I introduced you to Pade Vavra back in November. (Click here if you missed the article.) She’s an edgy jewelry designer, who I just learned is also a passionate musician. (This SO does not surprise me!) In her words, “I wanted to be a musician, but for the last 19 years, jewelry is my music. Like the bass of a drum or strum of a guitar, it strikes an emotional chord in me.”
She has melded her two loves perfectly with her guitar string rings.
They are not made of actual guitar strings, which are much too stiff, but rather of solid sterling silver diamond cut chain. She makes them with rose or yellow gold plate finishes, as well as gunmetal black rhodium or polished silver.
I tried on the yellow gold in the regular and midi-sized rings.
I was so impressed with how light, malleable and comfortable they are! Pade says, “…measuring 2 millimeters in width, they are sleek, smooth and most importantly, do not get in the way of playing your instrument.”
At only $49 dollars each, everyone from Rhianna to Steven Tyler to Hayden Panettiere have been wearing them. And I can just picture Pade rocking them as she drums on her 1972 Ludwig Vistalite drum kit. Rock on!
Coming from the world of fashion, Fern Freeman is a prolific jewelry designer! When I stopped at their booth at the JCK show, I learned that a whopping 70% of the items in their cases were brand new.
The line is full of statement pieces, many with a creative, bohemian edge. This is definitely at the opposite end of the spectrum from delicate chains and skinny stacking rings. Take a gander at this long labradorite pendant.
And what about this geode and diamond necklace with a double chain? Yes, please!
I was also loving this rhodium cuff with a diamond bar. It’s large, yet still a bit delicate at the same time.
And is it cocktail time? I mean cocktail ring, that is. I’ll take mine in the form of this crystal and 22K gold ring.
And because I’m obsessed with all shades of aqua, these agate and moonstone earrings are a gypset girls dream!
Would some of these pieces work for your personal style? How would you style them?
I must admit that I never did very well in my history classes, but if Coomi Bhasin had been my teacher I would have rocked it, no doubt! During the course of our interview at the Couture show, everything from the Mesopotamian Era to Alexander the Great was thrown into the mix. This beautiful, highly intelligent and evervescent woman really wowed me, as did her jewelry line.
Coomi, a Mumbai native who has spent her whole life designing, studied construction management (I can SO not picture her in a hard hat!) as well as being a textile designer and landscape architect. She made the official switch to full-time jewelry designer in 2002, at the age of 52. The fact that she followed her dream is a true inspiration to me.
Now let’s take a closer look at some of her work, which she describes as “important, yet wearable.” Here’s her Lucy necklace. Lucy was one of the oldest skeletons every found, and Coomi designed her skeleton in gold, just as it was found, backed by an arrowhead, over 10,000 years old. (See what I’m saying about the history lesson?!) Have you ever seen anything quite like it? I sure haven’t!
I adore how she used another arrowhead in this fantastic cuff.
I was quite taken with this 15th century bronze buddah ring. I tried it on was amazed to see that it had a backside covered in diamonds. She told me with a glint in her eye, “They’re just for you!! No one else knows they are there!” Coomi told me that diamonds have the purest energy of any stone, and they must touch your skin to release the energy. She has one on every single piece she makes.
This diamond cuff is honestly a work of art. Each diamond takes two hours to set by hand, if you can believe it. That’s one labor-intensive bracelet!
One project she has worked long and hard on is how to create a diamond piece without any metal showing. Two years in development, she finally worked it out (I guess this is where her architectural training really comes in handy!). Here’s a diamond and ruby necklace in which the gems just seem to be floating. This was her first attempt with white gold, and I say she nailed it!
Another necklace she showed me was this one from her Serenity collection. It depicts the desert rose from the Kalahara desert in Africa, which blooms only once every 100 years. The diamonds represent the water droplets that get trapped in the bottom, center of the flower, and the texture of the gold represents the dryness of the desert sand.
Coomi has also recently launched a silver line, which is currently available at Neiman Marcus and Wilke’s Bashford. You can find her line at numerous states across the country, so if this collection intrigues you, then I urge you to go see it in person!
Seeing that I’m a (single) wardrobe stylist and a jewelry blogger, people always assume that I know exactly what I want when it comes to the day that I get engaged. Shockingly, I still have no clue! So I’m always on the lookout for amazing rings, looking for inspiration. (Yes, I know that this is a “cart-before-the-horse scenario,” but a girl can dream, right?!)
Last Friday I was doing some Christmas shopping in Union Square and along Fillmore Street, and I came across two very stunning and non-traditional sets. First was on the finger of Sarah.
The trio of rings is by Armenta (whom I adore, both as a designer and as a person), with an ornate wide band and diamond eternity bands on either side. She said she also has a wide platinum band that she can substitute for the middle one if she’s having more of a “silver” day. Gotta love options! (Side note: love the edginess of the chevron knuckle ring and sparkly manicure on this young wife)
Not long thereafter, I came across this gal, who has a main band of diamond slices surrounded by smaller diamonds, and again, framed with two diamond eternity bands. Yes, I was drooling!
