative way she transforms these vintage elements into modern, wearable art. Her necklaces often go beyond traditional jewelry design, becoming miniature works of sculpture and storytelling. With an incredible eye for composition, she arranges beads into forms that evoke people, art, animals, flowers, mythical symbols, and celestial motifs. Through color, shape, and placement, she captures the spirit of her inspirations with remarkable clarity, turning tiny vintage beads into expressive and recognizable works of art. It is this ability to create something so imaginative and meaningful from such delicate components that makes each piece feel both unique and unforgettable. Her collection inspired by artists is nothing short of genius. Each piece so well represented the art of the artists that inspired them like the subtle precision of Agnes Martin, the glowing fluorescent light situations of Dan Flavin, or the expressive abstract compositions by Wassily Kandinksy. Each is a wink to an artist in the form of a necklace or earrings. Other collections have been inspired by food and the supernatural. It’s impossible not to recognize how wonderfully inspired her work is.
Her latest collection draws inspiration from Greek mythology. Recently inspired by the book Weight by Jeanette Winterson, a contemporary reimagining of the Atlas myth, Ronni explored ancient symbols, and mythological characters throughout the collection. The result is a series of pieces that feel both deeply rooted in history and wonderfully fresh, blending storytelling, symbolism, and craft into jewelry that invites a closer look.
In a world of mass production, Ronni Kappos continues to celebrate beauty found in rarity, craftsmanship, and creativity. Each limited-edition piece preserves a small piece of history while transforming it into something entirely new and delightful to wear.
Kristen Spychalski
Kandinsky’s Composition 8 with Kappos’ “Wassily Kandinsky Necklace” & “Kandinsky” earrings.
A sample of Kappos’ “Yum Yum Collection” of jewelry designs inspired by food.
A sample of Kappos “Greek Mythology Collection” of jewelry designs inspired by symbols and mythological characters of ancient Greece.
Martin’s Untitled, 1960 and Stone, 1964 with Kappos’ “Agnes Martin Necklace”.
Artist I. Ronni Kappos with beads.
