Creative Necklace: Jewelry Judge

While strolling along the charming streets of Carmel, California, I came across this stylish 60-something. She was wearing a simple white tee, black pants, and a teal sweater. While a fine outfit in its own right, it was her creative necklace that really set her apart from the crowd.

Not your average necklace!
Not your average necklace!

In chatting with her, it turns out that wearing a statement necklace has really become her jewelry signature. Love that! Just goes to show that fabulous jewelry knows no age! Jewelry Judge gives the thumbs up!

Men’s Armani Stack: Jewelry Judge

While shopping at Sak’s in SF recently, the wrists of one of the sales guys caught my eye.

Very creative!
Very creative!

He had wrapped a Balenciaga brown leather strap around his watch, which was a cool idea. But his right wrist, which sports three different bracelets by Armani, was really a great example of masculine chic. Nice.

This stack has some power!
This stack has some power!

Stainless Steel Wedding Rings: Jewelry Judge

I recently had my first taste of Peruvian food at La Mar on one of those ideal, sunny San Francisco days. My friend Patti and I were chatting away, when I was distracted by the modern wedding bands on the couple next to us.

Modern, simple beauty
Modern, simple beauty

While these newlyweds (just two years in!) reside in Minnesota, they bring two different cultures to their marriage — she’s from Canada and he’s from Peru. Combined with their extensive travels, it’s no surprise that they opted for these unique stainless steel and concrete bands designed by Karen Konzuk. It was the first time I’ve ever seen concrete in wedding jewelry! I thought they really meshed with their personalities and personal style. Inspired choice!

Voodoo Jewelry: Jewelry Judge

While I have heard of Voodoo dolls in my life, I actually never knew that it was a religion until I started chatting with a waiter at Monkeypod in Ko Olina on Oahu. (sidebar: best, darn fish tacos I’ve ever had in my life!)

So Oi O’Brian (Hawaiian heritage, yet adopted by an Irish family) first caught my attention because of his abundant tattoos and big smile. (another sidebar: Tattoos are probably one of the most popular accessories I saw while on Oahu.) When I noticed that he was wearing an intriguing necklace, I clearly had to go introduce myself.

Can you see the details of the skulls?
Can you see the details of the skulls?

Oi follows Haitian Voodoo, and part of his religion says that all things must be in odd numbers. Therefore, there are 5 skulls on his necklace, which he carved himself out of yak bone. He has paired this with a red and black (significant colors in his religion) titanium wrap necklace, which he claims has health benefits. He wears both necklaces 24/7 — they are just part of him.

I know that with my jewelry judge series, I usually have a specific opinion about what I’m writing about. But this time, I don’t. I just find the whole thing so interesting, and I’m just nodding my head and thinking, “hmmm.” Perhaps you have an opinion??

Charlene Court: Jewelry Judge

I think that sometimes people must think I’m a total nut-job when I accost them in public places. I found my latest “victim” while I was having lunch with a friend at the Rotunda in San Francisco. This lovely young woman walked by, I caught a glimpse of the fan-tabulous necklace she was wearing, and truly leapt out of my seat to go after her.

Turns out, that she was wearing the designs of her friend, jewelry designer Charlene Court. (I LOVE when I discover a designer that I’ve never heard of!) So here’s the necklace that she was wearing.

Talk about dramatic!
Talk about dramatic!

Here’s a close-up of the pendant.

Organic beauty!
Organic beauty!

And get ready for the surprise in the back….

It's beautiful coming and going!
It’s beautiful coming and going!

In addition to this magnificent necklace she was also wearing a fab ring, also by Charlene.

Rockin'!
Rockin’!

And in case you want a close-up view of the ring, as I know I did!

Dress it up or down!
Dress it up or down!

So I suppose that you don’t have to guess whether the Jewelry Judge gives a thumbs up or a thumbs down this week. Wow! Know that I did eventually get back to my table to finish my salad, but I was on a jewelry high for the rest of my lunch!

