It is true… back in the 90’s when I taught third grade, I had a BIG collection of holiday jewelry. I had wood cut-out necklaces and earrings for every occasion, and even some battery-powered pieces that my students loved. Now that I’m no longer working with little ones, I gave away my collection long ago, because let’s face it…it’s clearly not my personal style! But that’s not to say that you can’t find a more subtle way to celebrate with your jewelry. With the Fourth of July almost upon us, I thought it would be fun to explore options with a star motif. Granted, these would be good all year round, but extra special while watching fireworks burst overhead, don’t you think?
I definitely took note of the earrings Carey Mulligan was wearing on the cover of Vogue in May. They were so pretty, a bit vintage looking, and just the right complement to the dress. Little did I know that a just over a month later, I’d be meeting Marie-Juliette Bird, the designer of these beauties.
The line, Blackbird and the Snow, was showing at JCK and I was very excited to see it live. The pieces have a definite Victorian old-world aesthetic with a modern twist. These Celestial earrings were simply glowing, from the cabochon moonstones to the diamonds. And how unique is the display using an old picture frame?!
These mesmerizing cabochons were also divine in these Full Moon rings. The one with a blue hue is a rare ceylon moonstone, alongside a lighter colored moonstone set in gold. Equally dreamy, don’t you think?
Marie-Juliette spent 8 years apprenticing in London for David Courts, who is known for creating the original Keith Richards skull ring. During her years abroad, she began collecting antique Victorian charms. These precious purchases now serve as the inspiration for her line, which is completely hand fabricated in the USA. She was wearing her current favorite piece, which is the Flying Swallows necklace with diamonds.
I thought the Fancy Bird necklaces with a singular swallow were just darling — especially the turquoise one! I would totally layer that with other necklaces to create a nature-inspired mix.
Nature is a driving force behind the line, and “…is an ode to the natural world; the pieces express a connection to the wilderness and a desire to immortalize elements -birds, insects, wings, stars, moons – that serve as the living, elemental poetry of our world.” The heavens are represented in these necklaces. The rosecut gems really make them glisten, just like the stars in the night sky.
I couldn’t help but notice the sweet hoops she was wearing as well, with a turquoise bird gracing her lobe. It’s quite a clever design, as it would cover any elongated piercings you may have.
I was very curious about the name of this jewelry line. She explained that she sees her life as a tree, with different creative projects being different branches. Her band, Blackbird and the Storm is one branch, and her jewelry line is another. Creative to the core, this Boulder, CO-based artist is just beginning (2.5 in business now), and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Thank you so much for your time and letting me try everything on!
On Saturday I popped into the city to meet Delphine Richagneux, the new CEO of Manika. Now as you may know, I’ve been a fan of Manika since they first opened on Maiden Lane back in 2006. Not only do they have a new CEO, but they have they moved to a chic space on Market St. in the Palace Hotel. Of course, while I was there I had to imagine that I once again had a bottomless wallet — what would I buy?? Here’s my five picks, in no particular order
Jenny Reeves Seafoam Cuff in oxidized silver, 18K gold, chrysocolla and diamonds
How great does it look paired with the two rings I was wearing? (by Zaiken and Arik Kastan)
Jamie Joseph grey moonstone necklace, because it’s perfect for layering
Kanwar Creations cabochon rings…couldn’t decide between the tanzanite or the spessartite garnet
Mary Ray Cactus Drop earrings of gold and diamonds — so fun!
Of course, I could have had 20+ items on my list, but I had a limited amount of time. Great meeting Delphine, Kira and Jenny! If you’d like to get to know the store, then definitely come out for a fun event they’re having on Thursday, July 16, from 5-8. Click here for more details. I’ll be there fore sure!
When I think of Jamie Joseph, I think color! I envision handfuls of rings in every hue, as perfectly shown in this photo from their cool Instagram feed.
At the end of one particular day at Couture, I briefly was introduced to Jamie and her husband, Jeremy, by Melissa Joy Manning. I promised to come back the following day for the full tour of the line. Though Jamie was off buying stones when I came back, (Jeremy said, “She is a stone hound!”) I was able to spend some quality time with Jeremy getting the whole backstory on them and the jewels.
It turns out this story goes way back, all the way to the University of Kansas, where they met when they were only 20 years old! Jamie was getting her degree in economics, though she managed to take a singular jewelry making class. When they embarked on a “destiny trip” they landed in Seattle. They traveled until everything felt right, and things just fell into place, from a job to a great place to live. Jamie, though, lasted only one week interning at Merrill Lynch, and she soon found her new path in jewelry. (I’m so glad she took that class in college!)
Studying at the Jewelry Arts Institute in NYC, Jamie really started developing her craft. All the meanwhile, Jeremy was busy with his woodworking. (Quite handy, as he built her bench and studio.) Back in the day, they would sell their wares (sterling silver dancing bear earrings and wooden wands) at Grateful Dead shows. Everything would sell out. Her earrings were a hot commodity.
