Just Jewelry

Colors of the sea

2010-07-11T20:53:00.001-07:00

I would so love to have these sweet bakelite bangles from Mark Davis. The colors are just perfect for summertime at the beach - imagine the clackety sound of spinning them around your wrist while sipping an icy drink on the boardwalk. I feel the cool breeze already. At Barney's.

Stunning!

2010-04-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Rimmed Diamond Shake Necklace from Renee Lewis is a beauty! The 18k white gold and crystal pendant is filled with white diamond "shake" and has antique natural pearl and diamonds formed into crescent shape. At Barney's.

Kerry Macbride

2010-04-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Kerry MacBride was only a teenager when his jewelry first appeared on the shelves of major department stores. Over the years, his distinctive designs have been available through Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, Bloomingdales and more - but now he's started selling direct.

MacBride is not just a designer - he's a trained jeweler who makes the models and prototypes for all of his pieces. This lovely necklace, called the Ivy Link Collar, is 22 gold over bronze.

Secret Luxury for the Groom

2009-04-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

You probably know the name Tacori from their beautiful wedding and engagement rings for women. However, the company also has some really interesting men's wedding bands that allow grooms to enjoy a bit of sexy - but secret - luxury. The fancy details, like diamonds and engraving, are located INSIDE the band and along the edge, or "shank," of the ring. Your guy can walk around feeling like a prince without worrying that he's coming off as too flashy. All designs are available in Platinum and 18K gold.

More Masterful Colors

2008-07-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dee Antil Designs does some really cool color transitions. It's almost as if the designer switches to a different bracelet or necklace mid-stream. But oh, how good they look!

Top: The Cool Necklace - faceted Carnelian pears with peanut-shaped peacock pearls and faceted pink-orange Chalcedony. Middle: The Southwest Bracelet - A Karen Hill Tribe silver disc with Sponge Coral, Turquoise, teal Chalcedony, and Poppy Jasper. Bottom: The Surprise Bracelet has rose-colored faceted Rhodonite and lime green Turquoise nuggets with Charoite and blue Turquoise.

Bead Salad

2008-07-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Now I ask you, how is it that some people can take a bunch of mismatched beads and come up with something amazing? Just talented, I guess. Check out these shockingly affordable ($14-18) bracelets from Kathy and Marjorie of Bead Salad.

Acrylic

2008-07-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

These acrylic rings with gold and silver leaf from a Japanese company called, simply, Acrylic, combine modern and traditional Japanese forms.

La Dolce Vita

2008-07-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

Love these very pretty rings from Dolce Jewels in beautiful Telluride, Colorado. On the left, gold, diamonds and rubies. Nice touch on what appears to be a little yellow gold accent around the ruby. Right: Tahitian pearl with diamonds, rubies and white gold.

Knit one, purl two

2008-07-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

There are some intriguing knitted necklaces at the Hypho Shop on Etsy. "Hypho," according to the site, refers to an open but intricately woven structure in Greek. Top: Garnet Heat. Middle: Knitted mosaic of Garnet and Pearls. Bottom: Knitted Mosaic in Blue and Grey.

Fractal Fever

2008-07-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Math lovers - take note! Allegria Designs in Australia has created a line of pendants featuring fractal geometry images (Fractals help explain objects like ferns and snowflakes, where a pattern keeps repeating). Pick the shape of your pendant, pick your favorite fractal and voila!

A Little More Susan

2008-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Susan Kerr's stuff is too good for just one day, so here's another taste: Raspberry Petal Pin and Raspberry Petal Brooch in Silver and Formica.

Susan Kerr

2008-07-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

Oxidized silver, leather and freshwater pearls are combined in this unique necklace by Susan Kerr.

Ask for directions!

2008-07-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

This colorful Map Ring is made with silver and part of a paper road map, then coated in polyurethane. From Atelier 11 in Antwerp, Belgium.

Hairrings

2008-07-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

These "hairrings," or earrings made out of HAIR are by Jules Kim of Bijules NYC.

Andreas Eberharter II

2008-07-06T00:27:00.000-07:00

...and since he's so far ahead of the curve, here's what Andreas Eberharter's doing now.

Andreas Eberharter

2008-07-05T20:09:00.001-07:00

Last week I posted some snarky remarks about those crazy-big necklaces I keep seeing. Now I've spotted a necklace from andreas eberharter of Austria, who was already poking fun at the trend back in 2004 with this necklace he created for a fashion show!

