The Elementals Collection: Chapter One - Fire

Collections
Written By Michelle Pajak-Reynolds
14K gold and cognac brown spinel gemstone bead dangle earrings

14K Fairmined gold and ombre cognac brown spinel cluster Iskra dangle earrings from Michelle Pajak-Reynolds’s Elementals Fire Collection.

The Elementals Collection is a fusion of my love for color and texture with a long-standing fascination for the metaphysical power of the six classical elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Metal, and Ether. Each chapter of this collection explores one element through the lens of contemporary jewelry that channels its unique energy and symbolism.

Chapter One begins with Fire—a force of strength, passion, and transformation. Inspired by the regenerative power of glowing embers and flowing lava, this collection reimagines fire’s primal energy in six striking pieces. From delicate chandelier earrings to bold dangles and an intricate cluster necklace, each design embodies the dual nature of fire: fierce and revitalizing, destructive yet renewing.

Vibrant gemstones—including rhodolite and pyrope garnets, red-plum Songea sapphires, flame-hued zircons, and deep cognac spinels—are carefully set in richly detailed ethically sourced 14K Fairmined gold. These fiery hues and luminous textures evoke the flicker and glow of a living flame, inviting you to connect with your own inner spark.

As with all my designs, every material in the Elementals: Fire collection was intentionally chosen for its energy and meaning:

  • Garnets awaken imagination, enthusiasm, and passion

  • Zircons offer strength, protection, and rejuvenation

  • Songea sapphires connect to the heart and cultivate courage

  • Spinels renew energy and build resilience

  • 14K Fairmined gold brings balance, harmony, and ethical beauty

Each piece is a talisman—a radiant expression of fire’s power to illuminate, purify, and inspire transformation.

"...while some fires are lit
to destroy,
others are lit to regenerate.

i am working with the latter..."
-Emory Hall, "regenerative work"

With rich colors and deep symbolism, I hope you find as much inspiration in these pieces as I did creating them.

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds began designing jewelry at 5 years old after being inspired by the power bracelets and tiara worn by actress Lynda Carter in the Wonder Woman television series. And her history with jewelry goes back even further as her parents met and fell in love across a jewelry case; Michelle's mom was a jewelry department manager and her dad was a police officer.

As a young child, Michelle used her babysitting money to teach herself basic beading and wire-wrapping techniques with supplies from her local craft supply store. Her formal jewelry and metalsmithing training began in a high-school jewelry class and she went on to perfect her artistic and business skills via a BFA in Jewelry from Kent State University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Baldwin-Wallace University.

Michelle founded her eponymous jewelry company in 2001 and specializes in small collections of one-of-a-kind designs. Handcrafted in gemstones, pearls and ethically sourced precious metals in her Ohio studio, Michelle’s creations are elegant and ethereal art to wear that stirs the soul. In addition to designing her signature collections, Michelle works one-on-one with collectors to create breathtaking custom designs.

michellepajakreynolds.com
Previous

River Gallery 15th Annual Jewelry Invitational Exhibition
Next

Claire de Lune: Minimalist Jewels Inspired by the Lady in the Moon