Linda Schailon / Åsa Lockner

Inventor Joseph Friedman was awarded U.S. patent #2,094,268 in September 1937. The business was incorporated in April 1939. Then came the war, delaying the first sale (to a hospital) until 1947. It's been a long time coming but the bendy straw has finally met its full potential in these colourful, whimsical rings by Italy's Linda Schailon.

Bonus link:
Do you like the bendy? For more bent pieces, as well as a series of gorgeous art jewellery, see Swedish jeweller Åsa Lockner.

Even more jewellery:

• Saloukee (UK) - phenomenal paper


• Emedee (France) - silver straws


• Haji Couture (Chicago) - feather earrings


• Circo (Spain) - brass & beads


• Tavia Sanza (New York) - plastic flowers