Jewelry…own it, love it, wear it!
Wow–these two years have flown by! Thank you to all my readers for supporting my blog. Can’t wait to see what the next year brings — from more designers to new store discoveries, and of course, Jewelry Judge! Sparkle on! 😉
(Cupcake photo from dyingofcute.tumblr)
I always love meeting jewelry designers for the first time, and meeting Annie Fensterstock at the Couture show was no exception. This bubbly and clearly talented designer had a bevy of beauties in her case!
In business for about twenty years now, Annie still uses the jewelry making techniques of times gone by — everything is hand made in New York City — no casting or molds in her studio. Working with 18 and 22K gold and platinum, her designs are for the “confident, artistic woman.” She truly strives to capture the spirit of the modern woman using ancient gold-smithing practices.
Annie’s collection ranges from a clean look to the more ornate, as shown in these two cuffs.
This mother of three alloys all the gold herself. I can just picture her hard at work at the bench creating such rings as this one, bedazzled with natural colored diamonds. In fact, many of her rings would make fabulous wedding rings, so if you’re in the market for something non-traditional then you’re in luck!
She also showcases this type of diamond in these amazing dangling earrings. I would SO rock these day and night!
Once again showing the range in her design, these earrings have more detail in their angular silhouette.
Currently, Annie is in Jaipur, India. She won the opportunity (via Fragments) to teach Afghan women to make jewelry. The collection they design together will be represented by Fragments when it’s complete. I cannot WAIT to see it! If you’re in NYC, then you are a lucky duck, as you can check out her line in person at Fragments in Soho.
While shopping at Sak’s in SF recently, the wrists of one of the sales guys caught my eye.
He had wrapped a Balenciaga brown leather strap around his watch, which was a cool idea. But his right wrist, which sports three different bracelets by Armani, was really a great example of masculine chic. Nice.
Spring is here and romance is in the air (at least that’s what I’m hoping for!!)…and this fifth installment of “Jewelry Box Basics” focuses on jewelry for the romantic personal style. Ooh la la! During this six-part series, I’ve covered the lady who lunches, the bohemian, the rock star, the minimalist, and now the romantic. Based on these different personal styles, I’m recommending the type of basics you should have in your jewelry box. While the pieces I select might not be at the price point that you feel comfortable shopping at, please don’t let this dissuade you from following the general theme and finding what makes your heart happy.
So the romantic is a style that is extremely feminine. Often lace, floral prints, family heirlooms, and sheer fabrics can be found in her closet. Just as with the bohemian style, there is a wide range in this genre — from just a few girly touches here and there to someone who channels the look from an era gone by. I’ve spotted some great examples of this while at vintage clothing and jewelry fairs. The underlying theme is delicate and feminine, often with a nod to the past.
Watch
I recommend that the romantic select a watch that’s not too over-sized, such as this one by Kate Spade. Instead, think of a refined watch in your most flattering metal or with a slim leather band. Perhaps you even have your mom’s or grandmother’s watch in your jewelry box? This could definitely be a basic for you!
Bracelets
More than any other personal style, the romantic is the most likely to have, love and wear a charm bracelet every day. Charm bracelets pair beautifully with a watch, and can be stacked with a simple bangle as well.
Rings
Floral motifs figure prominently for the romantic, so choosing a ring with some sort of flower is certainly fitting. This delicate creation by Cathy Waterman is a beautiful way to achieve this look without looking “too too.”
Necklaces
Vintage or vintage-inspired jewelry is spot-on for the romantic. This necklace by 1928 Jewelry incorporates this look, along with the flower detail we just mentioned.
Lockets and cameos are two other types of necklaces that would be a great basic for this personal style. Many times cameos are made to be worn on a chain or as a brooch, which make them even more versatile.
Earrings
You know my penchant for hoops, yet each personal style will have slightly different versions. For the romantic, I love these hoops by Armenta, with their unique shape and scalloped detail. And really…how can you go wrong with a few diamonds thrown in?!
For a non-hoop option, these drops by Judith Jack are right on the money.
So what do you think? Does your personal style include any of these romantic aspects? Remember, people don’t typically fit into just one style box…
Katie Decker was a young, beautiful designer that I met at the Couture show in Las Vegas. Only a few years into her business (she started as a sophomore in college!), her line is beautifully designed well beyond her years.
She began doodling jewelry designs in the margins of her textbooks, and the first piece she actually made was a pearl pendant for her mother. Now, her collection includes 18K gold (yellow, white and rose), as well as sterling silver.
Here’s a prime example of her intricate design, in her Lotus Cuff.
Her designs really have an “open” feel to them. I adore this Monaco Stack Ring, which could be easily worn in combination with other rings, or just on its own.