Fast forward to the 1990’s, and Jamie was spotted by a retailer, wearing a ring of her own design. He quickly sold all six rings she gave him, and that’s when things really started taking off. Soon, Jeremy found himself learning to cut stones. He told me that it was trial by fire — he started cutting Peruvian opal, and kept practicing until he got it right. For the past 13 years, Jeremy has been the full-time stone cutter for the line, and if I must say, he’s pretty darn fabulous at it.
This is the Dahlia ring, which is one of their signature styles. This particular one is a round hand-faceted carnelian with a bezel-set diamond, set in 14K gold on a sterling silver band. Jeremy commented that the diamond is the “beauty mark” on the ring. Adorbs!
Though color is a powerful theme in their line, I was also (no surprise) drawn to the range of neutral shades. Neutrals are my vibe!
The new collection they were showing features stones that have cracks through them, with artistic 22K gold detailing. I think they’re fabulous! Truly unique.
They came up with this idea when a boulder opal he was cutting broke in half. (Yikes!) Apparently, there have been quite a few broken bits along the way, and they live in an African wooden bowl in their studio called “The Boneyard.”
They started turning these “mistakes” into amazing new designs. I think the back of the pieces are just as pretty.
And take a look at the necklaces as well.
Speaking of necklaces, they also have a lovely collection of multi-prong twin teardrop lockets. They come in a range of stones. Here are a few — in rock crystal, pyrite, and lapis lazuli.
I couldn’t resist trying on this Galaxy cuff with the dreamiest of opals.
By now, you may be VERY ready to see this line in person. Lucky for you, they sell at retailers across the globe. Click here to find a location near you. They also are represented in many online shops, if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your living room.
Thank you very much, Jeremy, for spending so much time with me and sharing the story behind the brand!
Over the weekend, I had had the opportunity to attend West Coast Craft for the first time, held at Ft. Mason in San Francisco. According to their website the fair is, “…a craft and design show featuring carefully selected designers, artists, and crafts people inspired by the mood and aesthetics of the West Coast lifestyle. Cool but sunny, laid-back yet innovative, they represent the best of West Coast craft.”
The booths ranged from hand-carved spoons to eco-friendly clothing to jewelry(!) to surfboards and more. I was most definitely surrounded by the craftiest hipsters of the Bay Area. Was I hip enough to be here?! Not so sure…
Though when I spy a jewelry booth, there’s nothing else in my mind except seeing the line. The first one I encountered was Gabriela Artigas, who I’ve been following on Instagram for quite some time. It’s always fun to see things in person that you’ve only seen in a little photo on your phone. Her designs are clean, current, and edgy.
Strolling along the first row, I was also loving the necklaces with horsehair tassels by Faye Kendall.
I had to stop and try on these brass, quartz, and crushed pyrite cuffs by Dea Dia.
Meeting Corey Egan in person was definitely a highlight of the show, as I’ve been following her online for quite some time.
I was also completely in love with the hair pins by her neighbor, Kirsten Muenster.
There were so many talented artists displaying their wares. After two laps around the show, I decided I had to go home with this set of stacking bowls by Portland artist, Relm Studios. It’s been quite a while since I’ve added any decor to my little apartment, and I smile when looking at them.
If you want to check out this fair, it’s held twice a year in San Francisco, so be sure to check their website for show information.
There’s something enticing, sparkling, and yet serene (though these qualities may seem like they contradict) about Sara Weinstock. When I began speaking with her, I was instantly drawn in — devouring her stories and entranced by her demeanor, let alone by the captivating jewels shining in her cases.
Amy and Sara
I knew that she was my kind of gal when she told me she brought her mother’s engagement ring to her first day of kindergarten. Eager to share with her friends, the ring was sadly lost. (This is so reminiscent of when I picked out all the real gems from my jewelry at around the same age and was horrified when I lost them as well.) Our mutual life-long love of jewelry led us along our own journeys, which brought us both to this day at the Couture show in Las Vegas.
A fellow San Francisco Bay Area Native, Sara was born into a family of female artists. When she found herself single and with both children out of the house, jewelry was a natural path for her. She needed something to fill her days and bring her joy, and making jewelry surely does that.
One of her new collections, French Tulip, is inspired by the intricate ironwork on the bannisters and balconies of Paris, as well as by the patterns in lace. Here’s a vignette of her inspirations.
This diamond necklace is most definitely a star in this collection!
These three rings, made in her own alloy of pink gold, are also part of the French Tulip collection. They are equally beautiful on their own, or worn in multiples.
I was also very enamored of her Taj collection, with its perfect use of negative space and clear architectural influences. Aren’t these rings just great worn on the same finger?
Sara’s line is made in Los Angeles, and she’s now in her eighth year of business. She puts her heart into this line, which is a “mirror into her soul.” This particular bracelet is named Cecilia after her grandmother. Can you guess why? It’s because the shape of the bracelet is the pattern of her grandmother’s silver. What a modern, yet sentimental interpretation!
I adore this photo she instagrammed while in Vegas, showcasing a total Sara Weinstock arm party!