Stacked Bangles with Style: Jewelry Judge

It’s on those rare days when the escalator is down that I find myself in the elevator at a department store. But today, this unexpected detour gave me the chance to see some chic arm candy.

The perfect mix
The perfect mix

While her over-all image is very cosmopolitan and refined (right down to her Prada bag) the stack she put together has a little bit of a global vibe, which really adds dimension to her appearance. I think I could tell a lot about her without even exchanging words. Well done!

Vintage Chanel Cross: Jewelry Judge

Do you remember how a while back I told you that my interest had been piqued about vintage jewelry? Well ever since then, I seem to be noticing it more and more! (I guess it’s sort of like when you’re in the market for a new car, and suddenly you’re surrounded by the make and model you have your heart set on.)

At any rate, I found myself at a swanky cocktail party in San Francisco, and I was taking in the scene unfolding around me. Before I knew it, my eyes made a bee-line for this cross around a very glamorous woman’s neck.

I may not be religious, but I'm loving this cross!
I may not be religious, but I’m lovin’ this cross!

In chatting with her, I learned that she bought this at the Vintage Fashion Expo back in the 1980’s. Looks like this show will be back in the Bay Area in September, so I just may have to check it out! (They have three shows in the Los Angeles area this winter/spring as well) I think it’s great that this piece has stood the test of time, and that she makes it her own by mixing it with current fashion.

Men’s Black Diamond Ring: Jewelry Judge

One of my monthly indulgences is getting a pedicure. It’s an hour of true bliss, and I’m usually just in my own little world while Sara gets my toes all dolled up. But at my last appointment, my eyes kept drifting to the gentleman seated in the next chair over. He had more than your ordinary wedding band.

Subtle, yet with a little bling
Subtle, yet with a little bling

Three rows of small, black diamonds, encased in matte platinum really made for a unique ring, and it truly seemed to suit his personal style. Normally I’m not into big bling for a guy, but I thought this was pretty cool. His wife, seated one more chair over, said that they had it made by a jeweler in San Francisco. They were clearly both very happy with how it turned out, and quite smitten with each other as well. Love that!

Talisman Necklace: Jewelry Judge

I was intrigued by the necklace this woman was wearing. Upon closer inspection, it was truly a necklace of varied talismans, from far and wide, and with much significance for its owner.

talisman necklace
What a collection of stories and meanings!

The first charm the caught my attention was one I had certainly never seen before…that of a liver! You’re reading it correctly, a human liver! And love the inscription on the back. Given that I was viewing this at a cocktail party, I can only hope the “protection” rubbed off on me!

liver charm
Have you ever seen anything like this?

There was also this cool-looking gold-filled canister. Apparently it’s a Thai amulet, and the designer offers it as a $20K life insurance policy! Wonder if State Farm would buy into that. 😉

thai amulet
Thai protection

Finally, the red eyes of the wolf pendant seemed to be looking straight into my eyes. It was given to the woman by an Alaskan shaman.

wolf charm
This is a serious charm!

I love how personal this necklace is, and how the owner really has captured so much that is near and dear to her heart. Given that it’s on a long chain, I know that it’s often hidden beneath her clothing, but I know that SHE knows it’s there. Cheers!

Layered Skulls: Jewelry Judge

No, this is not a Halloween post. Instead, it’s about a seriously chic woman I recently encountered at the Wilke’s Bashford grand re-opening bash in Palo Alto.

layered necklaces
How did she think of this?

This combination consists of 3 longer necklaces and one shorter one. The first (with the grosgrain ribbon detail) is by Nanette Lepore. Then she added a costume gold/rhinestone necklace, and third one by All Saints.

links of london skull
Now this is re-worked jewelry!

This shorter necklace is a lariat by Tiffany & Co. She then made it her own by adding the small, black skull by Links of London and another little charm she had. So creative!

As a final touch, I caught a glimpse of her wrist…

skull bracelet
Understated skulls

I love how she threw in the skull bracelet in her stack. (I believe that’s by Links of London as well.) I bet that most people don’t even notice it, which makes it even cooler. Chic with a bit of attitude!