Having been an architect all of my adult life, it was a natural but unexpected pleasure to discover a love for another kind of design while living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico ten years ago – jewelry-making. An intensive period of study with local artisans in Mexico led me on a journey to explore the designs of many cultures, picking and choosing to find a combination that appealed to my own vision of what I wanted to design. My travels took me to Central and South America, India, and the Far East. Pia Paulsen Design is the result of this exciting period of exploration.

I particularly fell in love with Mokume-Gane, a 17th century Japanese technique using fused metals which are then forged to create dazzling and intricate patterns. I looked for a way to give this centuries-old art form a contemporary showcase. Because Mokume-Gane was originally used to decorate samurai swords, I decided to put a 21st century twist by having them decorate something equally functional, if less deadly. Belt buckles.

The buckles are entirely made by hand in sterling silver, and 14 K gold. The Mokume-Gane is the center of attention, transforming an otherwise humdrum accessory and giving it a sleek, timeless, and distinctive look.