My name is Jenny Knuth and I’ll come right out and say it: I like design that functions. Of course jewelry should be beautiful, but as a designer, I also want it to be easy to wear.
And here’s the thing. I don’t like clasps. One of my favorite activities is dreaming up easy-to-wear styles to outwit the tyrannical clasp.
In my designs you’ll find claspless over-the-head necklaces, multistrand wrap necklaces, gemstone toggle necklaces, decorative front closures, and necklaces with adjustable bead or knot closures—all of them beautiful with nothing to hide. And yes, you’ll also find some traditional bead and loop closures. I want the beauty of the back of your neck to shine. I want you to enjoy a clasp-free world!
In addition to dispensing with clasps, I like to solve other problems for people who don’t usually wear jewelry.
- Sensitive to metals? Most of my designs contain only glass, stone, and strong nylon thread so are hypoallergenic. And with no metal, you’re also free of the perennial gold/silver debate. Isn’t crochet wonderful? I get a little obsessed with it.
- Too active to bother with jewelry? Most of my designs can be worn all the time—in the shower, the gym, the ocean, or the pool, etc. Made to last, there is no need to take them off. They might look delicate but are extremely durable. Once they are on, they can stay on. Simple!
- Jewelry gets in your way? Most of my designs are nearly weightless and feel soft and drapey. They go with YOU (not the other way around). Truly effortless style. You are the boss.
So these necklaces work and they don’t compromise on beauty or adornment. They are as unique and delicate looking as can be. So even if you DO wear jewelry like the pro that you are, these styles are a great addition to your collection.
BIO
I grew up in northern California in the 1970s. I left my beloved West to attend Brown University where I majored in Art and Anthropology. My interests in culture, design, and the environment led me to a Master’s degree in Material Culture from the University of Pennsylvania.
After stints in several university towns, both domestic and foreign, I have returned to settle in the West. With a variety of life experience in my pocket, I live with my husband, two sons, and two cats in Boulder, Colorado. A chronicle of my adventures can be found at jeninco.blogspot.com and my design portfolio can be found at jennyknuth.com/portfolio. Tips, ideas, and more photos of my work, including information on the inspiration for each design, can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/truejune
See my crocheted necklaces in the November/December 2008, November/December 2010, and November/December 2023 issues of the Brown Alumni Magazine:
https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/content/view/2727/32/
https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/content/view/213540/
https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/articles/2023-10-31/gift-guide-2023-a-few-of-our-favorite-things
I am on Instagram @akatruejune
And I Pin about design, DIY, and other interests here: https://pinterest.com/truejune
