About Vis a Vis Jewelry

About the Artist Virginie “Vie” Blakey is a French, self-taught, visual artist and artisan jeweler. She grew up in the Lorraine region in the north-east part of France and now works from her home studio in Tampa. Unsatisfied with what she saw on the market, Vie decided to bring to life what appealed to her about the ancient jewelry she saw in museums and so forth. It started as something she made for herself, but soon the appreciation for her unique designs grew, culminating in the creation of Vis à Vis Jewelry, which means face to face, in 2005. As it evolved and grew, it is now a husband and wife team. Inspired by mythology, ancient civilizations and the outdoors, Vie handcrafts her own molds from sculptures, coins, cameos and other historical objects. She hand carves her own stamps. She makes each piece individually and then signs the back. Every piece has it’s own unique and authentic look and feel. Vis à Vis Jewelry recreates the much sought-after aesthetic of historic artifacts with a stroke of modern design. All charms and pendants are made in recycled solid yellow bronze also called jeweler gold bronze and the chains and ear wires are in 14k gold filled. About gold bronze: Gold bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. It is hypoallergenic and nickel free. It is not plated in gold. It is the natural color of gold bronze. It does oxidize over time and gives a nice patina and is easily cleaned and returns to its golden finish. Read their story