I do have a personal affection for tassels, and apparently she does as well. Here’s a lovely version of a tassel earring, done with seed pearls.
Katie also has some great designs for men. I love these sterling Troubadour cufflinks. The mixed metals really add a lot of visual interest.
And for those of you ladies who prefer sterling, look at the organic design of this Branch Cuff.
I think Katie does an exquisite job of combining delicate, feminine design to create statement pieces. I can’t wait to see what she’s up to next!
Welcome! We’re on article number four of a six-part series highlighting the basics you need in your jewelry box, based on your personal style. So far we’ve covered the lady who lunches, the bohemian, the rock star, and now the minimalist. You still have the romantic and trendy to look forward to. (I know, you are on the edge of your seat waiting for these!) I will re-state that I know most people have a personal style that incorporates aspects from different genres — no need to worry — embrace it! Use these articles as a medium to inspire you and lead you to your local jewelry store with an open, yet focused eye. Don’t let the price tags on the items I write about discourage you. Take the idea and find your own incarnation, with the look and price that you’re comfortable with.
Now let’s focus on the minimalist. I have encountered many of these women during my years as a stylist, and also among my close, personal friends. Being a minimalist doesn’t mean that you don’t have style. (think Audrey Hepburn!) Rather, you have such a carefully curated wardrobe that you know what works, you don’t need a myriad of options, and you don’t want to spend a lot of time each day deciding what to wear. It’s uniform dressing at it’s best. When it comes to the jewelry, it needs to be classic, fuss-free, and lifestyle appropriate.
Watch
Choosing a classic watch in the most flattering metal color for your skin tone is imperative. No need for a big trendy statement. Instead, focus on simple elegance, as shown in the Cartier tank watch.
Bracelets
Pairing your versatile watch with a stylish bangle is key. Stay away from bracelets that are too “blingy,” make noise, or compete with your outfit. Choose a comfortable-fitting bracelet that will take you anywhere. Hermes nails this assignment with thier clic-clac bracelet.
If you’re up for a cuff, then this slim bamboo cuff by John Hardy is a wonderful choice.
Rings
Again, the minimalist needs a ring that doesn’t interfere with her life, whether she’s trying to feed her child at the park or signing a major real estate contract. So don’t opt for anything with stones that protrude or pieces of metal that may catch on things. This ring by Anne Sportun has a whole lot of style, along with a bit of sparkle.
Another option that works beautifully for the minimalist is a ring with a bit more of a sentimental bent — the monogramed signet ring. Perhaps this has been inherited from a loved family member, or it’s one that you buy yourself, such as this one from Ariel Gordon. It’s streamlined and fabulous at the same time.
Earrings
Studs are the definitely the basic go-to earring for the minimalist. Whether it’s a pearls, in metal, or diamonds, there are bound to be at least one pair of studs in the minimalist’s jewelry box. Being the sparkle-lover, I would opt for either diamonds or CZ for your first pair. I love how Bony Levy offers them in a variety of sizes.
Necklaces
Don’t be surprised to find out you’re not the only one who puts on your necklace and then never takes it off. I’ve seen it many times — it’s on in the shower, in bed, and on the beach. Therefore, it needs to be lightweight, unobtrusive, short enough that it doesn’t tangle, and chic. The easy choice here is Tiffany’s diamonds by the yard necklace. (These come in a variety of metals and price points.) Personally, I like taking off my jewelry at night, but hey, to each his own!
So are you a minimalist at heart? I clearly am not. (You only need to look at the size of my jewelry armoire to know that!) Though I really do admire this personal style and believe it or not, I do strive to be a bit more minimal when I travel. I’d love to know what minimalist pieces you love to wear!
I recently had my first taste of Peruvian food at La Mar on one of those ideal, sunny San Francisco days. My friend Patti and I were chatting away, when I was distracted by the modern wedding bands on the couple next to us.
While these newlyweds (just two years in!) reside in Minnesota, they bring two different cultures to their marriage — she’s from Canada and he’s from Peru. Combined with their extensive travels, it’s no surprise that they opted for these unique stainless steel and concrete bands designed by Karen Konzuk. It was the first time I’ve ever seen concrete in wedding jewelry! I thought they really meshed with their personalities and personal style. Inspired choice!
Get excited — it’s time for the third article in my series “Jewelry Box Basics!” To catch you up, this is a six-part series outlining the basic pieces you should have in your jewelry box based on your personal style: the lady who lunches, bohemian, rock star, romantic, minimalist and trendy. True, everyone is a unique individual and may adopt aspects of various styles, so just use this as a framework. Use the images as a jumping off point to inspire you and send you in the right direction. Don’t let the price tags affect your vision. Instead, shop at the price points that you’re comfortable with and have fun!
