Volasa by Jana Braddock

12/10/2026

Cleaning up one area at a time. Everyone loves a before and after, scroll to see the prior chaos. The studio is now ready for some actual work.

11/10/2026

09/10/2026

Every mark is made by hand, it is a pretty meditative process. Over the years i have turned my hand to many mediums but i have always come back to metal work in one form or another. I can loose my self in sawing tiny repetative lines in a bange or ring band and look up from the bench many hours later to be startled by the time. It is my favourite way to loose track of time...

07/10/2026

This one was a bit of fun to make, something a bit different, folded brass set on a sterling silver band. Currently available at or made to order on my website. Link in bio.

If you aren't sure about ring sizing, there is a sizing guide on my website, but if that feels a little too daunting you can always pop into any local jeweller and have your finger sized. Then select that size when placing your order.

Or you can always get in touch and i can walk you through it. It is easier than you think and I want to make sure it is the perfect fit for you.

02/10/2026

I don't know if it’s the pagan symbols or the crackling fire, but there’s something about the Septiņdienu that feels connected.

I’m not a super woo-woo person, but I do feel like wearing the ring sets an intention. The symbols I’ve chosen for this design represent many of the things I hope for in my own life; protection, luck, love and prosperity.

There are a few different stories about what the ring means, and the original design dates back to around the 6th century CE. The stories also seem to vary between regions.

In my family, it was always described as a Latvian engagement ring worn by young unmarried women. The seven tassels represented the seven days of the week, and when a woman was ready to share her life with someone, the ring would be separated into two rings.

There’s another story about a young woman with seven suitors who asked a blacksmith to make her a ring to help her decide who to marry. The last tassel to fall would reveal her chosen suitor.

I’ve been wearing one since I was 18 and not a single tassel has fallen off. So perhaps that explains why I’ve never married myself!

That version never really resonated with me. It feels more like a fairy tale. What we do know is that many of the symbols traditionally represent things like protection, luck and prosperity.

These days, the ring is worn by married and unmarried people, Latvian and non-Latvian, simply by people who connect with its history, symbolism and meaning.

And I think that’s what I love about it.

29/09/2026

A little bit of Latvian tradition, made for everyday wear.

The Septiņdienu bangle is made from hammered sterling silver with seven little brass tassels, inspired by traditional Latvian 7-day symbols.

Simple, meaningful and a little bit special.

29/09/2026

Step by step of making the base of the Latvian Seven Day ring. there are lots of ways to make the top of this ring but this is the way I do it. I flatten the ends of the half round wire in a rolling mill, curve thee ends a little like a snake, shape and polish them before adding the tassles and tensioning them flat.

I love the way a lot of the traditional pieces were shaped rather than soldered. I do solder all the jump rings because it makes the piece more sturdy and it won't get caught on things but traditionally it wouldn't have had them soldered. There is something about the way they used the shaping to make the design unique that I am drawn to. I love the ease of soldering things together but whenever I see the detail of a non soldered solution I am reminded of the link of forging or blacksmithing to historic cultural adornment.

25/09/2026

Labdien, I am a local Perth Latvian artist. Working mainly in sterling silver, making heirloom quality pieces. Both traditional Latvian designs and wearable art pieces.

You can view and try on a selection of my pieces at Goolugatup Heathcote in Applecross. I have recently restocked some of the Latvian range here.

I also make to order via my website www.janabraddock.com

There is a ring and bangle size guide on my website but if you aren't sure you can always pop into any local jeweller and have your finger sized to ensure its a perfect fit. Or contact me and I can walk you through it.

I am busily working on perfecting my Namejs technique but these aren't available just yet.

If you have family in Adelaide, I also sell through the The Latvian Association of South Australia.

23/09/2026

A little bit sculptural, a little bit statement piece.

This sterling silver and brass crescent ring was made for those occasions when you want your jewellery to do a little more.

Handmade to order, with a simple silver band and a bold brass crescent rising above it.