My 50th Birthday Jewelry Wishlist

I find it almost impossible to believe that I’ll be turning 50 next month! And if you’ve been following me for a while, then you know I have a strong tradition of self-gifting. Not only do I find it very empowering to buy myself jewelry, it’s also a very sentimental practice where I honor various moments in life. With this momentous occasion on the horizon, I’ve started putting some real thought into what I might love to own. I want to share some of the items that are currently at the top of my jewelry lust list. In no particular order, here goes:

Noor Fares Rock Crystal Earrings

I originally saw these last year at the Couture show in Las Vegas. They have haunted me ever since. Not only are they rock crystal (which you know I’m obsessed with), but the shape and the combination with gold and diamonds makes them a super luxe look for everyday.

Sarah Hendler Ethel ring

This is another piece I’ve had on my mind for a very long time. To me, it has sort of a 70’s vibe — I can picture wearing it with a caftan poolside in Palm Springs. The little channels of white enamel are oh, so cool. And the diamond settings sing to my celestial heart. Don’t you think it’d be gorge in rose gold?

Alice Cicolini Earrings

I saw these on Alice’s Instagram not too long ago, but they really made an impression! Again, the white enamel detail (I’m sensing a mini theme here) is awesome, along with the combination of metallic tones with the white topaz. I’d wear the heck out of these.

A piece from Daniela Villegas

I’ve been coveting one of Daniela’s insect pieces for at least a couple years now. Though I’ve only seen two of her big rings in person, they make me swoon. In a dream world, I’d probably like one with green stones…

Bibi van der Velden Galaxy Planet Earrings

Bibi is one of my style icons. Not only do I adore her personal style, but her jewelry is seriously out of this world. These galaxy earrings look SO amazing; I may need to take a trip to Amsterdam to try them on!

Dezso by Sara Beltran Rock Crystal Pendant

I have a “thing” for Sara’s beachy line, and I own a couple of her pendants already — a shell and a fish. Don’t you think this hand carved rock crystal coconut with a polki diamond would complete the trio? And I have the wire wave choker to add it to. The other two pendants I have hang vertically, so I like that this would add a horizontal aspect to the grouping. True, a coconut isn’t exactly what one typically thinks of in fine jewelry, but I love its uniqueness. And as you know, I’m usually not one to have “the norm” in either clothes or jewelry!

Brent Neale Rainbow Gem Knot Ring

Hopefully you read my last blog article, which was all about Brent. And I must say there’s something about her jewelry that really draws you in. Since my wardrobe is mostly black, wouldn’t this ring be a great way to add some color to my ensembles?!

As I write this list, I’m definitely picking up on a few common themes: celestial, enamel details, rock crystal, and color. Funny that these elements didn’t necessarily pop out when I was picking the pieces, yet now they are so obvious.

I’ve still got time to ponder, and I’ll be seeing LOTS of jewelry when I embark on a 10 day road trip to southern California next month. The best scenario is that I win the lottery between now and then and I buy it all! A girl can dream, right?!

Speaking of dreams, I’ve got a big one — a huge new project that I’m diving into this year. As a result, I’m going to be taking a hiatus on writing articles for this site. BUT…don’t panic. You can always get your jewelry fix on my Instagram page, which is definitely full of sparkle. If you’re not yet following me, then click here to keep up on the latest scoop. In fact, perhaps I’ll even reveal what I land on for my 50th gift. Hope to see you there! xo

Brent Neale Jewelry

I just adore visiting For Future Reference’s booth at the Couture show, as they represent some of the most amazing jewelry designers — creative, colorful, and lines that are often outside the proverbial box; no run of the mill designs seen here! Case in point was seeing Brent Neale’s line for the first time. The designer, Brent Winston, is a true ray of sunshine and she perfectly translates this joy and effervescence to her jewelry line.

Case in point — have you ever though about wearing a gemmy magic mushroom around your neck? Well I hadn’t either until I saw them in person and then fell in love with this bright green one she posted on Instagram recently.

I want the green one!

Please enjoy this Q&A with Brent:

I know you worked in the jewelry world for many years before starting your own line in 2017. What prompted you to take the leap?

I left Kara Ross in 2015 because of a high risk pregnancy with twins, including a long stint on bed rest. It was a tough year for me. The girls were very early and they spent two months in the NiCU where I basically lived as well. A year after they were born my husband and friends urged me to start drawing and working again. I’m so glad they did, because I really needed to feel like myself again. I started sketching everything and it came pouring out of me. Jewelry is something I truly love and it’s part of my personal identity, so it was natural. That first collection was called “After the Rain”: a reminder that something good and beautiful always follows something bad.

Your line is so whimsical and colorful — it always makes me smile when I see your work. What’s your inspiration for your unique aesthetic?

Life is hard, and everyone has their stuff, you know? But jewelry should be fun and happy and that’s a goal of mine for the line. It should make you feel good! (btw — I totally agree, Brent!)

Rainbows and unicorns? Yes, please!

Tell me a little more about your cool door necklaces.

The doors came about through my travels — each door represents a different place. The Malachite door is Rome, the Lapis is Paris, Turquoise with the honeysuckle and hummingbird took inspiration from the Bahamas, and so forth. But more than just visually, the collection was called “Passageways” and it was about creating the path and choosing the doors you want in life.

What sort of woman do you envision wearing your jewelry?

I think the women that buy my jewelry want something a bit different and a bit out of the box. I particularly love that the women range in age and they are wearing it for all occasions, as everyday pieces and for black tie!

What do you find is the most rewarding thing about being a jewelry designer?

When I get an note or an email or a DM from a client saying how much they love a piece. If someone derives some joy out of something I’ve made, then I’m definitely doing something right.

Anything you can share about what you have in store for your line in 2019?

Loads of color, texture and fun ✨✨✨

Earrings of citrine, amethyst and hand-carved ebony

I am SO not surprised to hear this, Brent. I’d expect nothing less, and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us. If you’d like to see more of Brent’s work, click here for a list of retailers and definitely follow her on Instagram for an insider’s look at what she’s up to. It’s sure to bring a smile to your day.