Kelly Knight Jewelry is hosting a launch party on Friday, November 8th, 2024, from 5–8 pm, showcasing the culmination of work completed during Kelly's studies as a Master of Arts candidate in Jewelry Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. The collection represents a progression from one-of-a-kind handmade pieces to items available for order or purchase in person.

The pieces on display will include work inspired by a visit to the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. Kelly's jewelry draws inspiration from the flowers and leaves found in Marie Antoinette’s gardens, as well as the carved wood boiserie in the Petit Trianon.

In 1774, King Louis XVI presented his new wife, Marie Antoinette, with a diamond-covered key to the Petit Trianon Chateau at Versailles, saying, “To you who love flowers so, I present this bouquet.” This home, with its wildflower meadows, became a sanctuary for her from the opulence of life as Queen, and she was tasked with working alongside architects to design its extravagant gardens. Each piece of fine silver-cast wildflowers and leaves in this collection reflects the spirit of feminine independence.

Kelly Knight Jewelry’s first collection is inspired by decorative fragments of boiserie, the delicately carved wood paneling from the Palace of Versailles during Marie Antoinette’s reign, reminiscent of her gardens. In translating these ideas of timeless extravagance, beauty, and resilience into wearable jewelry, Kelly has combined the simplicity of wildflowers with the structure of boiserie.

The gallery will be open on Saturday and Sunday, November 9th and 10th, from 1–4 p.m. 

About the Artist: Growing up in the Midwest of the United States, Kelly’s love of art and interiors began in high school. Taking classes in interior design, jewelry, and photography led her to complete an undergraduate degree in interior design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. After working for various designers and moving to New York City, Kelly’s career included working for top AD100 designers such as Stephen Sills Associates. It was with Stephen Sills that Kelly assisted on some of the most luxurious and well-published residences across the United States. These projects have appeared in Architectural Digest, World of Interiors, Elle Décor, and in Stephen’s books, Stephen Sills Decoration and Stephen Sills: A Vision for Design.

After a twenty-year career in interior design in New York City, Kelly was inspired to return to SCAD for a master's degree in jewelry design. She incorporates and is inspired by her knowledge of historical decorative arts and artists.
Kelly Knight is based in Savannah, Georgia, and is currently a Master of Arts candidate, set to complete her degree in jewelry design in November of 2024.