Alum Shares Passion and Expertise in Jewelry Making

Laura Marsolek ’13, G’17 shared her rich knowledge and experience in studying the historical significance in jewelry design and cultural meaning during the recent Orange Central Weekend. Laura was a Renée Crown Honors student, 2013-14 Fulbright Scholar, and 2018-19 Luce Scholar. Through photographs and personal narrative, Laura explained the critical knowledge she gained about jewelry-making techniques and traditions, and her significant discoveries of the cultural nuances of adornment. During her travels, Laura worked alongside local artisans to learn the techniques of each craft that was unique to the region’s history and traditions. As an Honors student, Laura’s thesis, “The Jewelry of Eleonora di Toledo in the Official 1545 Portrait by Bronzino,” was awarded the thesis of the year in 2013. Laura’s thesis was comprised of an analysis of the jewelry worn in the famous painting, and a replica of the jewelry that she created by hand.

Her Orange Central presentation, “Inside the Jewelry Box: Jewels Around the World” is available for viewing here: https://video.syr.edu/media/t/1_o0c0cid5