Bonnie Riconda’s jewelry design philosophy is based on her love of brilliant, bright colors, a light feeling of airiness, and of all things truly hand-created by the artist. Precious and semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, coral, turquoise, and other stones are used in combination to create a wonderful palette of colors in her original designs. After getting a BFA from York College of PA i
n 1998 and an MFA in painting and sculpture from Long Island University of New York in 2000, Bonnie’s love of jewelry and creating things by hand determined her course in starting her business Calico Juno Designs. With no experience in jewelry creation, she started experimenting with some gemstones and wire she bought in a little store in Long Island, and after many trial-and-error flops came up with about 30 original designs, and the creation of the website www.CalicoJunoDesigns.com. Still going strong after 18 years, the website now features almost 1,800 designs, all still handmade in her studio. Calico Juno Designs is carried by retailers all across the country, and many places internationally as well. Magazine features include INSTYLE, LUCKY, MARIE CLAIRE, SHOP, SEVENTEEN, GLAMOUR, MODERN BRIDE, THE KNOT, YM, FIRST, BRIDES, JEZEBEL, COSMO GIRL, FAMILY CIRCLE, REDBOOK, COASTAL LIVING, ESSENCE, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, as well as in many trade publications, jewelry and craft books as well. Calico Juno Designs has been worn by MTV and VH1 vj's, by Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives, Dylan Lauren, Kathy Lee Gifford, and Geri Ryan. She is also featured on many other jewelry websites.
