Necklaces – Page 20 – Jewelry Fashion Tips

Pade Vavra: Designer

OK, I have yet another jewelry designer to add to my list of favorites. How does this keep happening?! I discovered Pade Vavra and her line while at the Women’s Jewelry Association “Designers by the Bay” event.

This petite designer has got great energy and was overflowing with love for her craft. In fact she told me, “It’s truly my love. I don’t know how to do anything else!” With a “raw meets refined” look, I first tried on this fan-tab-ulous aqua quartz double-fingered ring.

Now based in Healdsburg, she began her business in 1999. She has two branches of her collection, which includes Pade Vavra Fine and Pade by Pade Vavra. One of the things that has put her on the map are her diamond-embellished shark tooth necklaces. Here is a beautiful example in a blond/peach color scheme.

pade vavra 18K peach gold blonde shark tooth necklace

In fact, Mila Kunis wore one of these awesome necklaces throughout the whole movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. (I’ll have to add that to my Netflix list.)

I also thought this Herkimer diamond bracelet would be amazing stacked with some of my bracelets.

And how cool is this grey quartz necklace?

She has a new “ribcage” ring, which can be worn three different ways. Very clever design!! It can be made in 14K gold or sterling silver, accented with black or white diamonds. She can also make it in just the metal, sans sparkle.

Pade, whose pieces have been featured in numerous fashion magazines, also does custom work, using either her own materials, or re-working the clients’ jewelry. Not only does she design jewelry, but Pade is also mom to two boys and is married to a vintner — owner of Red Car Wine in Sesbastopol. Where does she find the time? I love her work and look forward to seeing more!

Hello Kitty Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto

I know that my love for jewelry has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt since I launched this blog in 2011. And I will now admit a secret to you that very few know — I was completely obsessed with Hello Kitty (and Little Twin Stars, etc.) when I was a child. Every spare cent I could save was carefully spent at the Sanrio store at the local mall. I still have a collection of these products from the late 70’s and early 80’s in my mom’s attic. (Heck…those are probably worth something today!) At any rate, my love of both these items did NOT coincide when I saw this necklace, set to launch in January 2014 by Mikimoto.

Retailing at $290,000, it’s designed with Akoya pearls (click here to read more about what those are), diamonds and onyx.

I always say that the more you pay for something, the more you should wear it. In that way, the cost-per-wear goes down. But really, where does one possibly get enough wear from this necklace to justify the cost? It’s not suitable for most workplace environments (where most adults spend the majority of their waking hours), and I hardly envision it on a hot date night or fancy cocktail party. So unless you are just a die-hard collector of Hello Kitty paraphernalia, I think this necklace is definitely a fashion “don’t.”

Downton Abbey Jewelry: Jewelry Judge

I, like many of you reading this post, am a HUGE fan of the British series, Downton Abbey. In fact, I’ve got Jan 5, 2014 on my calendar for the premiere of season 4 here in the States! The series starts towards the end of Edwardian England in 1912, and the third season ended around 1920. Aside from the perfectly cast actors and the compelling story lines, I eagerly await each episode to see what the characters are wearing. (Kudos to the costume designer!)

The period costumes are truly beautiful!

Imagine my surprise when I spotted this display while shopping in Macy’s over the weekend.

I took a closer look at many of the pieces.

While the line definitely evokes the feel of the era, I really don’t see how this collection is going to take off. Granted, if you were dressing as one of the characters for Halloween, then this is ideal. But are people really going to go for it in real life? I’m dubious. Perhaps someone with a romantic personal style may opt for a piece here and there, but I don’t see myself or most people I know running out to Macy’s to purchase. What’s your opinion? Would love to hear from you!

Elyria Jewels

I recently attended the Women’s Jewelry Association event “Jewelers by the Bay” which featured 20 fabulous jewelry designers. With their wares artfully displayed in the iconic Shreve’s building in Union Square, I was definitely in jewelry heaven. Elyria Jewels caught my eye right off the bat. I was so happy to speak with Elisa Browsh, the designer.

This formerly SF-based company (now in Boulder, CO) was founded in 1996. Each piece of the collection is hand-made in the USA, and it has a very distinct voice. The line, “balances industrial chic with a luxurious bohemian aesthetic.” Case in point, this necklace, with blackened metals, diamonds and moonstones.

I was very drawn to this necklace, featuring a large disc pendant with black diamond slices. It’s a stellar mix of primitive and modern, fine jewelry.

And take a look at this necklace, with a rough aquamarine set in sterling silver chains.

When I tried on this emerald-cut moonstone and diamond ring, I must admit that I had to lift my jaw up off the floor. To-die-for!!!

In fact, she also makes some amazing stacking rings.

Rumor has it that some of her pieces may be available near Union Square soon — I’m keeping my eye out!

Haunting Jewelry for Halloween and Beyond

You may not know this about me, but I taught 3rd grade for 8 years. Being a fashionista, I know that you won’t be surprised to learn that I had THE most amazing collection of holiday jewelry for every event from Valentine’s Day to Thanksgiving — wood cut-out pieces, necklaces that required batteries, and many home-crafed gifts from students. My 8 and 9 year-old audience loved it! I had many items like these below in my jewelry box.

When I “retired” from teaching to enter the world of fashion 15 years ago, I quickly realized that I wanted my holiday jewelry to be a bit more refined and subtle. (and BOY did my teacher jewelry sell like hotcakes at my garage sale!!) With that in mind, I wanted to share some hauntingly cool jewelry befit for October 31st — or really, let’s be frank, any day. Enjoy!

