Diamonds whirling, citrines spinning, pearls sliding up and down gold wires—the jewelry designs of Patricia Madeja are always on the move. Stylish, symmetrical and beautifully balanced, Patricia's designs combine movement and color in fresh, fun and engaging ways.

From a love of architecture and its sweeping elegance, Patricia began her career studying graphic design, then sculpture and fine arts. She realized that jewelry "was the perfect scale"— that she could focus the 3-dimensional and technical challenges she loves on creations of precious stones and metal. After she graduated with a degree in design from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, she apprenticed under Robert Lee Morris at his exclusive studio in Manhattan's SOHO district, learning every facet of traditional jewelry design.

Today, Patricia works from her own studio in West Islip, New York, where she designs and creates award-winning pieces with stones that "do something more unconventional, like spin, slide, roll or float in a cage." Beginning with the colored gemstones or beads that she has selected—the "movement" pieces that will hold center stage—Patricia plans her designs around their unique qualities and characteristics. Of the stones used in her Saul Bell Award-winning "Spinning Citrine Bracelet" she says, "I studied them for months before I would even unstring them…running the strand through my fingers, observing their shapes, contemplating their sizes, even the sound they made when they hit against each other." Then, she says, "One day I was riding the Long Island Railroad when it came to me! I made a quick sketch and the next day unstrung the beads."

Patricia's work radiates this singular focus and inspiration—the elements of careful planning and deep thought are obvious in the motion, color and fun of her designs. In her "Triangle Tambourine" earrings, for example, with their twirling pearl or 14K gold beads, or in pearls suspended in geometric "cages," and in her "Abacus" cuff bracelet. Dozens of unique pieces all offer a playful sophistication that entrances today's too-busy buyers. Patricia recalls, "One of my customers told me that she liked my work because, when she was sitting in a dull meeting, she had something to play with." She laughs, "I loved that."

For more information on Patricia Madeja visit: guild.com