Intentional Exclusions
September 29, 2026
I chose to intentionally excluse some styles of pieces from the census, to preserve the focus on the classic Wild Bryde style. In the 2010s and later, they experimented with the use of different techniques and materials, which ultimately produced quite a different aesthetic from the original approach.
So, what did I leave out, and why?
Geometric/Inanimate Designs
While these are lovely, I've only included inanimate designs when they clearly match one of the collections (ie the Queen Mother Idia Mask, or the island scene also featured on the flamingo and giraffe necklaces). Otherwise, I've stuck to plants and animals.
Enamel
I was iffy enough about including 3D pieces, and have ultimately placed them in the miscellaneous category and as a near miss in other collections. Adding enamel is a step too far away from the original style for me. I think the classic faceted metal surface is stunning and shouldn't be modified. Tragically, this eliminates this fun piece from contention for the census - so I'll leave it here!
Epoxy
For epoxy I have the same complaint as Enamel, although epoxy is usually used to fill etched cavities rather than over the entire piece. While one could argue that it emphasizes the etchings, I feel that it cheapens the pieces and takes away what makes them special.
Resin
I dislike resin jewelry for a number of reasons, personally. I feel that the effect is usually plasticky, and the colorful additions again take away from the classic, understated nature of the original pieces. Just not my cup of tea, and not a fit for this census.
Paua and Other Shells
This is an interesting approach, and one that I debated over including but ultimately opted against. It retains the delicate photo-etching, but turns the metal into domed "envelopes" for the shell.
Colored Backings
Like the last group, these pieces still feature the beautiful photo-etching of the pieces I've included in the census. However, the addition of new materials feels inconsistent with the classic pieces, and the differing materials used (plastic, copper, enamel) break up the simplicity and consistency of the original collection. In addition, many designs are just re-works of pieces already in the collection, like the Egret below.
Heavy Beading and Rhinestones
Additionally, I chose to exclude pieces that featured heavy beading or the addition of rhinestones. I feel the heavy focus on these takes away from the classic simplicity of the silhouettes. This is admittedly a tough one to draw a conclusive line for, as I've included many pieces with what I consider to be accent beading. But a line has to be drawn somewhere!
Personalized Custom Pieces
Wild Bryde's defunct Facebook account shows many personally customized pieces. Mike Warner also produced specialized pieces for Mono Lake, the "Give a Dam" beaver nonprofit, and other charitable causes. I've reserved the "Custom Pieces" section of the Miscellaneous collection for truly impressive bespoke artworks that I feel add to an understanding of the artist's work. It would also be borderline impossible to catalog every custom piece!
Feel free to write to me if you disagree with the lines I've drawn, or would like to see other types of jewelry included in the census! I'd love to hear from you.