Bing Bang rose gold skull and chain earrings

REAL spider web preserved by Dolly Bird Design

Pearl and spider earrings by Anna Ruth Henriques

Happy Halloween!! And I hope that you get some M&M’s in your trick-or-treat basket, because let’s face it, it’s the best candy out there! 😉

Vicente Agor’s Silhouette Jewelry

Though you may not want to admit it, the holidays are right around the corner. (Eek!) I do quite a bit of gift shopping for my clients, and I just love the silhouette jewelry I came across by San Francisco designer, Vicente Agor. He uses a photo (which you provide) and transforms it into a stunning piece of jewelry.

Available in 18K gold or sterling silver, he has a variety of designs, including cufflinks. This would be such a cool gift for a dad or grandfather!

Even your pet can be immortalized and cherished for generations to come.

So if you want to get a head start on your shopping and are in need of a unique, memorable gift, then contact Vicente!

Bullet Necklaces by Kat Blink

While exploring the shops in Soho, I spied this gal across the racks at a trendy Italian boutique.

I was completely intrigued by her creative layers, and I wanted to know more about the bullet necklaces in particular. It turns out she is the designer herself, Kat Blink, visiting from Greece! Click here to check out her website. (Leave it to me to hone in on a jewelry designer!) She uses actual bullet casings and then uses different crystals and stones to complete the pendant.

We chatted for quite some time about crystals and their powers. If you explore her website, you can learn all about what different crystals bring to those who wear them. So interesting!

Linhardt Jewelry Gallery in NYC

I did my best to explore as much of New York City as I could during my week working there. The last neighborhood I visited was Nolita, and I’m so glad that my biker boots wandered in that direction! I came upon Linhardt Designs, an amazing jewelry gallery tucked among the shops and eateries on Mott Street.

I was so fortunate that Lisa Linhardt, the artist herself, was in the store that afternoon!

As I wandered about the gallery, she explained that she has two different lines — “basics” and “signature.” I first tried on some of the “basics” line, and I was happy to purchase my first knuckle ring, complete with a micro-diamond. (This is a trend I saw ALL over the streets of NYC!)

But I have to say that her “signature” line really grabbed me. With a background in sculpture, I could readily see the translation to jewelry in her Tempest Ring, which utilizes two fingers.

And here is a simpler, yet still architectural Gold Arca cuff.

Dubbed “the green jeweler of NYC” by New York Magazine, Lisa uses all recycled metals and goes beyond when ethically sourcing her stones from Canada and Namibia. Every piece is locally made, which scores very high marks in my book!

I’m not the only fan of the line. Take a look at the cover of Alicia Keys’ album which features one of Lisa’s rings.

And how pretty is this Tempest necklace?! It can be dressed up or down, and it certainly makes an artistic statement!

I’m thrilled to have met Lisa and discovered her line. And if you find yourself in Paris in December, you can catch her at a four-person show at the Ibu Gallery in the Palais Royal. Tres chic!

Image of store: Yoon Kim
Custom cases: Stephane Hubert Design
Custom infinity mirror: Wary Meyers Decorative Arts
Architecture: Diego Garay and the team at Point Design
Curation and creative direction: Lisa Linhardt

Irit Design

Quite a few years ago, I ripped out this page from a magazine, and it has lived in my “style file” ever since. The article was about Amber Valetta, and I was just obsessed with the jewelry she was wearing!

The object of my desire was a pile of expertly layered necklaces by Irit Design. As the years passed, I was always on the lookout for her line — I wanted to see it in person! Well luck would have it that Neiman Marcus in San Francisco started carrying it, and I was in the store recently when she was having a personal appearance and trunk show. Lucky me!

This Malibu-based designer was just as lovely as her line. She took the time to really show me (and my client, Karen) her new pieces, and we spent over an hour trying everything on! Here’s Karen modeling her snake handcuff. It’s so unique and edgy! It’s nicely complemented with the chevron knuckle ring.

All of her jewelry is hand made in Los Angeles. She uses recycled sterling, conflict-free diamonds, and Tahitian pearls. And let me tell you, the designs rock! Here I am trying on a stack of her bracelets.

I loved these triple pearl earrings. The diamonds at the top add just the right amount of sparkle.

For a more all-out diamond look, these earrings, called “bubbles,” are quite tremendous.

Celebrity clients range from Sandra Bullock to Halle Berry. Even the First Lady, Michelle Obama, is a fan. Here she is looking quite smashing in Irit Design!

Not only is Irit a talented designer, but I learned that she is incredibly charitable as well. “Dogs are my favorite thing in life,” she told me, and she is very active in animal rescue charities. Love that about her. Irit’s line is available in various states around the country and online. Click here for a list of stockists.

Vintage Layers: Jewelry Judge

I’m working in NYC this week, and it’s truly shopping heaven for me. Hopping from Bergdorf’s (Kardashian sighting) to the Meatpacking (Paris Hilton sighting) to Soho is just so fun. And people watching is right up there with cool things to do in the city, in my book. I ran across 5th Ave. and practically knocked this gal over.

I only had about 30 seconds to talk to her and snap her photo, but I really thought her two vintage necklaces were quite eye-catching. Granted, her sweater is pilling and her shoes were in need of repair, but all I could focus on was her jewelry. She was really showing her personality and sense of creativity. What do you think? And be honest, I want to know your opinion!