Konzuk

2008-07-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

Red, blue and, um.....silver for Fourth of July. These very cool stainless steel bangles from Kon Zuk are powder-coated on the interior with vibrant colors.

Arman

2008-07-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Arman Sarkisyan's richly detailed jewelry makes me think of all those Hollywood movies with brave knights, virginal damsels, evil princes, power-hungry queens, scheming archbishops -- you get the picture, right? Clockwise from top left: 22kt yellow gold and silver maltese cross ring with diamonds, 22kt yellow gold and silver rosecut diamond locket pendant, 22kt yellow gold and silver cross with green tormaline, rubilite and white diamonds, 22kt yellow gold and silver Byzantine inspired heart pendant with cabochon emerald. At J.R. Dunn.

Charlotte de Syllas

2008-07-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Attention, Osteopaths! Here's a really beautiful necklace that looks like a study in bones. In fact, it's made of 18k gold and cacholong. Never heard of it? Me either. But now I know it's a form of opal and -- though it comes in various hues -- the milky white variety is the most popular. The necklace is by Charlotte de Syllas. Photo: Jasper Vaughan

Confetti

2008-07-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

I really like these Confetti Necklaces from Hamilton Jewelers. They are 18k gold and have a collection of multicolored sapphires swirling around a large pearl. The movement and the sparkle seems like it would be very appealing.

Interjewel

2008-06-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

These natural-color diamond pendants give me nostalgic thoughts of science class. I'm seeing pulleys, gears, and other mechanical stuff I can't remember the names of. From Interjewel.

Bigger and...BIGGER!

2008-06-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

Alright people, I think it's time to stop being shy with this trend. Don't hold back anymore. Go to the nearest bowling alley, string up a few Brunswick balls and tie them around your neck. You'll be the talk of the catwalk.
Jewelry in an ensemble by designer Mad Cortes at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, shot by Maree Williams.

Studio Numen

2008-06-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Now THESE are interesting! Both are by Margot di Cono of Studio Numen. The Solaris necklace, at left is 14k gold, 22k gold and sterling silver with white and black diamonds. The Spider necklace, at right, is 18k gold, 22k gold and sterling silver.

Mark Davis

2008-06-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

This clear bakelite cuff with peridot stones by Mark Davis is so chic and modern! I can see that new British super model, Agyness Deyn -- who's got a very NOW look -- wearing it with some mod little dress. Then again, I can see Lauren Bacall wearing it! Available at Brown's.

Baccarat

2008-06-24T04:21:00.000-07:00

Dome-style rings are still going strong. Here's the take from French jeweler Baccarat. Top: the Medicis Ring in ruby crystal and 18k yellow gold. Bottom: the Tango Ring in Onyx crystal and ruby crystal.

Modica

2008-06-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

I'm having flashbacks to those solar system models back in elementary school! You can order these fun and fabulous cherry wood and resin cluster necklaces in your choice of colors at the Modica Shop on Etsy.

Hannah Clayton

2008-06-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Now this is a beauty. Hannah Clayton of New Zealand created the Tapa Flower Brooch and sells it on her Etsy site. Hand fabricated in sterling siver, it is tumble-polished to an eye-popping shine.

More happy colors for summer

2008-06-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Since tomorrow is the first day of summer, why not head over to Two Son Jewelry for some delightfully warm and colorful creations.

Fendi Solitaire

2008-06-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

The Fendi Solitaire line is so not my style, and yet....I'm still finding them kinda hot. Or maybe it's cool. Yeah, that's it - they have a clean, cool feeling that would help you look chic and pulled-together on the most steamy-hot day. I'm picturing Catherine Deneuve at age 30 in Monaco. Faceted white resin and gold-plated brass. At Neiman Marcus.

JACEK BYCZEWSKI

2008-06-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Just look at the lines of this cuff! Fantastic! The designer, Jacek Byczewski, studied sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland. He is now well-known for his jewelry and sculptural objects. From what I can gather from the web site, he's heavily involved in developing techniques for metal polishing - which you can see here.

I. Ronni Kappos

2008-06-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

More happy, colorful items!

The Flower Bracelet and and Multi-Flower Pendant by I. Ronni Kappos are made from glass beads dating to the 1920s and 30s. Molds and pigments used at the time are no longer available, so the colors and shapes are unusual. At Greener Grass Designs.

