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Venice artist and avid surfer Steven Hanna has been designing
jewelry for over thirty years. Owner of Accents Jewelry Design on Santa
Monica’s eclectic Main Street, Steven has an unerring sense of fashion
and is respected as a trend-setting designer. His sculpted creations are
like no other. His latest expressions compose "The Freeform Collection,"
a new line of necklaces, bracelets and rings with colorful semi-precious
stones. This collection continues Steven’s theme of soft and sensual
silhouettes. He considers his work "sculpture to enhance the body."
Steven’s artistic career began in Venice in the early 70's. To realize
the designs he envisioned, Steven began sculpting. He came across a unique
designing method known as the "lost wax jewelry-making technique,"
which is how all of his jewelry is made. Combining Venice "hippie"
with Hollywood "hip," he was one of a handful of local designers
who could blend counterculture with pop, transcending trend.
As a leader in the Los Angeles creative community, Steven opened "Organic
Arts" in the mid 70s. As the Venice area’s only gallery for
handmade arts, Organic Arts showcased paintings, drawings, sculpture,
pottery and of course, jewelry. It was then that Steven began his second
career, that of mentor to the artists he works with.
Prior to opening Accents in 1987, Steven worked the craft-faire circuit,
wholesaling to boutiques and department stores. It was during that time
Steven noticed a void in the market and conceived the idea of a store
where consumers could find unique designs at comfortable prices. True
to form, Steven was ready to catch the next wave, focusing away from 80's
gold and onto quality sterling silver, and opened his Santa Monica store.
"I knew many other designers making very creative silver jewelry,
but, at the time, there were very few outlets for this type of work,"
says Hanna. "Retail stores primarily carried mass-produced gold or
costume jewelry." Today, Accents boasts over 40 lines of jewelry
in silver, white or yellow gold and platinum by request. Approximately
one-half of these lines are from local designers, many of whom came out
of Steven’s jewelry classes.
"Back in 1991, a friend asked me if I would teach the lost wax jewelry-making
technique to her women’s art group," Steven explains. "The
workshop was such a hit, I’ve been doing it ever since." Hundreds
have taken his weekly workshops. He describes the classes as "many
things to many people. For some it was a night away from the kids, others
wanted to design their own wedding rings and some actually made it a career
change into jewelry design. I work with each person individually to help
them achieve their personal goals, whatever that may be."
Some of Steven’s students have evolved from eager students to well-known
jewelry designers. Their works are sold in such stores as Barney’s
New York, Fred Segal, Maxfield’s, and of course, Accents. Former
students include Jill Person of "Wasabi," Sofia Kaman of "Kamofie
Designs," Irene Neuwirth, Maya of "Ileava" and Amery of "Amery Carrière Designs".
Steven’s own creations have been marketed in major stores in all
50 states. His custom designs are in the collections of many celebrated
actors and musicians, many of whom frequent Accents regularly.
Accents continues to have a gallery feel, offering a vast array of "wearable
art" from many local, national and international jewelry designers.
With a coveted following, Steven takes great joy in the success of his
vision and continues to evolve and grow with some of the most innovative and forward designers in the country.
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"Hi Steven, Thank you so much for making these beautiful little works of
art for us. We absolutely made the right decision and are so grateful
for all your help, special attention, swiftness, care, and patience in
the process. No one could have done a better job. They feel so very
personal and I can tell how much attention you paid to the
craftsmanship.
Thank you again!
All best wishes,”
Jocelyn
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"Steven, she said yes! I wanted to let you know the good news.
My fiance loves her ring and so does everyone else that lays eyes on it.
Thank you very much for help making my ideas become reality.”
Eric Rydquist
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“Steven, thank you for the beautiful ring you made for me to celebrate an important birthday. You helped me choose a design that reflects my taste and personality - elegant,
feminine but not too ornate. I love the ring and never take it off! It's the one piece
of jewelry I own that looks good with everything.
Thank you Steven”
Michelle Ray
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“Steven, Gray and I wanted to thank you for our beautiful rings. Our unique style was only
satisfied by visiting your store. When we decided to get married we came in to look for engagement rings and immediately found what we were looking for...in our size. Also, the custom ring that you designed for me after all our detailed directions, turned out just perfect. Thank you again.”
Katie and Gray O'Brien
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“Hello Steven Hanna, Wedding Ring Wizard!
Sandy and I wanted to write and tell you that WE LOVE OUR RINGS and we are so grateful to you for taking the time to get these to us so quickly. They are beautiful and simple, wonky and so us. Thank you again for being so wonderful and accommodating
and for producing such lovely rings. We lucked out in finding you, that's for sure, but I also knew as soon as I saw the ring online that it was the one.
Your fans”
Meghan and Sandy
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