Jason McLeod on the inspiration for his Many Worlds cuff

While time travel might not yet be possible, Jason McLeod doesn’t let that fact stop him from being inspired by the possibilities it presents. The Charlottesville, Virginia–based jewelry designer chose the idea of time travel as the inspiration for his Time Traveler series, which includes his Many Worlds cuff bracelet, because he finds the concept fascinating, believing that it doesn’t violate the laws of physics.

But until scientists devise a way to accelerate spaceships at speeds approaching the speed of light, McLeod is content with letting his imagination run wild. When he sat down to design his Many Worlds cuff, he “wanted it to be over-the-top, not something you’d wear haphazardly.” The result was a statement cuff one would wear to a major event.

“When it’s on, it takes on another level of statement,” McLeod says of his 3-inch long sterling silver and 18k gold bracelet. The substantial cuff is adorned with star charts, hieroglyphics, and measurements to remind the wearer that time is not fixed. Set atop the engravings are large crystal quartz cabochons that magnify the light they catch, wrapping it around the cuff as the wearer moves. Each stone sits in a circular column setting that raises it 6 to 7 mm above the surface to create a floating effect. To echo the strobe effect of the stones reacting to the light, McLeod gave the metals a high-polish finish to showcase their flash and sparkle.

McLeod chose to sprinkle oval and round gems throughout the cuff because he’s a fan of balanced asymmetry. He repeated that effect with rhodolite garnet hearts, which are pierced by an 18k tube that makes them hover on top of the cuff. Continuing the theme of balanced asymmetry, the designer made the hearts, which symbolize souls, taper off in size.

McLeod sustained the theme of balanced asymmetry that’s the cornerstone of his aesthetic by including some old-fashioned elements in this futuristic piece. For example, McLeod went with a corset clasp that’s reminiscent of a woman’s garment of times past. “Among the things I find most appealing are the universe, galaxy, stars, and women,” he says.