who is the artist behind armed with ardor jewelry?

Born and raised in northern Ukraine, visual artist and photographer Elena Lyakir was deeply influenced by the mystical elements that were woven into the rich tapestry of her culture's heritage. The enigmatic and ethereal, often veiled in layers of symbolism and metaphor, ignited a creative spark within her that would ultimately shape and define her artistic expression.

Driven by intrigue of ritual practices, her travels as a photographer led her to collect indigenous stones and crystals from around the world. Their raw beauty inspired her to transform them into wearable art. She amassed a hand-picked collection, investigating their properties and healing uses. Through experimentation, she discovered a unique epoxy compound, which she shaped and molded freehand around the stones, incorporating elements like gold and silver dust, gold leaf, patinas, resin, and rare vintage chains. Through a multilayered process, Elena makes each piece by hand, working intuitively and allowing the final creation to emerge slowly through a collaborative process with the mysteries of the natural world.

how do i take care of my armed with ardor jewelry?

Please handle your Armed With Ardor pieces with the same care and attention as you would a work of art. Avoid dropping or bumping your jewelry against hard surfaces, as the impact may scratch, chip, or shatter the stones. Do not bend or pull on the chains. Refrain from wearing your jewelry while exercising, bathing, swimming, or sleeping. If some chains oxidize over time, creating an "antiqued" appearance, the item can be sent to a jewelry cleaning service or simply restored by using a lemon and baking soda solution. Stones can be cleaned with a soft jewelry cloth.

do you accept returns or exchanges?

At this time Armed With Ardor does not take returns but will gladly exchange your purchase from the website for equal or lesser value within 14 days of receipt in its original packaging, provided there is no damage to the piece. Please email contact@armedwithardor for all return or exchange inquiries.

do you do alterations or repairs?

If you would like to alter the length of a chain or fix a broken clasp, I can often alter or repair your piece. The fee is $75 plus shipping. Please allow one to three weeks for alterations. If a chain is broken or a stone is chipped or cracked, this is typically not repairable.

CAN i request a bespoke or commissioned piece?

I would be delighted to create a custom piece for you. We could explore alternative stone or chain combinations for an existing design, subject to material availability. Additionally, if you possess a stone of sentimental value, we could collaborate on a design to set it using the materials I typically work with. Please note that bespoke pieces can take up to six weeks to complete, and there is an additional fee for this service determined at the conception of the project.

are your pieces hypoallergenic?

The epoxy and resin compounds are jewelry grade and hypoallergenic. Most of the chains I source are high-quality nickel-free brass, gold-fused or plated.

Where are you based?

Primarily crafted in my Marlboro, Vermont art studio, Armed With Ardor jewelry ships worldwide. I also dedicate periods of extended work/live periods in Brooklyn and Sag Harbor, New York, and occasionally undertake month-long residencies abroad.

Do you collaborate with other artists or brands?

I am always open to collaborating. Please reach out via email if you have a project in mind.

can i see your work in person?

To view the jewelry in person, please visit the boutiques where Armed With Ardor is sold, which are listed at the bottom of each website page. If you are in New York City or the Hamptons, I may be able to arrange a personal viewing appointment, subject to my schedule. Please contact me if you are interested in setting up a meeting.

What materials do you use in your JEWELRY?

The jewelry is made by way of hand molding and sculpting a unique epoxy, embedding it with gold and silver dust, gold leaf, 18K gold leafing liquid, jewelry resin, vintage chains, and raw and refined hand-cut crystals as well as other ethically sourced stones.

are your pieces handmade and one-of-a-kind?

Yes, I create all Armed With Ardor pieces by hand. Each one is as special and unique as is the stone it incorporates.

where do you source your stones and chains?

Sourced in NYC, some rare vintage chains date back to the 1930s. I handpick each stone, sourcing some from their indigenous locations worldwide. Some stones are sourced from sustainable, family-owned mines in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Madagascar and Nepal.

do you sell wholesale?

Yes! I am happy to work out wholesale prices that would align with my practice and your shop. Please inquire at contact@armedwithardor