Jewelry…own it, love it, wear it!
Yes, I was trying on shoes…again…some things never change. But across the aisle to another bank of couches, my eyes were glued on this major necklace. The scale with it’s floral motif and layered chains really takes the bib necklace to a whole new level. If you’re wearing a simple tee (as this gal was), there’s no need for further embellishment!
What’s your opinion? Love it or take a pass?
I had the Sylva & Cie trunk show at Wilke’s Bashford on my calendar for quite some time, and trust me, it did not disappoint. The first lovely that grabbed my attention was a diamond ring beyond imagination. (btw, she only uses reclaimed diamonds in her designs) Turns out Sylva calls this design the “ten table ring” as you can see it from ten tables away. No doubt!! (one more item for my lust list) When creating one of these rings, she lays out the diamonds just like she was creating a painting.
There was also an incredible necklace, crafted from a bronze Russian icon (estimated to be from the late 1700’s to early 1800’s) surrounded by diamonds, then strung on a necklace of reclaimed antler. I was in awe. It’s like something you’d see in a royal museum!
And the “chain…”
Sylva Yepremian has been designing for 23 years now, and her exuberance hasn’t faded in the least. She told me that she’s ecstatic every morning as she wakes up, so thankful that she’s a designer and not a doctor. Cheers to following your passion!!
She “sees each woman as a goddess, worthy of being adorned with beautiful pieces of jewelry.” And her repertoire includes some very edgy work! There were numerous necklaces with skulls made from reclaimed moose antler. Each one has a story, from Romeo and Juliet to other notable historical figures.
All of her treasures are one-of-a-kind and handcrafted in Los Angeles. Even her chains are made in house, using techniques from 100 years ago. Her line is definitely “not luxury for the masses” (her words), which is one of it’s star qualities. Sylva truly is invested in each of her pieces, and feels that they are meaningful and full of soul. I agree — fabulous!
Circle & Square is a very chic jewelry and accessories store tucked away on Presidio near Sacramento St. in San Francisco. I always love to stop in and see their latest, one-of-a-kind discoveries. The owner, Bunny Fayne, really has an eye for selecting unique items that you won’t see anywhere else!
I stopped in the other day to take advantage of a promotion they had going on (I mean really…how could I possibly resist a discount on jewelry?!?), and I was completely taken with the line by Susana Speidel. It turns out that this locally-based designer (Mill Valley to be exact) is a veteran antiques dealer and collector. She and her husband travel the globe collecting vintage jewelry, from broaches to bracelets. She then uses them to create beautiful, new pieces that pay respect to the past while still looking incredibly current.
I think my friend Jen would love this necklace. It’s made from a 1940’s Trifari blue bow brooch with pearls, stones, rock crystal, and pearls. So unique!
Personally, I fell in love with this stunner. It’s a 37″ long French metal chain with agate and brown rhinestones. I’m not exactly sure of any dates for this necklace, but I’m sure it’s seen its fair share of decades!
And look at the back view!
I must admit that I don’t have a wide range of knowledge on vintage jewelry (yet), but I know what I like and what I don’t, regardless of it’s monetary value. Susana’s work has inspired me to dig a little deeper into this exciting avenue in jewelry. I can’t wait to learn more!
I was having THE most delicious meal at the Tipsy Parson in Chelsea during my NYC trip, and I had to pause as I was taking yet another mouth-watering bite of buttermilk-chive biscuit (with honey butter!!). In walked this young woman, and she simply sparkled, from her personal radiance to the jewels around her neck. At first glance, I couldn’t tell whether she was donning one major statement necklace, or a fabulous bejeweled scarf. Truth be told, the jury is still out. Nonetheless, the effect was stunning, and I don’t think there was a single patron who didn’t acknowledge her entrance. Her friend (who apparently created this stunning accessory) should get busy making more!
Heather Moore was one of the first designers I had the privilege of meeting at the Couture show last spring. I thought this was the perfect time to write about her, as she’s having a trunk show here in the Bay Area this coming Thursday, November 8th, at Kicks in Menlo Park. (But no worries if you’re not local. Heather has an active trunk show schedule across the country — just check out her website!)
What I think really make’s Heather’s jewelry unique is that it’s made to celebrate the moments in your life. Her tag line is, “Cherish who you are,” and she really makes all her jewelry to tell your story. Here, for example is an amazing necklace that reveals so much about the owner. While I don’t know the backstory of each pendant on this necklace, I know that they all have special significance to the lucky woman who wears this. What a conversation starter!
And look at these cuffs, which are literally like a book of memories for your wrist.
Heather and her team use vintage tools to hand-press (NOT engrave) letters, words, and pictures onto her jewelry. All the work is done right here in the good ‘ole USA in Cleveland, Ohio. (snap!) She can imprint everything from your wedding vows to your child’s art to your astrological constellation.
