From the Bronze Age to the Biedermeier - handcrafted replicas made with archaeological precision and the craft of a trained jewelry designer. Each piece carries centuries of history.
Each piece is handcrafted using traditional techniques - wire-wrapping, casting, granulation, and bead-threading - with historically accurate materials.
I'm Lydia Valant, jewelry maker. At about 13 I made my first metal jewelry piece; in my early twenties I earned my first money selling them at medieval fairs. Now, my focus is on reenactment and the recreation of historical jewelry and accessories.
I get inspired by archaeological finds or historical paintings from all over Europe and beyond. My creations are direct copies of or highly inspired by historical examples, but also modern interpretations of historical pieces.
Read more about me →
You want a commission of something you saw in a painting, found in a museum or designed yourself? You want something from my shop but in another colour, size or length?
Write to me! A lot of things are possible to be (re)created or altered. I can't promise that I can do it, but I'll try my best to realize your wishes!
Workshop rate: €60/hr, excluding materials
Something you saw in a painting, found in a museum or designed yourself. A lot of things can be (re)created – I'll try my best.
Designs carved in wax and cast at ~1100 °C. Better pricing if I can re-use the design or for a series. Silver is always cast by myself.
Size, colour, closures – most shop items can be adapted, free of charge unless the materials cost more. Old pieces can be turned into something new. No repairs of precious metal (Austrian trade regulations).
Find Orniello at historical markets, museum events, and living history fairs across Austria and Germany.