Disa Allsop

2008-06-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

Love the way these stones flow out from the ear like sprays of flowers. Left: silver and carnelian. Right: silver and agate. By Disa Allsop of London.

Erin Inglis

2008-06-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I talked about the sometimes angry-looking signals a person can give off with a very aggressive piece of jewelry. Well, here's the antidote. If I saw someone wearing Erin Inglis' exuberant jewelry, I'd instantly get the impression that the person was upbeat, creative, and had a sense of humor. Erin's Etsy shop is called Broken Fingers Art...a reference to the digit-damaging dangers of jewelry-making? I don't know -- maybe she'll come on and tell us!

Top: the Milkweed Necklace, bottom: the Flustered Necklace. Both are original hand drawn designs on light weight plastic.

Dahlia Kanner

2008-06-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Picture yourself as the average geek, having mustered the courage to ask the object of your affections out on a date, and she shows up wearing these creations from Dahlia Kanner. Aren't they just a tad, oh I don't know...hostile? I'm getting a "Don't come too close or I'll puncture a vital organ" vibe.

Maybe Dahlia was just having an angry day when she designed these, because she also has many beautiful - but still edgy - designs on her site. Below, a pearl and yellow gold necklace.

Kathleen Dughi

2008-06-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! So, so pretty. I just discovered the web site of Kathleen Dughi and her jewelry is just exquisite. These to-die-for rings are completely encrusted in colored diamonds. On the left: The Rose Sorbonne ring -- a domed band in rose gold with blue, pink, yellow, sage and cinnamon-colored diamonds. On the right: The Sorbonne ring -- a domed band in 18k yellow gold with blue, pink, lemon, orange, sage and cinnamon-colored diamonds.

Modern Chain Mail

2008-06-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Deanna Collection Padlock Cuff from Steel Couture is billed as, "Medieval Chainmail with Modern Rubber." The black rubber with steel has been done a lot, but the white rubber is a whole 'nutha thing. It has a feminine, but severe look, kinda like Valextra luggage. It also looks a little like a snake skeleton. Very interesting.

Kati's Colors

2008-06-10T01:05:00.000-07:00

Kati Enscoe, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, creates her jewelry under the company name "Garnish." Makes my thoughts go to parsley sprigs and such, but when you think about it, we really are "garnishing" ourselves when we wear jewelry. Katie is clearly a color freak and here are some samples of her bolder pairings.
Lime jade with a hot pink jade pendant and vintage glass detail. Green jasper oval stones with vintage pink
glass detail.

Smallthings

2008-06-09T01:09:00.000-07:00

Teresa Robinson of Smallthings Designs uses stained glass sandwiched between layers of hand cut sterling silver. Very modern, very sleek, but with an appealing, almost childlike simplicity.

Petra Giers

2008-06-08T01:59:00.000-07:00

Petra Giers of Germany created this stunning pendant of hand-engraved fire opal. I'd love to see whether the engraved areas catch the light as it moves. Petra's website has a somewhat foreboding soundtrack of crackling fire and melancholy piano. Check it out.

Arik Levy

2008-06-07T01:51:00.000-07:00

Sleek, sinuous, and sexy, the 'soraya' jewelry line was created by Arik Levy for Gaia & Gino. It reminds me of some sort of mathematical formula brought to life. The mirror-polished stainless steel and titanium finish accentuates the wonderful curves and layers. Available at Unica Home.

I love you, Paolo

2008-06-06T00:33:00.000-07:00

I love Paolo Costagli jewelry! Wouldn't these Siena Drop Earrings look amazing on a fall day, against a backdrop of autumn leaves? Maybe paired with a cashmere sweater on that first day cold enough to wear it? Mmmm. Now all I have to do is scrape together $8,600!

Handcrafted Coral Sugar Loaf Earclips have yellow diamonds and amber drop pendents set in 18kt Yellow Gold.

Fame by Fetty

2008-06-05T01:54:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about writing this blog is getting a peek at the personalities who devote themselves to creating adornment for the human body. It fascinates me to think that the jewelry that catches my eye might come from a lifelong master jeweler, a soccer Mom working out of a spare bedroom in suburbia, or.... the lead singer of a New York glam rock band! That's Justin Tranter of Fetty, whose industrial chic jewelry was featured during our Valentines Day "Week of Hearts."

