Arik Kastan: 11 Favorite Pieces

Ever since I bought myself an Arik Kastan three-moonstone ring for Christmas a couple years ago from Twist, I’ve become a BIG fan of this vintage-inspired line. When Tamar Kelman, the creative director of the line, had a trunk show in Marin a year or so ago, another ring just maaay have gone home with me. Just maybe.

Arik Kastan is a jewlery designer based in Tel Aviv, and he utilizes old world jewelry making techniques.  From sketch to finish, all work is done by hand, even the links on the necklaces! Tamar told me, “There’s a heartbeat to every piece.” Well-known for his particular alloys of rose gold and yellow gold, his work is inspired by the Victorian era, Art Deco, as well as old Arabic and European architecture. I want to share 11 of my fave pieces from this delectable collection with you…

Double Gypsy Cigar Band with moonstones

arik kastan double gypsy cigar band with moonstones
Cobblestone Ring with rose-cut diamonds

arik kastan cobblestone ring with rose cut diamonds
Victoria Bangle in turquoise

arik kastan victoria bangle in turquoise
Tiara Evil Eye Ring with blue sapphires and turquoise

arik kastan tiara evil eye ring in turquoise and sapphires
Cocktail ring in labradorite and blue sapphires

arik kastan labradorite and blue sapphire cocktail ring
Buckle Ring with garnets

arik kastan buckle ring with garnets
Tree of Life Padlock with Labradorite

arik kastan tree of life padlock in labradorite
Marchioness Ring with turquoise and rose-cut diamonds

arik kastan marchioness ring in turquoise and rose-cut diamonds
Five-Stone Canoe Band with turquoise and sapphires

arik kastan five-stone canoe band with turquoise and sapphires
Needlepoint Drop Earrings in turquoise

arik kastan needlepoint drop earrings in turquoise
Peacock Ring with opals and a rose-cut diamond

arik kastan peacock ring with diamond and opals
So how’s that for some eye candy?! Now I hope you can understand why I’ve become such a big fan. Which piece would you pick as your favorite? I’m looking forward to seeing Tamar at the Couture show in Las Vegas and exploring the new designs!

Virtual Shopping Spree at Manika Jewelry in SF

On Saturday I popped into the city to meet Delphine Richagneux, the new CEO of Manika. Now as you may know, I’ve been a fan of Manika since they first opened on Maiden Lane back in 2006. Not only do they have a new CEO, but they have they moved to a chic space on Market St. in the Palace Hotel. Of course, while I was there I had to imagine that I once again had a bottomless wallet — what would I buy?? Here’s my five picks, in no particular order

Jenny Reeves Seafoam Cuff in oxidized silver, 18K gold, chrysocolla and diamonds

jenny reeves cuff
Alberian & Aulde opal ring

alberian & aulde opal ring
How great does it look paired with the two rings I was wearing? (by Zaiken and Arik Kastan)

alberian & aulde, zaiken, and arik kastan
Jamie Joseph grey moonstone necklace, because it’s perfect for layering

jamie joseph grey moonstone necklace
Kanwar Creations cabochon rings…couldn’t decide between the tanzanite or the spessartite garnet

kanwar singh rings
Mary Ray Cactus Drop earrings of gold and diamonds — so fun!

mary ray earrings
Of course, I could have had 20+ items on my list, but I had a limited amount of time. Great meeting Delphine, Kira and Jenny! If you’d like to get to know the store, then definitely come out for a fun event they’re having on Thursday, July 16, from 5-8. Click here for more details. I’ll be there fore sure!

amy roseveare and delphine richagneux