One east coast jewelery designer is taking the whole statement jewelry trend literally. How? She’s engraving quotes onto the ivory bangles she creates from recycled pieces of woolly mammoth ivory. (She also makes resin reproduction versions.)

She learned the ancient craft of scrimshaw from her father who took it up as a hobby in the 1960’s, when it had a resurgence of popularity credited to JFK’s fondness of it.

Ship engraved on whale's tooth, part of Kennedy's scrimshaw collection in JFK Library.

The craft was popular amongst sailors on long journeys hunting for whales, which is why most scrimshaw pieces you’ll find are usually of whaling scenes.

But Jessica is using the skill to put witty phrases onto pretty bangles like these.

The inspiration behind her statements comes from movies, literature, and even New York graffiti.

Here are some of my favorites:

From top to bottom:

1. Truly fabulous people never get dressed before lunchtime. $130.00

2. You are SO off my buddy list $91.00

3. You can agree with me $91.00

4. Never, never, never give up. $130.00

5. New shoes cure the blues $130.00

6. Que Serait le monde $130.00

To see even more of her sassy bangles, go to her website JessicaCushman.com They’re also sold at Neiman Marcus stores and www.NeimanMarcus.com.

Until next time,

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