His latest creations feature Braille words on polished, minimalist surfaces. First created in sterling silver, gold, and diamonds, (see the bangles at Barney's) the line has also been issued in brass plate and crystal, "so that everyone has the chance to work a fabulous braille piece." Braille words in this new line, called Fame by Fetty, include: Magnetic, Baby, Precious, Try, and Love. At Alter in Brooklyn.

Baby Jane

2008-06-04T02:06:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Lindsey uses vintage postcards -- in this case, their sky-scapes -- to create the colorful Baby Jane Jewelry line. (Baby Jane was a childhood nickname.) Shown here: the Falling Leaves pendant and Round Cloud Drop Earrings.

Franz Schnaas

2008-06-03T01:49:00.000-07:00

It seems that a lot of jewelry designers are incorporating stone movement into their designs. The other day I wrote about Leo Cahn's Rolling Stone Ring, and a while back I featured Renee Lewis' Ruby and Sapphire Shake Necklace. Here's another example: the Ketzal Wristwork for men, by Franz Schnaas, is a clear tubular wristband filled with rolling stainless steel balls.

Tiziana Redavid

2008-06-02T01:38:00.000-07:00

Tiziana Redavid was an architecture student when she paid a visit to a factory that made industrial springs. She picked up an oversized spring, slid it onto her arm like a bracelet, and found herself inspired to create jewelry. Not surprisingly, her work includes lots of coiled steel.

I Really Felt it

2008-06-01T02:34:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I can't read German, but it looks like this bracelet by Michaela Binder is a combination of silver and felt. Nice contrast of soft/hard materials.

A Little Scary

2008-05-31T01:18:00.000-07:00

This necklace from Teresa Milheiro of Lisbon, Portugal, features three shark's teeth that spin on an axel like some kind of horror movie saw.

Sarah Healy

2008-05-30T02:54:00.000-07:00

I like the "dripping" quality of the Raining Stones Necklace from Sarah Healy Design. It's hard to get that look right without overdoing it, but this necklace is dramatic without being too over-the-top. Stones are dyed fuchsia jade quartz and aqua quartz with 14/24kt gold fill.

Ming

2008-05-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

Golden Carp dripping with suspended crystals come from the Chinese Princess collection by designer Ming Lampson.

Burst of Joy

2008-05-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

Perfect for the upcoming Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, and sure to elicit the same "Ooooohs" and "Ahhhhhhs." Burst of Joy pins by Barbara Silverstein.

Tagua Nut Rings

2008-05-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Can't stop looking at these Tagua Nut rings available at the Carrotbox. The colors are so bright and happy! Tagua Nut is, according to the site, " a natural, sustainable material from the rainforests of South America. As an environmentally- friendly alternative to tusk ivory, it's elephant-friendly, as well." Sounds good!
These rings come in five shapes and 23 colors and no two are exactly alike.

Dunes

2008-05-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

What a cool idea! The design of this pin was inspired by the ripples of a sand dune. By Laura Balzelli in silver and 18k boiled gold (Why does Laura boil her gold, you ask? I haven't a clue -- maybe someone will enlighten us) at Simona Fine Italian Jewelry.

Twist and Shout

2008-05-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

Some very pleasing shapes result from the twisting design of the Twist & Shout 18k gold pendant and matching earrings from Sarah Herriot.

The Rolling Stone

2008-05-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Tilt your hand back and forth and the ruby rolls from one side of its little cage to the other on this unusual silver ring. In checking out the Netherlands-based web site of designer Leo Cahn, there was very little I could actually read, but the words "De Rolling Stone" were abundantly clear.

Another "Movable"

2008-05-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

Another one! The Coral Obes movable silver ring with coral from Klemi.

Kenneth Jay Lane

2008-05-23T02:53:00.000-07:00

These Dome Resin Rings with central crystals from Kenneth Jay Lane sort of straddle the line between chic and tacky -- and some days, I'm all about that! I'd like to see that ivory ring with a smoky brown or amber-colored crystal, though. Available at Neiman Marcus.

David Tishbi

2008-05-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

Have a look at David Tishbi's primitive-looking rings. He has various super-thin bands that can be combined for a unique look. Or choose the Large Gold Tether Ring, which has a bunch of thin bands lashed together with a thin 22k yellow gold strand.

