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.
Amy and Elisa
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.
Capella necklace
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!!!
It looks good on me, right?!
In fact, she also makes some amazing stacking rings.
Rumi stacking rings
Rumor has it that some of her pieces may be available near Union Square soon — I’m keeping my eye out!
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.
Perfect for a grade school teacher!
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!
Skull bracelet by Alexander McQueen
Bing Bang rose gold skull and chain earrings
REAL spider web preserved by Dolly Bird Design
Pearl and spider earrings by Anna Ruth Henriques
Snake moonstone ring by Colette
Borgioni snake bracelet
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! 😉
Brumani is a Brazilian-based jewelry line that I’ve been seeing more and more of on the Red Carpet and adorning celebrities about town, from Jennifer Lawrence to Penelope Cruz. Here’s Jennifer Lopez wearing earrings and multiple rings from their “Looping Shine” collection in NYC recently.
I was thrilled to check out the collection live while at the Couture jewelry show. The array of dazzling colors and gem-laden pieces was enough to get my inner princess drooling!! And visiting their booth was like having a little vacation, including perfumes of the most popular scents of the country.
Though this is relatively young brand, founded in 2005 by three brothers (Eduardo, Emerson and Rodrigo Bruner), they have a 50+ year family history in jewelry making. The essence of the line is all about Brazil, “…inspired by Brazilian music, by the magic and colors of the Carnival, the feminine universe, the arts, the nature of Brazil and by the connection of different cultures brought together by a shared history.”
Their “Looping Shine” collection strives to “connect the many bonds people have in life: friends, relationships, experiences…It’s a tribute to love, to affection, to companionship, to friendship and to fellowship.” The pieces are made from rose gold with diamonds and double faceted translucent quartz, which has been polished with a diamond powder. I would SO wear one of those big rings!!
They also have a collection based on the very exotic Baobab tree. Here are some rings from this group that sparkle like crazy!
This following image showcases pieces from the “Baobab Grass” collection. I was so taken by the frosted, matte look of the lemon quartz. (It reminded me of sea glass, which you know I love.) In combination with brown diamonds, chrysoberyl, and Mandarin garnet, these truly are jewels fit for royalty.
The “Baobab Parahyba” collection features white gold and diamonds with hues of blue, including aquamarines and the rare Parahyba tourmaline.
I also thought their “Nude” collection was very cool. Perhaps a bit more casual, these pieces make a statement about the range in human skin color, “..a way to show appreciation for the ethnic diversity in colors that range from white to beige; from champagne to pink; from brown to black.” Love that inspiration! Here’s a lovely pair of earrings with stunning faceted smoky quartz drops.
This line just really makes my jewelry soul smile. Their goal is to “design jewelry that represents the joy of living from the Brazilian soul” and I think they’ve done just that!
I must admit that I’ve had a fascination with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen ever since they shared the role of the youngest Tanner daughter on Full House. Fast forward about 25 years, and these twins are a fashion force to be reckoned with! They even won the coveted CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2012 for their line, The Row! I, of course, was thrilled when they launched a fashion jewelry line under their Elizabeth and James label. I was extremely please to meet with Jocelyn Helm, the head designer for the line (and a twin herself!) for the second year in a row at the Couture jewelry show.
Amy and Jocelyn
Jocelyn has been designing the line for about 4 years now, and I must say that I’ve been a huge fan since its inception. I have a couple pieces from when she launched the line (which are still among my fave items in my jewelry box), and I seem to keep adding to my collection. I appreciate the price points and how you really get big looks that are affordable. This line does an excellent job at melding “uptown sophistication and feminine detail” with “laid-back, downtown edge.” One of the collections shown this year is called Berlin. It’s comprised of pieces with bold, linear lines, and it’s inspired by old-world ironwork and European windowpanes. Metals include black ruthenium and yellow gold plate with white topaz, black spinel, lapis, carnelian and black onyx. Here’s a pair of earrings from this group.
I fell in love with this cuff from the same collection when I saw it locally, at Wilke’s Bashford in San Francisco. Yes, it went home with me, and I love how I feel so modern and a bit edgy when I wear it.
I was also very intrigued by another new collection, called Northern Star. The cohesive note here was the “delicate compass stars (which are) evocative of vintage Vicotrian era.” The pieces are comprised of all-natural white topaz, carnelian, lapis, and green onyx with yellow gold plated designs. I love these two rings from this group! (both available at Shopbop.com) They show the range in style within the collection, yet with a unifying theme of the star points.
Northern Star Statement Ring
Norther Star Large Cabochon Ring
Finally, I got a sneak peek at their resort line called Metropolis, clearly named for the amazing skyline of New York City. With an art deco feel, the pieces are bold and colorful. These earrings are crafted from amazonite, lapis, and created rubies and sapphires.
While at the show, I was lusting after this chunky chain plated brass bracelet with an amazonite clasp. Love it!! Perhaps I’ll see it in a store soon…
If this line interests you, then I encourage you to try on some of the pieces at a retailer near you!
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.
Such an inviting space!
I was so fortunate that Lisa Linhardt, the artist herself, was in the store that afternoon!
Amy and Lisa
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!)
My new purchase
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.
Amaze-balls!
And here is a simpler, yet still architectural Gold Arca cuff.
Fits perfectly on the wrist!
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.
Love the ring!!
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
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!
Amy and Irit
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.
Since joining Pinterest at the end of 2012, I must say that it’s become quite the addiction. While I started with just jewelry boards, I’ve now expanded to 32 boards ranging from closets I covet to statuary. Who knew?! But I do love my 13 jewelry boards, and they give me great joy to build. I find my pins from all over the globe, but certain boards really speak to me. I follow boards that have a distinct point of view — their own voice, so to speak. Not someone who just pins every piece of jewelry willy-nilly. If you’re into pinning, then I encourage you to check these boards out!