I think the originality and versatility of both these stacks are uber cool. Plus, they really give the wearer a chance to express their personal style. I’ll definitely be adding these ideas to my mental “wedding ring” idea list. Sorry, honey — I don’t know who you are yet, but you’re already in trouble. 😉
So how is your holiday shopping going? If you’re like most Americans (myself included), there are definitely some more gifts to buy — perhaps for others or even for yourself! (I’m still working on my boyfriend gift this year.) With that in mind and only 9 more shopping days, I’ve been scouring all the latest and greatest items in the world of jewelry. With so many stunning choices, which way to turn? Well, whomever the gift is for, don’t forget to take the recipient’s personal style into consideration.
During my 6-part series, Jewelry Box Basics, I discussed what jewelry each person should have in their jewelry box, based on their personal style: the lady who lunches, bohemian, rock star, minimalist, romantic, and the trendy gal. Of course, practically no one fits into one tidy box, but this still provides a framework with which to hit the jewelry store or your favorite online site. Here are some suggestions for Santa on what you might put under the Christmas tree.
The Lady Who Lunches
Pearls and studs are a mainstay for this personal style. Once you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to branch out. Alexis Bittar is a great fit for this lady, and he recently came out with an oo-la-la fine jewelry line. I think this multi-strand pearl necklace is so unique!
Midnight Marquis necklace
Look at the detail of aquamarines, green amethysts and gold on the multiple layers of grey pearls.
If a new pair of studs is in order this year, then I think these grey diamond slice lovelies by Sethi Couture would certainly do the trick!
Grey and white diamonds
The Bohemian
True, I have a strong Bohemian influence in my own personal style, so I know that adding a statement ring to the jewelry box is always a good idea. Here are a couple that have really caught my eye. First is a unique horizontal design by Jemma Wynne. I had the opportunity to try it on last week, and it looked spectacular — plus it was so comfortable to wear!
Labradorite and diamonds
For an even bolder statement, I turn to one of my all-time favorite designers, Rona Pfeiffer. Take a look at this major ring!
Fan-tab-ulous diamonds!
The Rock Star
Do you have a rock star on your list? I’m sure that her jewelry box is in need of refreshing as well. And what better way to do that, than by one of the edgy ear cuffs that are hitting the market? If this is a more refined rocker, then I think this ear cuff by Repossi would be perfect.
And if she’s into something a little more “raw,” then I recommend this one by Mania Mania.
“Vamp” ear cuff
Here’s how it looks on the ear.
Pretty cool, right?!
The Minimalist
In stark contrast to the Rock Star, this personal style thrives on clean lines, and fewer choices in the jewelry box. But don’t let this scare you off — you can still find the perfect addition to make her smile. Likely, she has a pair of simple studs in her collection, so how about you give her a pair with just a small twist? This small cluster design by Jacquie Aiche is perfection.
A slim, low-profile ring would also be a solid (yet sparkling) choice. This band by Melissa Joy Manning is simple beauty, in white gold with black diamonds. It’s easily captivating on its own or stacked.
The Romantic
This time of year doubtless stirs up feelings of nostalgia and sweet smiles for this personal style. Since many of the pieces in her jewelry box are most certainly family heirlooms, selecting a gift with a nod to the past is wonderful. I came across this unique necklace by Ginger Peachy, made from a vintage pin centered on a rose gold chain. Love it!
Or how about this delicate boulder opal ring by Armenta, which is sure to become a favorite!
This will certainly be passed down for generations.
The Trendy Gal
There are so many jewelry trends going on right now, that this is one of the easiest personal styles to shop for. Definitely a trend on the rise, the hand chain (otherwise known as a slave bracelet) is popping up from coast to coast. Here is a clean design by Blee Inara that might delight her.
Here’s how it looks when worn.
Chains are appearing everywhere, and here’s a very on-trend ring by Djula that proves it.
If “brand names” are something that she’s into, then you can’t go wrong with a bracelet by Vita Fede. There are SO many different metal colors and styles, that it’ll be tough to make a choice.
Titan rose gold and Swarovski crystals
I’ve seen endless permutations of stacks that incorporate them.
Stack ’em up!
Now I know that many of the pieces in this article may not be in your shopping budget. (They certainly aren’t all in mine!) But don’t let that discourage you. It’s possible to find the “look” at a variety of price points. Just use this as a jumping-off point to find the perfect gift. I’d love to know what you find!!
Jewelry inspiration struck while working with one of my clients in NYC this season. I’ve always admired this stack she wears, with an inscribed ring for each of her four children, book-ended by two diamond eternity bands.
While we were out shopping one afternoon in Soho, she picked up this skinny ring with a black diamond bar at Michele Varian. Paired with the slimmest of rings that she was already wearing, it felt just right.
So back in California, I had to dig out my thin stacking rings and see what I had to work with. I have owned these three gold and diamond stackers for years. The top one is by Nina Basharova, I have no clue who made the middle one, and the bottom one is by Armenta.
