Orange is The New Bling

I’ve been inundated with the color orange as of late, between Halloween, the San Francisco Giant’s being in the World Series, the leaves changing outside my window…pretty much everywhere except in my jewelry box. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I rarely see jewelry with orange stones. Why is that? Is it a color many don’t prefer? Perhaps it’s because there aren’t as many varieties of stones with an orange hue? (In fact, how many can you name?) I’m really not quite sure.

At any rate, I took myself on another of my infamous virtual shopping sprees with no budget (like the one I took with green stones this past March). Before I knew it, hours (yes, hours!) had slipped by, but I had found some stunning pieces in so many different shades of orange. Here are my fave finds, in no particular order. Enjoy!

Earrings

Orange coral was one of the first things that jumped into my mind when I thought about orange jewelry, and this pair of earrings by Annette Ferdinandsen are just beautiful.

annette ferninandsen coral earrings
Ray Griffiths designed these with a lovely orange harmony in carnelian and amber.

ray griffiths earrings
Sethi Couture also has a lovely ombre effect in these diamond linear drop earrings.

sethi couture ombre multi-color linear drop earrings
Geodes are always a favorite of mine, and Kimberly McDonald used a stunning pair in these earrings.

kimberly mcdonald geode and diamond earrings
Mary Esses designed a party for your ears in gold, diamonds, and carnelian.

mary esses earrings
For a style with more angular lines, then these by Kothari are pretty amazing. It reminds me of photos I’ve seen of the sun’s surface!

kothari elements drusy quartz earrings
Necklaces

The traditional cameo was another image that popped into my head as I thought about jewelry with an orange hue. Amedeo takes the cameo to a whole new, modern level, as shown in this “see no evil” pendant.

amedeo see no evil cameo pendant
Jes MaHarry created an uber-cool necklace, with a wheel of coral, gold, diamonds, and a silver chain. its’ a very chic bohemian look, which I would layer with other necklaces in a heartbeat.

jes MaHarry necklace
This orange crystal and diamond necklace by Jacquie Aiche would be another great layering piece.

jacquie aiche twin orange crystal necklace
For more of an orange punch, then I’d go for this druzy agate pendant by Peppina.

peppina teardrop orange druzy agate pendant
Bracelets

Vaubel is a master with color in his designs, as demonstrated in this chunky bracelet.

steven vaubel bracelet
Nak Armstrong is another designer with impeccable use of color, this time with mandarin garnets.

nak armstrong mandarin garnet bangle
For a skinny layering piece, this orange garnet bead bracelet by Joseph Brooks makes me smile.

joseph brooks orange garnet bead bracelet
And let’s not forget adding the color orange in the form of a watch. I’d never say no to one by Hermes!

hermes heure h watch
Rings

Jane Bohan designed a substantial ring with citrine and diamonds.

jane bohan citrine and diamond ring
Mandrel Studio’s orange rustic diamond ring is so luxurious!

mandrel studio orange rustic diamond ring
I like the idea of adding a skinny stack ring with a pop of color, and Yossi Harari’s orange sapphire band would certainly fit the bill!

yossi harari orange sapphire ring
This Mexican fire opal and diamond ring by Jamie Joseph has intense complexity of color.

jamie joseph mexican fire opal ring with diamonds
Pomellato has a very sleek, modern design, also with a fire opal, complemented by rose gold.

pomellato fire opal ring
And last, but certainly not least, this intricate coral ring by the talented Cathy Waterman.

cathy waterman coral ring
Do you have any pieces to add to this list? Do you wear orange often? I’d love to hear all your opinions on the matter.

Mary Esses: Designer

Brazil was well-represented at the Couture jewelry show, and I think that Mary Esses was one of its stars! As a child, Mary dreamed of being a decorator, special agent, chef, forensic lawyer and jewelry designer. Happily, she already has achieved one of her childhood dreams. Mary is just as sparkling as her line, and she just exudes joy and femininity. These qualities are definitely apparent in her pieces.

mary esses and amy roseveare
Mary and Amy

Moving from Brazil to New York City, Mary was amazed at the juxtaposition of the fabrics and textures that surrounded her. Taking this theme, and striving to bring “fabric” to jewelry, she came up with the concept for her lace collection. Given that lace is one of the hottest trends in fashion, Mary is right on the money with this group. The 18K gold is manipulated in such a way that I honestly had to ask if the jewelry was made of metal or actual lace! Her assistant gave me a sly grin and said, “Well we don’t give away our secrets!”

mary esses lace collection
Is it metal or fabric??

The lace group is only one part of her line, though. She also embraces lots of color in her other collections. I’m in lust with the graduated oranges and tangerines of carnelian in the multi-strand beaded bracelet! The ring is made of Madera citrine, smoky quartz and diamonds. And don’t get me started on the rutilated quartz earrings.

mary esses cornelian jewelry
Just as pretty as a tropical sunset!

I must say I adore the geometry and bold color choice in these chrisophrase and smoky topaz earrings. I think I would wear them with a white maxi-dress and gold sandals on the Riviera! (with a cocktail in hand, of course!)

mary esses earrings
Just gorge!

All her jewelry is hand-crafted. When I asked Mary what the best part of being a jewelry designer was, here was her reply, “The best part…is when I sit on the bench and start working on a piece, and I get to a stage of clear and peaceful mind. When, like a child, I disconnect from everything and I just play. And even if the outcome is not perfect, it doesn’t matter. Because I rest my mind and I free my soul while doing it. There will always be “a next day” to make that piece better.” I can’t tell you how this resonates with my soul. Getting totally immersed in something that brings you joy, and letting go of the perfectionism that our society prides itself on is a gift. Mary, you are a gift to jewelry!