I am (clearly) obsessed with jewelry, and interior design is not far behind. In my post about jewelry storage I made reference to using jewelry as decor, but I’d like to take it one step farther.
I’m currently working on a home decorating project for a client, and I knew that she loved jewelry as well. While we were shopping in Carmel for home decor objects, we visited one of my favorite shops, Conway of Asia. When you walk into this establishment, it’s basically like walking into an Asian/Middle Eastern art museum, yet you can actually buy all the amazing artifacts you’re looking at! (How cool is that?!)
This was the display in the window that greeted us:
Turkoman and Afghani jewelry spilling from an ornate inlayed box
Using this as inspiration, we were privileged to scour though bins of antique beads to assemble an interesting, layered ensemble to display in an antique tray from Afghanistan. No, this is not your run-of-the mill decor from Pottery Barn, but trust me — it truly adds some interest to my clients’ living room. A conversation piece for sure!
An interesting collage of antique jewelry and beads
Using jewelry as decor doesn’t have to be overly involved, either. With another client, I added just this one piece to her sideboard — it’s an antique African wedding bracelet. Placing this ancient artifact on such a modern piece, next to a simple glass lamp, in front of an Italian guilded mirror created interest in the space.
A touch of the old with the new creates an exciting combination
I hope that this inspires your inner interior designer. Look at your surroundings with a fresh eye and go for it!
For me, Brunello Cucinelli’s line is synonymous with exquisite fabrics and neutral colors with a bit of complex, subdued color thrown in. It’s not contrived whatsoever, and to me, it epitomizes the concept of causal (Italian) chic.
Whenever I enter the Cucinelli area in a store, I just breathe a contented sigh, and wish that I were walking into my own closet. The past couple seasons I’ve been very pleased to see that he’s added some amazing jewelry to his ready-to-wear line. Here are a few snapshots of his spring pieces.
The way I look at Valentine’s Day, or basically any other holiday, is that it’s the perfect opportunity to buy yourself a lovely gift! Pricey, inexpensive, it doesn’t really matter — just do it! (You know I’m a strong proponent of self-gifting!)
As I’m strolling around the internet this morning, I’m coming across quite a few lovelies that would be the perfect gift. I thought I’d share some of my finds and hopefully inspire you to go look for yourself.
1. Check out this stunning labradorite ring by Armenta. It’s an investment, but it would look to-die-for with a necklace I already own.
2. Since I’m always in search of gorgeous stud earrings, these rose gold druzy studs by Dara Ettinger might be just the ticket. (Love that they’re under $100 too!)
3. I can always find some fabulous, ethnic jewelry at Maison K in Montecito, CA. This rhinestone and turquoise necklace from Istanbul would be amazing with an all-white linen outfit and gold sandals…with a drink in my hand…
4. I own these Jennifer Meyer hoops in yellow gold, and I’m surprised I haven’t worn them out yet. Perhaps I need a pair in white gold as well? Decisions, decisions….
5. A statement necklace makes the simplest of tops look like you came right from Fifth Avenue. This neutral druzy necklace by Isharya would pair beautifully with jeans, a white tee and a camel cardigan. Yum!
6. I’ve tried this bracelet on twice at J.Crew recently. My wrists are tiny, and it actually fits perfectly. Layered with some of my bangles, I think it could be a very inspired combination.
Oh, the choices I have… And who’s to say I won’t come across something else while I’m out shopping today? And the bonus, is that this treat is calorie free, unlike those giant chocolate-filled heart boxes. So go treat yourself and enjoy Valentine’s Day! Feel free to share any of your great finds — I’d love to see them.
So I found myself lunching at Stanford Mall yesterday. Half way through the meal, a couple of beautiful women sat down just two tables away. Long hair, perfect skin, designer bags…but what was on that one woman’s ears?! Was is a teenager’s bracelet? Oy! She would have looked amazing had she opted for a simpler earring, better in scale with both her own personal features and the necklace she was wearing. I know that color is THE thing for spring, but really, these earrings just need to go!
Ippolita has become one of my “go to” lines for years now in my personal shopping business. Silver, gold, rose gold, gunmetal and gems galore — how can you go wrong? I now have an even deeper appreciation of this stunning line after spending some time chatting with the designer, Ippolita, herself.
Psyched to meet Ippolita!
Though the trunk show was absolutely packed, she easily spent fifteen minutes or more casually chatting with me. We seemed to quickly bond, covering topics from how to deal with our (mutually) curly hair to our love of Italy. (Granted, she was born there and I am only half Italian, but still…) It’s amazing how much she has done in her life already. She received a degree in sculpture in Italy, a degree in English literature, founded a dance company, and oh, yeah…started an incredible jewelry line in the 1990’s. Never mind that she’s also a mother and involved in countless other things. How does she do it?
One of the things that I love about her line is that it appeals to a wide range of personal styles among my clients. I’ve got classic gals, more bohemian women, and sporty chics who all incorporate pieces from her line into their jewelry wardrobe. Her pieces don’t become dated, either. They will be as beautiful and stylish the day you buy them as they will in ten years. That’s always a selling point, as it really lowers the cost-per-wear. (Not that you need a reason to buy a new bauble, do you?!)
Here’s a close-up of some of her bangles. She designs the bracelets in a rainbow of colors and metals. They easily can stack with bangles you already own.
Bangles galore!
This silver link necklace will take you from boardroom to a cocktail party, depending on how you style it. Now that’s jewelry bang for your buck!