I just adore this key chain which actually uses the writing of the owner’s child. Wouldn’t this be an amazing gift for a loved one? (Note to self: the holidays are just around the corner…) And she does have a quick turnaround time, typically about 2-3 weeks.
Or how about these simple and elegant, yet sentimental cufflinks that commemorate a wedding?
I also really appreciate the fact that Heather uses 100% reclaimed metals (sterling and all colors of gold) in her designs. So not only are her pieces priceless due to what they say and mean, but they are helping protect the earth. Of course, she isn’t working on jewelry all the time. She loves to ride BMX bikes with her kids in her free time. Love that!
So if this line rocks your boat, then I highly encourage you to check it out. I know you won’t be disappointed!
So I know that many of you reading this have a necklace with a center, fixed pendant — one that’s attached on either side by chain. I’ve always just assumed that this is the only way to wear this type of necklace. Well lucky for me I spotted this gal yesterday, who’s clearly great at thinking outside the jewelry box! Just adding another small pendant gave the more conservative necklace a whole new look. Very chic!
What about you? Do you have the makings for this new look in your jewelry box?
You already know that I’m a huge fan of Julez Bryant and her fabulous jewelry line! In my previous post about her from July 2011, I mentioned that she not only designs her own line, but she also will re-design your own jewelry for you. I thought I’d share some of the incredible pieces that I’ve seen her make.
The first is a project she worked on with me. (I figured I should check out the process, right?!) I brought in a couple small, loose diamonds I had lying around, the diamond ring I received for my 18th birthday, and a couple other odd, unused pieces. I was dying for a chunky diamond and silver ring, and here’s what she made for me. Love it!!
When I stopped by one of her trunk shows, I was able to see a couple other re-designs she did for other clients. This first necklace is so unique. It’s made from an old gold necklace and broken bracelet from the client’s grandparents. To this, she added an ivory elephant charm she got in 8th grade and a stunning piece of Sleeping Beauty turquoise. I don’t know about you, but I’m impressed with the “new” necklace!
Finally, here’s an incredible ring Julez designed using diamonds, gold and an untreated pink sapphire. Wow!
I have a feeling that if you take a look into your jewelry box, you have the raw materials for some incredible new jewelry! Julez has trunk shows popping up here and there, and you should really take advantage of her talents. I often post about upcoming trunk shows for designers on my blog’s Facebook page, so be sure to “like” the page and stay up to date with events in your area!
During my stay in NYC recently, I spent some time browsing the upscale shops on the Upper East side. Every high-end designer seems to have an outpost there, and the clientele to match.
While in one of these boutiques, I spotted this woman. Now granted, the initial thing that grabbed my attention was the layers of brightly-colored necklaces she was wearing. But as my eye scanned down, I was fixated on the the combination bracelet/ring ensemble she was sporting. (These are also known as slave bracelets.)
She said that it was not overly comfortable (I can only imagine). She also complemented this dual-purpose jewelry with a very colorful manicure, which sadly isn’t showing in the photo.
I really don’t think I’m a fan of this look. Perhaps if this was her ONLY accessory, or if it were a simpler design in combination with everything else going on with her look. What about you? I’d love to hear your opinion!
During my week working in NYC last month, I had the opportunity to scour the shops in numerous areas. While on Madison, I was pleased to visit the Yigal Azrouel store. Aside from the fact that he’s super hot (I’ve met him before) and has an incredible line (predominantly made in NYC), it was the perfect respite from the sudden downpour.
Amidst the lust-worthy racks of garments, there was a tasteful display of jewelry. Made Her Think collaborated with Yigal for his autumn/winter runway show, which is why it was available in the boutique. Well I loved it, especially the thorn cuffs.
They came in a variety of metals in both widths. It was hard to choose! The designer, Meredith Kahn, “designs each collection with a playful irreverence, flirting with darkness as she combines sentimental historical contrasts that long to inspire.”
Here’s photo of some more of her work, though I didn’t get the opportunity to see these in person.
Looking through their website, I learned that they’re also made in the USA, which gives them 10 points in my book! Now that I’m aware of this edgy, seemingly punk-inspired line, I hope to run across it more often.
I was practically sprinting through the maze of make-up counters at Sak’s the other day, when I came to a full stop in front of a darling gal wearing SUCH cool earrings!
While statement necklaces and bold rings have certainly been a big trend, the statement earring is one I haven’t seen much. Turns out this woman made these out of rooster feathers, and she sells them on etsy! I think she styled it just right, too, with the simple black outfit. This really makes the earrings the major focus point.
I don’t think that I, personally, could pull these off with such panache, but I know there are many of you out there who can. Brava, Hasnaa!