Mary and Lou Ann / Halligan Norris

These rings look like they jumped right out of classic 1950s educational film A is for Atom. If you squint, the one in the upper right even looks a bit like a nuclear reactor... no? (May I suggest you squint harder?) These polymer inlay rings by North Carolina's Mary Filapek and Lou Ann Townsend (or, simply, Mary and Lou Ann) were inspired by their interest in chemistry, physics, outer space and other such realms.

Bonus link: "frilly elephant" ring in silver and 14k gold, US$275, by Georgia's Halligan Norris. Her jewellery is too sweet and adorable for words.

Even more jewellery:

• Kitty Fisher (Australia) - colourful acrylic


• Kirsten Sander (UK) - men's and women's steel


• Dish Designs (New York) - semiprecious clusters