Designer Spotlight: Michael Barin

Designer Spotlight: Michael Barin's Elegant Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring. Photo ©2015 EraGem Jewelry.   Michael Barin is an artist. He began studying his craft at the age of 13, before the bench of a seasoned jeweler who taught him Old World handcrafting techniques. By the age of 19, Michael was ready to ply his trade, and he did so for a number of years, crafting rings and other jewels for American manufacturers. In 1994, he and his brother Arman partnered together and opened Michael Barin Jewelry in Studio City, California. Together, they bring over 35 years of jewelry experience to their brand. With Michael Barin jewelry, the brothers endeavor to create lasting beauty in the medium of platinum, white diamonds, and colored stones. Michael Barin strives to infuse every piece with sensual practicality. At the bench, it is just him, his tools, and the cool metals with which he works. He works without the use of molds or wax, ensuring that every piece is essentially free of air bubbles. This ensures that the final product is more resistant to deformities and scratching. Michael takes modern fashion into consideration, but his primary influence comes from the Royal Courts of the Renaissance and the ancient traditions of Egyptian Pharoahs. In particular, he draws inspiration from royal neckpieces, arm bracelets, and earrings, as well as the jewelry fashioned for royalty during the Renaissance. In this Michael Barin engagement ring, we see the influence of both the modern and ancient royals. His nod to modernity manifests in the round brilliant diamond which has been cast in the central role of this stunning solitaire diamond engagement ring. There is nothing more modern than the round brilliant diamond. It is an innovation of modern diamond-cutting genius, with its 58 precisely cut facets and its maximum light return, the round brilliant cut is the modern cut, chosen more than any other by today's modern brides. It is the three-dimensional platinum band on this ring that draws us into Micheal's appreciation of antiquity. First, in technique; second, in motif; and third, in essence. In technique, the band is hand engraved along all three of its faces. Hand engraving dates back to about the 5th century BC, and today is achieved by using nearly the same techniques as in ancient times, albeit with more precise tools. These tools include hand-held chisels and hammers. In motif, this band is etched entirely in a beautiful floral motif reminiscent of the open papyrus flowers so characteristic of Egyptian glyphs. Finally, in essence, the lines of this Michael Barin engagement ring evoke the elegance of royalty, with their simple lines and intricate engravings. Although it is not a showstopping ice skating rink of a ring, this Michael Barin diamond solitaire carries itself with a dignified sophistication, an air of aristocracy. It is both lovely and elegant, with the subtlest touch of romance. As with all Michael Barin jewelry, this ring appeals to a woman of sophisticated taste, one who appreciates the sensuality of fine hand crafted jewels and the elegance of the royals of old. If you are such a woman, we invite you to take a closer look at this beautiful ring. ~Angela Magnotti Andrews, Staff Writer

References

1. Barin, Michael. "Fabricating vs. Casting," Michael Barin Blog, January 29, 2015.
2. Designer Jewelry Brands. "Michael Barin." Accessed March 15, 2015.
3. Michael Barin Fine Jewelry. "About." Accessed March 15, 2015.
4. Williams Jewelers. "Michael Barin." Accessed March 15, 2015.
5. Yelp. "Barin's Fine Jewelry." Accessed March 15, 2015.