Exceptional jewels born from a great friendship: Isa and Méla, a fiery duo!

Ten unique rings, made from fused and faceted glass pieces, decorated with various colors of floral patterns, mounted on large textured sterling silver or gold-plated rings: This project is the result of a collaboration between glass artist and jeweler Mélanie Laplante and jeweler Isabelle Kapsaskis, two designers who have combined their talents to create a series of unique and exclusive jewelry that you can only find at the l'Empreinte coopérative in Old Montreal.

“It’s a very limited series of one of a kind pieces. They’re going to make truly amazing Christmas gifts,” confides Mélanie, speaking of this flowery little collection, designed especially for the 50th anniversary of the artisans’ cooperative. For her, this project allows to highlight both glass and precious metal: “The idea behind making pieces together is that both materials have the spotlight.”

Isabelle is enthusiastic about their collaboration, which she considers as being obvious:

"We should have collaborated before, it's silly. We've wanted to work together and we've known each other for so long." And Mélanie adds: "Isa and I, it's like a fusion!"

When silver and glass meet: a natural alchemy

This first collaboration was an enriching experience for the two long-time friends. Isabelle and Mélanie worked hand in hand, sharing their passion and skills. Mélanie describes the process with lightness:

“It’s almost like cheating. I took my pieces; Isa took her pieces and we put them together!”

Isabelle remembers their creative moments together, particularly her visit to Mélanie's studio last summer:

“I went to Méla’s workstudio this summer and we chose colors together… It’s aesthetically rougher than your other pieces,” she remarks to her friend. Their collaboration, although new, happened naturally: “Isa has always been crazy about my flowers and I’ve always been crazy about her rings… so we said, Go!”

Despite the uniqueness of each ring, Isabelle emphasizes the familiarity of their approach:

"Even though they are all unique pieces, we can't say that we're embarking on something new. We're on familiar ground."

This project was an opportunity for Isabelle to showcase her expertise in gem-setting, while Mélanie created glass pieces especially for the occasion: "I made my pieces in my studio and then gave them to Isabelle who mounted or set them and then do the finishing touches."

The complicity between the two designers shines through in every step of way in their production. Mélanie humorously confides her difficulties with gem-setting, which she willingly leaves to Isabelle:

"Isa is really good at gem-settings. I'm a novice. I get angry and cry when I do it."

A friendship that shines as much as their creations

This collaboration is an extension of a sincere friendship, nourished by years of mutual support and shared creativity. Isabelle says:

“Méla has always helped me a lot. For example, when I released my Acera collection, it was Méla who came up with the name… She is always on my creative process.”

A relationship that goes beyond simple friendship, where one of them guides the other in their choice of products, tools or suppliers.

Both share the same attraction for imposing jewelry, a passion that has long brought them together: "Our tastes are similar for jewelry. We like big jewelry, big rings." They even have the same type of clientele! Which creates moments of complicity at artisan shows and fairs: it is not uncommon to see a customer stop at the kiosk of one, wearing a piece of jewelry purchased from the other.

Their friendship is a driving force that fuels their creativity, and they already know that they want to go further together:

"We really should do something else together. We should really take the time to do something crazy," suggests Isabelle, ready to explore new avenues as soon as they have the opportunity.

What if this is just the beginning?

This ring project could well be just the beginning of a larger artistic adventure. Isabelle and Mélanie are already considering creating other pieces together, including necklaces that would complete this unique collection. The magic of their duo built on complicity and complementarity, promises to give life to new extraordinary creations!

Their collaboration is an invitation to discover the eclectic and dazzling aspect of Quebec arts and crafts. For all of those looking for a unique, handmade gift that is the result of the meeting of two worlds, these rings are much more than a simple jewel: they are the reflection of a beautiful story of friendship and creativity. To discover absolutely before it is too late!

Discover all the collaborative projects in this special 50th anniversary collection