More Assael

2008-05-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist posting a couple more of the crazy-wild pearl necklaces from Assael. Top: 18K Yellow Gold Necklace with South Sea Baroque Pearls and Moonstones. Bottom: 18K Yellow Gold "Grand Duchess" Necklace with Akoya Pearls.

Assael

2008-05-20T04:07:00.000-07:00

Saying "she wore a cashmere sweater and a pricey string of pearls" instantly conjures up images of a traditional prepster. Not if she bought those pearls from Assael! I stumbled upon their Web site, which is a wonderland of unusual jewelry incorporating Tahitian & South Sea cultured colored pearls. Top: 18K Gold Necklace with 21 baroque pearls. Bottom: 1. Ruby Bead Necklace with Multicolor Cultured Pearls

Jennifer Olsen

2008-05-19T03:28:00.000-07:00

I like the way Jennifer Olsen of Boston sells her jewelry. You can order any combination of stones on any color of hand-knotted silk. Two examples: faceted pink jade with a gaspeite teardrop on lime silk , and faceted olive jade and aqua quartz on green silk.

C C Skye

2008-05-18T04:03:00.000-07:00

CC Skye's Screw Bracelets are a little bit punk, but chic. In Italian leather with gold-plated screws and buckle closures. At Max and Chloe.

Silverwear Studios

2008-05-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

These sweet little daisy earrings and pendant, in Sterling silver and 14k gold, are from Bill & Sandra Owens of Silverwear Studios. Bill and Sandra are a husband and wife team in business since 1982. They use age-old methods of silver and goldsmithing, even hand-making each earwire.

Jen Soderberg

2008-05-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Silversmith Jen Soderberg is busy at work in her Vermont studio, creating jewelry that she sells on Etsy. These sterling silver tear drop earrings each have a bezel-set blue topaz.

She also gives classes, which are limited to just four students at a time. Find out more here.

Studio AMF

2008-05-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Holly and Ebony Two Tone Mod Ring is carved in wood by Studio AMF in Indianapolis. The ring has been sanded to a sheen and lightly oiled. It stands about 1" off your finger.

Armonita Yuen

2008-05-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

"Found Music" is crafted in sterling silver and 18k gold by Armonita Yuen of Berkeley, California. It can be worn as a pendant or pin, but is shown here on Spun Silk 14K Gold Pendant Wire.

Michael Alexander

2008-05-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Former stockbroker Michael Alexander, who now designs jewelry in New York City, creates some really interesting ring settings. Clockwise, from top left: Ring 645: Morganite surrounded by diamond accents in an 18k gold setting; Ring 667: a grossular garnet in 18k yellow gold; Ring 525: Blue sapphire with diamond accents in an 18k rose and white palladium gold settng; Ring 640: Imperial topaz with yellow sapphire accents in 18k yellow gold

KatLambrix

2008-05-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

I'm liking the Silver Ball Necklace from the KatLambrix shop on Etsy. I seem to have a thing for designs that suggest chaos but are actually quite controlled. (I'm recalling how I gushed about a certain pair of Safari Sister earrings...) This necklace is all Sterling Silver.

Erica Zap Designs

2008-05-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

I love these Scallop Mesh Necklaces by Erica Zap Designs, shown here in black nickel, 18k gold, and silver -- all electroplated over brass. The black nickel, especially, has a nice contrast between a sweet feminine shape and tough-looking materials and technique.

Raul Frisneda Jewelry

2008-05-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Perch a flock of birds on your hand with these rings from Raul Frisneda Jewelry in 18k yellow gold. Pair them with Blooming Twig Earrings in 18k green gold with diamonds. Raul Frisneda is a former child soap opera actor from Caracas! He's been designing jewelry for 12 years now. Partner Keith Fremon is a second generation New York goldsmith.

Sharon Rosenthal

2008-05-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

I love the way Sharon Rosenthal of Philadelphia uses the colors of the red/orange/yellow spectrum in her work. I saw her at a recent show and her work was the most striking stuff on the floor. Her jewelry is big and bold, but has that teeny weenie touch of humor, childlike delight, and whimsy that keeps it from being ponderous. Without her deft touch, these pieces could easily go over the top into the gallery-lady look. You know, those middle aged and older women you see in New York wearing enormous jewelry that screams, "This is an IMPORTANT piece I'm wearing, dammit!"

