Kickstarter

"Urban Armor?  What are you talking about?"
It's EDGY.  It's BOLD.  It's UNIQUE.  It's URBAN.  It's RIVETED.  It's HINGED.  It's ARMOR.  The construction is inspired by the riveted hinges in ancient armor. It gets attention.  It makes you feel strong and invincible... like armor.     

“Ok, so what’s the project?”

Bring this bold design to reality.  Large full finger rings are one of the latest fashion trends but where this ring differs is that it is hinged.  It bends with your finger.  Not only does that make it an amazing conversation piece but also makes it very comfortable to wear.  You can make a bold statement and never worry about this piece getting in the way. 

This piece has already been designed using Rhino (a 3-D modeling computer program) but still needs to be put into production.  The funds raised by this project will pay for the rest of the production costs for this piece so that we can make this beautiful ring a reality. 

It will be cast in sterling silver and is adjustable.  Each ring will contain almost a full ounce of sterling silver.  Then it is sanded and polished, assembled, and hand riveted. 

For a more detailed description of what happens (including pictures) check out my blog on the subject:  http://obsessoriesstudios.com/2010/08/10/the-process/

"What makes you qualified to complete this project?"

 The short answer is… I've done it before.  Here is the link to my first armor design in my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/59866439/celtic-spider-design-silver-hinged-full

But here is my background.

My name is Malissa Kuznicki and I live in Toledo, Ohio.  I started my adult life working in the automotive industry as a product designer.  That is where I learned and began using CAD (computer aided design).  After about 5 years, I longed for something a bit more creative.  So, I started working on an art degree.  I received my degree in computer art but also studied metalsmithing and sculpture.  I've been working in the jewelry industry now for over 6 years.  That is where I really learned about mass production techniques.  Eventually I put all of my skills together and started designing jewelry using CAD and putting it into production.  I have a lot of experience with every step of the process except the actual rapid prototyping.  I have been doing all of the other steps myself; from design to stone setting and everything in between.  This particular design will be my 5th piece that I have designed and had prototyped.

Check out my web site: www.obsessoriesstudios.com

You can also find me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/malissa.kuznicki

"If you've done this already, why do you need to raise money?"

Up until now I have been funding all of the production costs for my jewelry myself.  Since I have to save the money to do this for each piece it takes a while to share new designs.  I have had many requests for the designs that I have CAD renders for on my web-site.  They are all just waiting for funding.  The finger armor pieces are significantly more expensive to prototype because of their size and therefore they are even harder to get into production.   I hate asking for money but it helps roll out new designs faster. 

“What do I get out of the deal?”

Not only to you get my sincere gratitude and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing that you have helped someone bring their dreams to reality, you get…

$1 or more – You get on my VIP mailing list.  Be the first to know when new designs are coming out, have exclusive access to pre-order new designs, as well as being informed about special VIP sales and promotions.  

$5 or more – A hand written Thank You on a full color post card featuring this armor ring.

$10 – A small laser cut acrylic charm.

example designs

$20 – A laser cut acrylic key chain of my logo/ hallmark. Or a key chain with a larger version of one of the charm designs.  Your choice!

 key chain design

$30 – One of my hand made flameworked glass pendants.  These are one of a kind and only 30 are available.

 examples:

$50 – One beautiful sterling silver art nouveau style eye loupe before they are available for sale in my shop.

For more images: http://obsessoriesstudios.com/eye-loupes/

$100 – One sterling silver art nouveau style eye loupe with a 20” sterling silver chain plus both the acrylic charm and key chain.

$200 – Pre-order an armor ring of your very own in Sterling Silver.  It is almost  a full ounce of silver!  Get it before it is available to everyone else through my etsy shop.

$300 – Get a first edition of this beautiful design.  This will be a limited edition and will be stamped as such.  You will also get a letter stating that this piece was part of the limited edition. 

$600 – Normally I keep the very first one of any design, but at this level YOU get to not only keep the very first one but I’ll even name the design after you!

 All levels are included in the VIP mailing list and all levels above $5 receive the hand written thank you post card.

International backers please add $10 for shipping.