Nikki Couppee: Reimagining Jewelry with Playful Precision

Nikki Couppee: Reimagining Jewelry with Playful Precision

December 11, 2024

Jewelry has long been a marker of status and tradition, but Oakland-based artist Nikki Couppee takes an entirely different approach. Her bold, vibrant pieces—crafted from unconventional materials like Plexiglas, brass, and found objects—challenge the norms of adornment, celebrating individuality and self-expression. Each creation transforms everyday materials into striking works of art, blending historical influences with a playful, modern sensibility.

FROM FLORIDA'S BEACHES TO CALIFORNIA'S BAY AREA

Born on a small barrier island in Florida, Nikki’s early creative experiments included scavenging hurricane debris—glass shards, broken plates, bolts—and transforming them into mosaics and jewelry. This resourceful approach to materials shaped her artistic ethos, which continued to evolve through formal training. With a BFA in jewelry/metals from the University of Georgia and an MFA from Kent State University, Nikki honed her technical skills while developing her distinct style.

Now based in Oakland, Nikki creates her imaginative designs in a rent-controlled home studio, navigating the challenges of an increasingly expensive Bay Area. Despite these obstacles, her work resonates with local audiences who value its innovative spirit and bold aesthetic.

A CELEBRATION OF EVERYDAY MATERIALS

At the heart of Nikki’s work lies a desire to democratize jewelry. By using synthetic materials like holograms, resins, and plastics, she redefines notions of value traditionally tied to precious stones and metals. Her oversized, gem-like creations parody the grandeur of historical royal jewelry while making it accessible to a wider audience.

“I want to create opulent jewelry using my own version of gemstones made from everyday materials instead of precious stones and metals,” Nikki explains. These colorful, lighthearted pieces evoke memories of childhood treasures—Barbie accessories, Lisa Frank stickers, and glow-in-the-dark trinkets—offering a sense of nostalgia wrapped in contemporary artistry.

THE EMOTIONAL LIFE OF JEWELRY

For Nikki, jewelry is deeply personal and emotional. Her pieces draw on her own memories, from childhood milestones to the influence of Floridian beaches and 1980s pop culture. The asymmetrical designs and oversized elements in her work reflect her fascination with the natural world, blending motifs like coral and seaweed with the opulence of costume jewelry. “Jewelry has the ability to evoke memories from one’s personal or family history,” she says. “It’s a vehicle to express emotion outwardly through personal adornment.”

TRANSFORMING THE JEWELRY LANDSCAPE

Nikki’s creations bridge the gap between contemporary and costume jewelry, challenging traditional notions of status and value. Whether it’s her asymmetrical earrings, glittering brooches, or holographic necklaces, each piece invites wearers to reimagine what jewelry can mean—both as an art form and a personal statement.

As Nikki continues to experiment with materials and techniques, her work stands as a testament to the power of imagination, proving that even the most unexpected elements can become cherished objects of beauty and meaning.


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