Local Jewelry Designer Launches New Collection

Love gold jewelry, but not a fan of high price tags? Clinton Hill resident Delilah Mulraine, designer of Masani Wearable Sculptures, has just the collection for you. Her new line, The Brass Construction, was unveiled at Primitive Designs Boutique in Bed Stuy on Sunday. Customers snatched up Mulraine’s necklaces while also browsing her unique shimmering yellow earrings and bracelets.

“Brass is not as pricey as gold, but it looks just as expensive,” said Mulraine. “The color pairs well with evening outfits, especially over black.”

Mulraine decided to design brass pieces for the first time not just because of their flashy appearance; the material is easy to heat and manipulate, allowing Mulraine to create her new line in only two and a half weeks. The Brass Construction features one-of a kind pieces that will not be duplicated and were designed for a confident, joyful wearer.

“The inspiration behind The Brass Construction collection is fun,” said Mulraine. “I was not afraid to be extremely bold with my shapes.”

Staying true to the Masani aesthetic, The Brass Construction’s squares and circles reflect the underlying complexity of minimalist concepts and designs. Mulraine draws design inspiration from her hometown of Clinton Hill, where she has been a resident for 22 years.

“As the demographic of Clinton Hill has changed, I have expanded my client base,” said Mulraine. “I want my designs to cater to every woman.”

Mulraine began designing in the early eighties when she would frequent dance clubs in Manhattan like Danceteria, Limelight and The Palladium.

“I would create my own jewelry not only to be picked to get in the velvet rope clubs, but also to stand out in a crowd,” said Mulraine. “People would ask me where I got my jewelry and I would say, ‘I make it.’”

To perfect her craft, Mulraine studied at Pratt Institute's School of Art and Design in Clinton Hill. As a student, she worked as an assistant designer with Manu Designs before earning her B.F.A. in Fashion Merchandising and M.A. in Jewelry Design. Post-graduation, Mulraine was recruited by famed SoHo designer Robert Lee Morris to assist with his line of organic pieces from 1993-97. Since then, Mulraine has come into her own, showcasing her designs at her studio and online.

Selecting her materials from Manhattan’s diamond district, Mulraine blends her Afro-Caribbean vision with sleek, geometrical forms handcrafted out of sterling silver, gold, and now brass. Her designs have progressed over the years, and she now features pieces that are “a bit softer but still with an edge.”

The Brass Construction is a wearable, affordable line designed with Brooklyn women in mind. Mulraine’s previous and newest pieces can be ordered through her website.