This board is described as “effortless jewelry styles…my way…my daily style!” I would categorize it as a beautiful board, chock full of organic, somewhat bohemian pieces. I think she’s an up-and-comer on the Pinterest landscape. Here’s a couple examples of her pins.
Now Becky is a true jewelry aficionado! With over 20,000 followers and 123 boards, she’s got boards on different jewelry genres, designers, and types of jewelry. You can seriously spend hours just looking through them all! I love her Bling Bling: Kimberly McDonald board, who’s definitely one of my most lust-worthy designers.
Kimberly McDonald ring
She really chooses statement pieces, as shown by these earrings on her Bling Bling: Ear Bling board.
Noel does a fantastic job of finding all sorts of ancient jewelry. (She has jewelry boards from other ancient cultures as well.) When I look through her pins, it’s like strolling through an amazing jewelry museum. Take a look at the type of jewelry she selects.
This is an extremely editorial board created for “..where (our) inner magpies come out.” With almost 63,000 followers, it has more than just jewelry — it showcases jewels in all their forms, from over-the-top creations to clothing.
From shopghost.tumblr
From hookerlegs.tumblr
I know that as each week goes by, I will stumble upon more and more jewelry boards to pour over during cocktail time. (my favorite time to do this) Do you have any boards to recommend? Please comment, as I’d love to know!
Ok, I must admit that I’m having a bit of a moment with jewelry sporting a chevron pattern. It began when I started seeing chevron motifs in my home decor magazines — on walls, on floors, on linens, everywhere! The inverted “V” design caught my attention!
Cool geometry!
Interior design and fashion have always been closely intertwined, so it’s no surprise that I’m seeing this pattern everywhere, including while shopping in SF this past Saturday afternoon. (My client giggled when I accosted this shopper!) This woman paired her Gorjana necklace (purchased on Gilt.com) with a dainty star necklace. Side bar: If you are not a member of Gilt yet, then join!! I’ve found some amazing pieces of jewelry there, including my vintage Hermes bracelet. Yet I digress…
The chevron has been around since 1800 BC, so it’s certainly not anything new, but I think the way different designers are interpreting the theme are uber cool. Case and point, this beautiful ring by India Hicks. (yes, the same India Hicks that was a member of Princess Diana’s wedding party)
I think this pattern is very delicate, yet a bit edgy with it’s geometric angles. This bracelet by Nashelle would be ideal for stacking.
I’ve also been spying all sorts of permutations of chevron rings. Some are stacked, some are knuckle rings (we’ll visit this trend soon) and I’m loving it!
I’m finding pieces that would appeal to various personal styles. These earrings by Nest definitely have a more tribal, ethnic feel.
As with all trends, you can find examples at every price point. This stunning necklace by Brooke Gregson shines in rose gold with labradorite and diamonds.
So have you purchased any chevron pieces lately? I’d love to see them — send photos!
Parul “Kuki” Seth (Kuki being a nickname given to her by her grandfather) is the designer behind Parulina, a gorgeous line I explored while at the Couture show.
Parul and Amy
The group that immediately grabbed my attention is the “Isle of Capri.” Perhaps it’s because Capri is one of my favorite places on the planet and that aqua is my favorite color — the jewelry just spoke to me. Take a look at these “Grace Kelly Cuffs.”
One for each wrist!
Working with 18K gold and ethically sourced stones, such as naturally harvested coral and non heat-treated stones, Parul strives to create beauty without harming the environment. All her jewelry is made in house, in New York City. I love these diamond and aquamarine earrings. You can wear the drop flipped to either side, or just wear them as studs. Getting three looks from one pair of earrings is fabulous!
Fit for a princess!
The allure of this ring really does take my mind to my last visit to Capri, where I saw every shade of blue…from the turquoise waters in the Blue Grotto to the azure sky above.
Finally, this pair of earrings, with a rose gold stud, oxidized silver and diamonds comes from her Briar Rose collection, which is inspired by Sleeping Beauty and the thorns and briars around her castle. I think they are exquisite.
Chatting with Kuki about her line, she just exuded excitement and passion. It’s clear that she’s doing what she loves, which is a rare gift indeed.
There are a few non-jewelry blogs I follow, and one is “French Kiss Life” by Tonya Leigh. She has this amazing view of life full of joie de vivre, and I always find inspiration from her blog posts. Her latest one is entitled 80 Mantras for the Elegant Lady. While I’m not necessarily into saying mantras on a daily basis, I still read through her list. One popped out BIG time for me…”I don’t have to be a good girl.” Really? Who says? This is my decision? Me, the girl who had “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant dedicated to me countless times in middle school? Me, who always does the “right” thing, even if it isn’t the best decision for me? Hmmm…very interesting. Revolutionary, really.
Perhaps this thought has been percolating in my subconscious for a while, because when I saw Efva Attling’s Passion Cuff rings at the Couture show, I made the sales rep take them off her own hand so I could try them on!
These are a little bad a**!
I don’t think the casual observer would notice that they are handcuffs, but as the wearer, you do! With a subtle reference to being naughty, it brought a devilish glint to my eye. In addition, I think these sort of multi-finger rings are just hot-hot-hot! She also makes the design in a bracelet.
I think when I work in NYC later this month, I’m definitely going to make a point of visiting her store in the Meat Packing district and try those rings on again. I don’t need to be a good girl, and I think that this piece might be just the mantra I need, yet in the form of jewelry! 😉