DVF Power Rings

2008-05-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

From H.Stern comes the DVF line of Power Rings by Diane Von Furstenberg. Read the promo copy for these babies and you'd think that Diane singlehandedly invented the idea of the strong woman - by designing a group of rings that can put an eye out. ( I do like them, though.)

Cascade

2008-05-07T03:42:00.000-07:00

Like a sparkling waterfall, the Cascade choker from Dorian web captures the imagination. Made with Hessonite garnet, citrine, and beer quartz.

Cobblestone Bracelet

2008-05-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

From H. Stern, the very lovely Noble Gold Cobblestone Bracelet with amethyst, rose quartz and smokey quartz.

2008-05-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Willow Leaf Necklace by Turkish designer Gurhan Orhan has a beautiful shape. In his favored medium: 24 k gold. Each of his pieces are numbered and signed by the artist. At Neiman Marcus.

Onyx Geometric

2008-05-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

From Juicy Couture: the Onyx Geometric Ring in 14k gold with a black onyx. At Neiman Marcus.

Titopedrini

2008-05-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

And here we see the dragon reaching out its claws to grasp the magic stone of ....oops, no - it's the Artigli Pendant in Rutilated Quartz with yellow gold. From Tito Pedrini.

Kerri Hale

2008-05-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of respect (and a teeny bit of jealousy!) for artists with sophisticated understanding of the color spectrum. Count Kerri Hale in that group. The Vermont resident creates subtle and beautiful color combinations and transitions in her jewelry designs.

Michael Fitzgerald

2008-05-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Michael Fitzgerald is an Irish lad now working in Brooklyn, where he runs Studio 174 with fellow jewelry designer Caroline Glemann. Here, his silver flower pendants, made with semi-precious stones.

Diamond Dust

2008-04-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

Now here's an interesting item: the B in Love Pendant from Baccarat, made of cut crystal with diamond dust! It opens to reveal a sterling silver insert with "Love" engraved on it, plus a diamond accent. Baccarat says that they re-cut the crystal while it's hot, which gives this piece "the shock of a meteorite suddenly frozen like a baroque stone in the planetary imperfection of cut crystal." A little over the top? Maybe, but I haven't seen it in person yet!

Soho Enamel

2008-04-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Check out these bangles from Soho Enamel. They use the ancient Etruscan art of enameling and give it a modern revival. Each item is infusesd with diamonds and gold, using a 'secret family technique.'

Finestra Designs

2008-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

After writing about Donna Veverka last week, I wanted to feature Jeannette Mullarkey of Finestra Designs, who also draws inspiration from classical architecture. Her designs are created by carving the original models in jeweler's wax, then molding and casting them into metal using the technique of lost wax casting. "My mission," she says on her web site, "is to realize sculptural, visually dynamic work, which is both wearable and finely crafted." Mission accomplished, I'd say!

YaelFran

2008-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

The YaelFran Shop on Etsy has some really interesting jewelry and jewelry concepts made from paper. Check out the Riding Ring. It took me a minute before I realized that the little person looks like he/she is riding the finger as if it were a horse. So clever. The necklace is made with laminated paper flowers hanging from sterling silver wire.

Jes MaHarry

2008-04-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Jes Maharry lives on a ranch outside Santa Barbara, where she and her family rescue homeless and abused animals. You may recognize her work from Robert Redford's Sundance catalog.
Now I don't know about you, but when I try to put together a piece of jewelry using lots of different elements, well...it turns into a big ol' mess. But Jes has an amazing knack for combining seemingly mismatched items into beautiful designs. Shown here: The Dervish necklace and Wonder bracelet (left); the Heal necklace and the America bracelet (right); and Artisan Earrings (center).

Sandra Eileen

2008-04-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just saw some sweet and frothy creations at the Etsy shop of Sandra Eileen. She's a jewelry artist whose studio is located in the New River Valley, near the the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. These earrings make me think of things like strawberry shakes and juicy cantaloupe slices, (It's always about the food, right?) and they're perfect for spring.
Top: Tiny Louis Earrings: Petite and featuring a brilliant orange faceted carnelian teardrop briolette accented with a faceted pink tourmaline rondell and finished with lightly hammered sterling silver earwires. Bottom: Peruvian Pink Opal, Carnelian, Keshi Pearl, and Lampwork Glass Earrings with sterling silver earwires.