I do love these rings, but I needed to mix it up a bit. So I headed over to the Gallery of Jewels on Fillmore Street in SF. There, I picked up these silver rings by Amery Carriere. One is oxidized, and three have a tiny diamond accent.
Then I decided, why stop at just silver and gold? How about throwing in a little rose gold? This slim ring by Zaiken Jewelry did the trick.
The final addition was a silver ring with a tear-drop raw, green diamond found at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito. (One of the benefits of having clients all over the place is the chance to jewelry shop outside of my ‘hood!) Now, I can really start getting creative. Here are two different stacks I’ve worn in the past week — one with more of a silver vibe, and one veering more towards gold.
With my interest completely piqued, I’ve also been searching around Pinterest for more stack-tastic ideas. I love this combination by Blanca Monros Gomez, sold at Catbird. Elegant!
And what about this collection with black diamonds? Fab-ooo!
I think I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg with the skinny stacks. I will have to try and restrain myself the next time I’m in a jewelry store…or not. 😉
I love approaching the different booths at the Couture show in Las Vegas– it’s like being a kid in a candy shop, and there are countless treats to be savored. That’s just how I felt when meeting Moritz Glik and trying on some of his amazing collection!
Born and raised in Brazil, Moritz came to the US in 1991. Though he was an extremely talented shoe designer, he eventually made the shift to jewelry-making. Buying the tools and teaching himself the art, Moritz started his own line about 12 years ago. He is famous for designing pieces that have diamonds that appear to be “floating” in a shaker-like concept. Take these earrings, for example — they have diamonds enclosed in double white sapphires. Have you ever seen anything like it?
The champagne rose cut diamonds in these earrings with pink gold and blackened silver, are truly unique. (This is his first collection where he’s used pink gold.) You can see how he is inspired by antique jewelry, yet he hand-crafts something so contemporary.
I was drawn to his link bracelets with various “charms.” Here’s one from his new kaleidoscope collection with a blackened silver chain along with yellow and white diamonds in the charms.
I tried one on, and it melded beautifully with my bracelet stack. Love it!!
stack-tastic!
Here is a cool trio of his designs.
He also makes some substantial cuffs. This one makes a bold statement. As Moritz told me, “I bring downtown cool wearability to diamonds.” Agreed!
This is a “wow” piece!
His collection of rings also showcase his floating diamonds. I particularly adore this large one with white and champagne diamonds.
Not only is Moritz branching out with pink gold this time around, but he’s also started using colored stones. This necklace has both diamonds and colored sapphires.
You can find Moritz’s line sold at many retailers around the globe, including at Fragments in NYC. Definitely worth checking out!
No, this is not a Halloween post (I know that Thanksgiving is tomorrow.). Though I just have to share — I recently came across a cache of photos of Victorian era jewelry with human teeth. What the heck?! Seriously, I find this whole concept a bit freaky. Here is a prime example…it’s an enamel brooch given to Princess Victoria from Prince Albert in 1847. It features the “first milk tooth” from their child. Uh, is it just me, or is this a bit icky??
Upon further research, I’m finding that using human teeth in jewelry is not something just done in the past. In fact, the art is alive and well. Melbourne jeweler Polly Van Der Glas has a whole collection of jewelry made from human teeth, set in sterling silver. Moreso, her line focuses on all things that were once attached to the human body — hair, teeth, and fingernails. She even offers a 10% discount on commissioned jewelry in which you provide the teeth.
I don’t know about you, but this is definitely not something that will be on my jewelry lust list…just sayin’.
What do you get when you mix an architect with an outdoorsy, yet elegant gal who lives in the Austrian Alps? Well you may not guess, but a talented jewelry designer! I was thrilled to meet Elizabeth Weiss-Lasater of Baukunst Studios last week during a special trunk show in San Francisco.
Elizabeth and Amy
With a masters in architecture from Columbia, Elizabeth and her architect-husband moved to Austria for a huge project. During this time, working long hours in freezing-cold conditions, she realized that this was not what she wanted to be doing. But with her love of geometry, form and design, she made the move to jewelry design about a year ago. It started with her wedding rings. Her husband didn’t want to wear one, so she said, “Fine, then I want two!” (Love that!) Here I am wearing three of the rings she designed (she wears two for her wedding set).
So cool how they fit together
Elizabeth begins the creative process with sketching. These designs are then transferred into 3D images and a plastic mold is made. She wears the plastic models, road-testing it and tweaking if necessary. Only then is the piece cast in metal. (She casts both in the USA and in Europe, depending where her client lives.) Here you can see the plastic model and the finished bracelet.
The word is getting out on this fresh line. Her hexagon bracelet was recently featured in 1st Magazine in Austria, which would translate to something like Vanity Fair here in the States.
Hexagon Bracelet
The designs are very clean, modern and comfortable to wear. Case in point is this bracelet.
Revolution Bracelet
She is growing the line, and earrings will be coming soon. I look forward to seeing the new pieces!
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.
Amy and Pade
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.
Yes, please!
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.
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.)
Mila Kunis
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.
Wear it three ways!
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!