Silver Ippolita Necklace
I’ve written about choosing jewelry metals for different skin tones before. These mother-of-pearl earrings work on a wide range of skin tones. I’ve tried them on clients with both cool and warmer skin, and they just sort of reflect back in a flattering tone. Since she designs mother of pearl pieces in both gold and silver, all you have to do is pick what metal color best suits you, and you’re sure to have a winner.
I want these!
The Neiman Marcus chain will be doing a “Silk Road Dream” Ippolita show in mid-February. She won’t be making a personal appearance, but you can still view the collection. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can see it in San Francisco on February 10th and in Palo Alto on February 15th.
If you have a few minutes to surf around her website, I highly recommend it. It’s much more than just a jewelry site. In particular, I like the “Three Things” and “Salon” segments, so click away. You needed a little break right now, didn’t you?
I was lunching in the Neiman’s cafe in San Francisco today, when I spied this woman with just the right necklaces layered together. Not too much, not too wimpy, but just right. (Goldilocks would be pleased.) What could have been just an ordinary jean and black top turned into a head-turning ensemble with the addition of the killer necklaces and the pop of color with the scarf. In addition, the scarf carries the circular design element of the main necklace and her watch echoes the nutmeg color in the scarf. Well done!
Ok, I know I’m not the only one out there who just loves the beach. You’ve already seen my post on sea glass jewelry, so I was really excited to see this new jewelry product in a recent catalog I received.
Uncommon Goods will create a custom piece of jewelry for you using sand you send in from your favorite beach. How cool is that? Jewelry artist Holly Daniels Christensen will put your sand (or provide sand from their stock from other beaches around the world) into two styles of necklaces or cufflinks. Prices range from $130-$175, depending on the product, and everything is hand made right here in the good ‘ole USA. (Massachusetts, to be exact)
Custom sand necklace
Custom sand cufflinks
They are so streamlined, creating a truly modern take on “beach jewelry.” The sand is set in sterling silver bezels sealed with resin, creating a long-lasting treasure to be worn with love. You can truly wear your happy, sunny beach memories!
So while I’m out and about each day, I have to say that I do pay attention to the jewelry people adorn themselves with. Some get at A+, while others…not so much. I thought that I’d start a new, random mini-post series called “Jewelry Judge,” where I basically accost people on the street who grab my attention and post either their jewelry “do” or their jewelry “don’t.” Now not all of you may agree with my opinion on said victim, but that’s the joy in accessorizing. I’d love to hear your opinions as well.
So here’s my first subject, who I definitely think got it right. While shopping at Stanford Mall in Palo Alto yesterday, I spied a stylish woman who clearly wasn’t showing her true age, yet she also looked age-appropriate. (I hate it when women dress too young!)
The item that drew my attention was this FABulous bold, gold cuff embellished with chunks of turquoise. Yum!!
I’m sure you all get inundated with catalogues in the mail. Personally, I throw most of them straight into the recycling bin without even opening them. But there are two jewelry catalogues that you just might want to peek through — I know I have found some treasures in each of them.
Two of my faves: Sundance and Ross Simons
The first one is the Sundance catalogue, which is a company owned by Robert Redford. Just like many of the characters he has played on the big screen, there is a relaxed, “country” feel to this collection. (Jewelry is just part of it…Sundance has everything from clothing to furniture!) Most of the jewelry has a rougher, rustic finish to it and veers toward a bohemian sensibility. There is a wide range of price points. Here are two different sets of stacking rings that demonstrate this.
Sundance Quintillia Stack Rings, $138
Sundance Diamond Ring Quintet, $890
Sundance offers jewelry from a wide array of designers, including some I just adore, like Anne Sportun and Love Heals. There are more pieces on the website than in the catalogue, so be sure to check out both.
Now Ross Simons is a different ballgame all together. Truth be told, when I first started receiving this catalogue I thought it looked like a bunch of old lady junk! But if you look carefully, there are definitely some finds mixed in with the other tacky pieces. And they are constantly running promotions, so you rarely have to pay the advertised price.
Recently, Ross Simons has been increasing their collection of Indian jewelry, which includes one of my latest loves, polki diamonds (which are usually erroneously called rose cut diamonds) and other small, natural diamonds set in oxidized silver. Here are a couple things that have caught my eye.
Ross Simons Polki Diamond Bangle
Of course, this bracelet is a big investment…currently $2306.50 down from $3295. But, it’s 4 ct. total weight, which isn’t bad!
Ross Simons Labradorite & Natural Diamond earrings
When shopping on any retail site, don’t forget that there might be some online coupons available. For example, the last time I bought something from Sundance, I first googled “Sundance coupons.” I found one for 30% off one item. Perfect! It worked like a charm. You may not always be so lucky, but it’s always worth a try.
If you come across any wonderful jewelry catalogues, please let me know — I love the tips!
Jewelry injuries? Are you kidding me? Actually, no…perhaps you’ve even experienced one yourself. I happened to run into a client of mine at a trunk show at the Palo Alto Neiman Marcus. Her eyes were all a-glitter as she gazed at the treasures before her. Her “possible” purchases were carefully laid upon a black velvet tray as I approached.
“Ooooh, I want to check them all out!” I exclaimed. “Please model them for me!”
She smiled widely as she started with some earrings, next a necklace or two, and finally we got to the gem-laden bangles.
“I don’t know what’s wrong, but I need to be careful putting these on. My thumb and joint area really hurt,” she said.
Now this is a young, athletic client, so I knew it couldn’t be arthritis setting in right there at the Neiman’s jewelry counter. So what could it possibly be?
You guessed it…she was sore from trying on bangles! The constant push over her joints had caused a bonafide jewelry injury. Aside from some Advil, I said the only solution was clearly to buy herself some of her great picks — she had earned them! 😉