Dawn Bergmaier

2008-04-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Dawn Bergmaier sees beauty in industry, engineering, even the hardware store! Her forms are machined, cast in Sterling silver, then assembled, fabricated, and individually hand-finished.

Favero Gemstone Jewelry

2008-04-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

So sparkly! From the Favero Candy Collection: green tourmaline and diamond earrings with 18K gold. At Michael C. Fina Jewelers.

Bella Bueno

2008-04-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

Bella Bueno, a half-Spanish, half-Swedish designer living in the USA, says that her jewelry "seeks to mirror her two selves: the energy and flair of Spain, and the elegant design of Sweden." Top: Sterling Silver Kula Kub Pendants shown in silver finish and oxidized. Bottom: Sterling Silver Kula Klasar Earrings shown in silver finish and oxidized.

Half Circles

2008-04-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I saw the work of Emilie Cohen and Michael Pundy of Canton, Connecticut for the first time. I love the way these items have a riveted, industrial look that becomes almost a delicate, scalloped ruffle when you step back a few feet. Genius! Top: Sterling silver half circle necklace, satin finish. 16.5 inches length. Bottom: Sterling silver 5 tier half circle dangle earrings, 2.25 inches length.

Cohen and Pundy also teach classes at the Connecticut School of Jewelry Arts.

Internal Fire Glass

2008-04-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Scott Pernicka of Albany, New York, creates unusual glass jewelry under the name Internal Fire Glass. "Through glass, I have found an art that will grow with me for a lifetime," he says on his website. The images show his dichroic glass bracelets (top) and fumed glass bracelets (bottom).

High School Ridicule Cuff

2008-04-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

The High School Ridicule Cuff by Fallon is engraved with a litany of stereotypes and insults -- like "stoner," "Goth," and "basket case" -- that will take you back to your angst-filled teen years. In rose gold, available at Barney's.

Donna Veverka

2008-04-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of jewelry designer Donna Veverka. Her highly unusual designs draw upon classic architectural shapes. Top picture, clockwise from top left: Amphitheater Ring, Spiral Staircase Bracelet, Tower Brooch, and Buttress Ring. Bottom photo: Duomo (dome) necklace. Donna works primarily in Sterling Silver, accenting some of the items -- like the interior of the dome -- with gold.

Dana David

2008-04-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

We featured the work of Dana David in a previous post, but this past weekend, I got a chance to see a large collection of the jewelry at a craft show - gorgeous! Even better than the pictures. I'm in love with the Cono Stiletto earrings, shown above, which have diamonds peeking out from the angled base of an 18k white gold shaft. Hubby was along for the trip to the craft show and I made a point to ooh and aah over those earrings - we'll see if he remembers :)

Ceramics Class

2008-04-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

This beautiful ceramic jewelry was created by Monica Tort Bori. The necklace on the left makes me think of sea anemones, pick-up sticks, woodpiles, and lots of other odd but interesting stuff! At the Niu Shop in Pamplona, Spain.

WILL YOU MISS US?

2008-04-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

JUST JEWELRY WILL BE ON VACATION UNTIL APRIL 16.

SEE YOU SOON!

Art Deco Inspirations

2008-04-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

These sterling silver rings by Ashley Hilton are handmade and etched with Art Deco architectural motifs found in the artist's native New Zealand. Rings can be ordered in gold, copper, silver, platinum or titanium.

Script Cuff

2008-04-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

The Sinuous, curvy shape of the Script Cuff from Ippolita is very alluring. In 18k gold.

The Wishing Well

2008-04-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the strangely charming Wishing Well necklace by wire artist Judy Feskun at Stix and Stones in Ontario. The glass bottle was purchased from another artisan and Feskun built the necklace around it.

$19,000 worth of cute

2008-04-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

It's kind of hard to call a $19,000 item "cute," but that's just what this is. Renee Lewis' Ruby & Sapphire Shake Necklace has a pile of rubies, pink sapphires and spinel in a pendant of 18k gold. Shake it up, baby!

Bold Turquoise

2008-04-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Planning a trip to Santa Fe makes me think about turquoise. Barney's is selling this bold Turquoise Necklace from Ten Thousand Things: 18k yellow gold and turquoise pendant necklace on cable chain.

Baby Teething?

2008-04-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Quique Diaz is a Guatemalan Jewelry Designer working in California. His "Long Pendants," above, are drawn from Maori culture. They were supposedly worn around the neck where they could be easily grabbed by a teething child.