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.

Such an inviting space!
Such an inviting space!

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

Amy and Lisa
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
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!
Amaze-balls!

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

Fits perfectly on the wrist!
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!!
Love the ring!!

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

lisa linhardt tempest necklace

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

Ear Cuffs: Growing Jewelry Trend!

I first started seeing ear cuffs on the runway, from Dries Van Noten to Katie Gallagher.

Bedazzled Ear at Dries
Bedazzled Ear at Dries

Nimue Ear Cuff
Nimue Ear Cuff

And then I started seeing celebrities, such as Alicia Keys wearing them as well! I believe that Alicia is wearing a diamond embellished one by Repossi.

Alicia Keys looking glamorous
Alicia Keys looking glamorous

Upon further research, I’ve learned that there are ear cuffs and ear wraps, and many use the terms interchangeably. Some don’t require you to have any piercings at all, such as this one by Pamela Love. (In this photo the ear cuff is worn in combination with a stud earring.)

Maia Vine Ear Cuff
Maia Vine Ear Cuff

D’Alatrou makes a variety of ear cuffs and wraps. This one is quite lovely, and again, it doesn’t require any piercings.

Creative, for sure!
Creative, for sure!

Ryan Storer has a very embellished version — check it out!

Edgy!
Edgy!

Other varieties of ear cuffs do require that you have some piercings. For example, this Hello Kitty piece has a chain that connects your basic ear piercing to a cartilage piercing further up your ear. Not quite my cup of tea, but I know there are zillions of Hello Kitty lovers out there!

This one requires two piercings
This one requires two piercings

While I’m not sold on this whole trend, I can certainly appreciate the creativity of others. And if I were to try it out, I’d probably go for something uber-simple, like this woman did.

Minimalist version
Minimalist version

So what about you? Is this a jewelry trend that you’re going to embrace? I’d love to hear your opinions!