The Paba collection is among her current favorites. Paba= pave + ball. Cute! Here’s another of her photos which shows her Paba layered necklace.
I think the different permutations of the Paba rings are both whimsical and elegant at the same time.
While you may find her dining at Nobu (her favorite restaurant) or shopping at Barney’s (one of her fave stores), her number one place to rest and relax with family is up at Lake Tahoe. At any of these venues, she’ll likely be wearing her 17-stone ring, which is from her French Lace collection. I can certainly see why it’s her go-to piece.
If you’d like to get your hands on a piece of Sara’s work, then click here for a list of stockists. Sara, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you!
Though spring in San Francisco currently seems to be colder than our winter, my eye is still being caught by the ever-popular insect motif in jewelry. As I was walking up Sutter Street the other day, this little Victorian beauty buzzed my name from the front window of Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry.
While so beautiful, this intricate piece is certainly an investment for most people. It got me thinking about how this pin would be on the catwalk at Fashion Week. But how to translate this to the street? Or as often dubbed, “Runway to Realway.” I took a look around and compiled a collection of ideas. Here they are, in no particular order.
Tomorrow, as I head out for the day, I’m going to see how many of these winged creatures I see, both in reality and in the form of jewelry. I hope you have a lovely spring day!
I love weeding through my clients’ jewelry boxes. It’s amazing what one can uncover when you get to the far corners, pulling out items that likely haven’t been seen in years. When you start making a little pile of singular earrings that are missing their mate, perhaps a wedding ring from a former marriage, or something that is just SO not your style anymore, things can stack up fast. This is exactly what I did with a client a few months ago, and here’s the handful we ended up with.
Knowing we had some great diamonds and gold in hand, we headed to Rebecca Overmann’s studio in San Francisco for a design session. The possibilities were endless, and Rebecca took to her notebook to start sketching out some ideas.
The first decision we needed to make was what to do with the large, round solitaire diamond. My client spends countless hours a week out on the tennis court, so we thought a bezel-set pendant on a simple chain would be ideal. It wouldn’t get in the way of her backhand, yet it would certainly add a little glitz to her tennis whites. Boy did it turn out beautifully!
Not only is it elegant on its own, but it layers so easily with other necklaces.
My client has also really gotten into stacking rings, so a couple new ones were definitely in order. Here’s a great shot of the first one off the bench.
The second one she made is a bubble design, shown paired with the ring above, on her middle finger. So fun!
Here’s another combo I spotted her wearing. (The larger ring is Tap by Todd Pownell.)
Finally, my client was in need of a pair of diamond studs that would also be great for her athletic lifestyle. Rebecca did not disappoint.
So now, instead of old, unused items gathering dust in her jewelry box, my client has a new necklace, two beautiful rings, and a pair of earrings that she will wear all the time. Thanks for everything, Rebecca!
I think it was the sinuous, exotic shapes and deeply colored stones that first drew me to Anahita’s booth at the Couture show. Perusing her collection, it’s no surprise that the first bracelet I tried on was this this horn cuff, with an ebony wood dome, accented with 18K gold, diamonds and moonstones. It was right up my luxe bohemian alley, and she explained that it was inspired by her travels to Bali and Cambodia.
I was so pleased to meet Anahita (Ana) Stein and see her line in Las Vegas. Her Persian heritage and background in architecture are perfectly melded in her sculptural, fluid designs. Take, for example, her “Wave” bangles, which stack together in an organic pattern.
Tear drops are a common theme in her jewelry, and she told me she’s inspired by the tears that Persian soldiers shed with their wives before going off to war. This pair of earrings has drops of both beryl and Mandarin garnet, alonside blue sapphire, tsavorite and yellow beryl in 18K yellow gold.
This “Sultan” ring has tears of ruby briolettes with diamonds and a fabulous grey moonstone, all set in white gold.
The brushed finish on the gold really makes these labradorite cabochons pop, don’t you think?
I’m sure you’re now seeing the exotic allure of this line, and the curves continue with this cuff, featuring cognac diamonds and prehnite cabochons. I just adore the yellow-green glow of the prehnite.
Made in New York City with recycled gold and conflict-free stones, Anahita’s “wearable architecture” is a beauty to behold. Click here for a list of retailers near you.
I don’t quite know what’s going on with me, but I’ve got feathers on the brain. I see them on the ground, I’ve had more than one dream that I have a feather tattoo, and no lie, but as I was getting ready for work in the bathroom the other morning, a teeny, tiny feather drifted down right in front of my face. Where did THAT come from?! I also was lunching with a friend a couple weeks ago and she gave me a necklace with…wait for it…a feather charm! She had no idea what’s been going on with me, and I must say I got chills when I opened the box.
I’ve researched the meaning of feathers a bit, and there seems to be a common consensus that it is associated with ascending to a higher spiritual plane. Interesting. Of course, I’m not necessarily wedded to the idea of a permanent feather on my body at this point, so my mind has turned to feather jewelry. Here’s a few pieces that have caught my eye.
Feathered Soul diamond feather on leather necklace (Not to be biased, but this one is my favorite on the list.)