So let’s get back to the style du jour. Now granted, not everyone can be a successful rock star, belting out songs on stage, yet I know that there are many people who have an inner rock star living inside them. (regardless of their musical talent) If this sounds like you, then you should let this aspect of your personality shine through in your wardrobe and jewelry!
The jewelry for the rock star conjures up images of metals in oxidized silver and gunmetal…motifs such as skulls, spikes, angel wings…leather cuffs…and black diamonds. But you have to select pieces carefully, as you don’t want to appear like a parody of an actual rock star. Here are some examples of jewelry that would strike the right note.
Watch
Oversized and in black, there are many options for a rock’n roll watch out there. Karl Lagerfeld’s new collection is right on the money with this vibe.
Bracelets
The rock chic needs a chunky link bracelet to complement her style. This one by Moritz Glik is tremendous.
But there also has to be a leather bracelet in your jewelry box. I think this wide leather cuff by Erika Honig with woven pewter and silver would look fantastic worn on the opposite wrist as your watch.
Rings
I’m thinking of one particular friend in Austin, and she is definitely the rocker. Her husband really chose the ideal wedding ring for her — a large, black diamond. For the right hand, I think an edgy ring like this one by Stephen Webster would be just fantastic on her.
Earrings
You might be in shock that the pair I’m recommending for a basic for this personal style is actually not a hoop! I could, of course, but I’m going a step further with these dangling chain earrings by Alberian and Aulde. I love the movement of the chains accented by diamonds.
Necklaces
Layering necklaces is intrinsically part of the rocker style, just as it was with the bohemian. Therefore, a minimum of two necklaces are going to be basic, one more delicate, and the other more of a statement. For the smaller piece, I like this embellished feather by Jamie Joseph. The mixed metals (notice the gold-toned ring that holds on the pendant) make it even more versatile.
Either worn solo, or in combination with this necklace by Virgins, Saints & Angels, it’s rockin’ without being a costume.
So how do these pieces sit with you? Can you picture yourself wearing them? Or is it too much of a departure from your personal style? With the three styles I’ve now covered, you can see what a range there is out there in the world of jewelry. And just think, we’re only half way through! 😉
While I have heard of Voodoo dolls in my life, I actually never knew that it was a religion until I started chatting with a waiter at Monkeypod in Ko Olina on Oahu. (sidebar: best, darn fish tacos I’ve ever had in my life!)
So Oi O’Brian (Hawaiian heritage, yet adopted by an Irish family) first caught my attention because of his abundant tattoos and big smile. (another sidebar: Tattoos are probably one of the most popular accessories I saw while on Oahu.) When I noticed that he was wearing an intriguing necklace, I clearly had to go introduce myself.
Oi follows Haitian Voodoo, and part of his religion says that all things must be in odd numbers. Therefore, there are 5 skulls on his necklace, which he carved himself out of yak bone. He has paired this with a red and black (significant colors in his religion) titanium wrap necklace, which he claims has health benefits. He wears both necklaces 24/7 — they are just part of him.
I know that with my jewelry judge series, I usually have a specific opinion about what I’m writing about. But this time, I don’t. I just find the whole thing so interesting, and I’m just nodding my head and thinking, “hmmm.” Perhaps you have an opinion??
Perhaps it’s because I live in San Francisco, which hosts one of the biggest Chinese New Year’s parades outside of China (no joke!), but the Year of the Snake (according to the lunar astrological calendar) is getting lots of press! This is translating right down to a resurgence of snake jewelry. Now this is certainly not a new theme. Everyone from Cleopatra in ancient Egypt to women of the Victorian era have donned this slithery creature in many forms. Purported to have powers of healing and protection, I’ve seen snake jewelry everywhere from the red carpet to the wrist of a teenage girl in my building.
Here’s Lorraine Schwartz’s fine adaptation as seen on Kim Kardashian.
And the Philipp Plein runway wouldn’t have been complete without these snake cuffs.
Here are a few more user-friendly options. The first is a stretch bracelet by Cara, that would be a great spring addition to your bracelet stack.
If you’d rather go for a neutral metal, then you might like this brass cuff by Jennifer Fisher.
Here’s a nice combination of gold and emerald (one of the hot colors of the season) by Isharya.
Keeping with the green theme, these drop earrings by Sara Weinstock are pretty amazing!
You can also take a more minimal stand with these studs by Elizabeth and James.
There are also many incredible snake rings. Some of the designs are so creative, that you have to really look at them to tell what you’re looking at. Take this two-fingered ring by Ileana Makri.
Finally, for a more cost-effective way to wear the trend, this ring by Julie Vos will do the trick.
While I’m not sure that I will be adding any snake jewelry to my collection (truth be told, I still think snakes are a bit creepy), I am very impressed with all the beautiful and creative pieces out there. If snakes are your thing, then enjoy all the possibilities!