What's the deal with "Cast of Characters"? I am the San Francisco-based designer behind Cast of Characters "costume" jewelry. The jewelz I create are a touch gaudy and flashy, almost bordering on theatrical excess. But thatŐs just the point: Cast of Characters is all about playing dress up! Many of my designs are variations on a theme, but every item is completely unique. I scavenge urban wastelands looking for discarded gems, making archeological discoveries that link us to our bejewelled predecessors. Like Dr. Frankenstein, I re-assemble each piece from Contemporary & Vintage Fragments and other relics exhumed from graves and snatched from the necks of consumerism's living dead. I have a special affinity for necklaces, finding my inspiration in Medieval & Renaissance jewelry, royal jewelz, nautical cruise wear, Mafia medallions, Mission District Latino jewelry stores, nature, my mother's gold necklaces and all things Bling! Cast of Characters design concepts include: emptying symbols of their meaning, appropriation, fragmentation, contrast, connections, discontinuity, repetition, alter-egos and costumes. So what's your character? You a has-been? Starlet? Flashy Mobwife? Fancy Lady? Wayward Sailor? Wealthy Drunk? Over-medicated Hi-Society type? Pious? Fantasy maiden? Grand Wizard? Cholo Warrior? Well-Tempered Vixen? Lord of the Underworld? Pagan High-Priestess? Very Classy & Sophisticated? You Gaudy? You like Mr. T? Chardonnay? Soft blankets & Valium? If you've answered "yes" to any of the above, then you might like Cast of Characters. enjoy! - gina basso, designer of Cast of Characters costume jewelry