Jewelry Designs: Shape + Texture + Colour

With Mother's Day around the corner I wanted to put together a collection of jewelry pieces that are as unique as they are elegant and hopefully give you some gift ideas in the process.  I don't know a woman who doesn't love buying or receiving jewelry.  It's a great purchase not just because it will last forever but because it can really make you feel good.  Beautiful jewelry is the same as beautiful art only in smaller doses; it's an extension of your tastes.  It can accentuate everything about you, your appearance, your personality and above all your confidence.  So, why not have fun with it.

These beautiful Capiz Earrings you see above were made from capiz shells and vintage brass by a mother and daughter team from Turkey.  Their shop, Star of the East, is available through Etsy.  I personally love the golden shades overlapped on the sheer white background. 

This red coral necklace from Nest Jewelry is such a beautiful statement piece that I would be happy wearing it with a plain black t-shirt.  It's so large and chunky I don't know how anyone could walk down the street without someone commenting on it.  It is beyond gorgeous.  Nest Jewelry is designed by Janette Wilkinson and Jana Erwin and is available through Neiman Marcus.

I love the use of green in jewelry and this pretty and elegant ring is so refined and feminine.  I love the oval shaped peridot dome and the floral silver that wraps around it.  Made by a Texas-based designer this ring is available by order from Thirty Six Ten just contact the designer.

The combination of pink and green in these earrings is perfectly balanced and stylish. I love the glass look of these and the shape of the stones. They're made by Amaia a designer from the Basque region of northern Spain. (One of my favourite places in Spain by the way; I love San Sebastian)...

I have a soft spot for amber jewelry because I grew up wearing it.  And this bracelet from Water Waif is so rich in colour it's almost like gold.  I love the layered teardrop shape and the overall thickness of the bracelet.

Well, these gold dipped hammered hoop earrings sure made an impression on me when I first saw them.  I love their gold and shiny design, I think they would look amazing with dark hair.  Made by L.A. designer Devon Leigh they're available both from her website as well as from Neiman Marcus.

Leave it to Marquis & Camus to turn something so simple into simply stunning.  I love the emerald green in these gorgeous Red Carpet earrings.  I think they would complement any skin tone.  Plus they're so subtle you can even wear them casually.

The above pair of pink earrings from Larkspur & Hawk are just gorgeous.  Designed by Emily Satloff, they have a stunning antique element to them but with a modern touch.  I love the combination of white, pink and grey colours; these earrings are so ultra feminine.  You can find them at Barneys.

I can't say enough good things about this stack of seven rings. The idea is brilliant and it looks so cool and chic.  I love the hammered texture of each ring and all the natural colours.  I also like how you can pick and choose how many you wear and in what order.  Made in Buenos Aires by Gabriela you can purchase these through her Etsy shop India y la Luna.

These beautiful earrings are another great find from Anthropologie.  I love how their greyish-blue interior is delicately wrapped in gold plated brass.  The best part is the lava-like shape of the agate that apperas so naturally flowing inside.  It's incredible that this stone is so organically found.

This is some chunky loveliness from Vera Wang.  With a rhinestone necklace that looks this good, you almost don't need any of her dresses.  But of course if you can afford either or both then you're certainly lucky.  This necklace is impeccably glamorous and just another example of how in my mind, Vera Wang can do no wrong.  Available from Neiman Marcus.

I probably should have checked the price of these earrings before including them on here but by then it was too late, I was already in love.  Made by Olivia Collings these diamond cluster earrings are to-die-for (if you can afford them, that is.)  They're available from Barneys New York.

This sterling silver wave ring from Etsy shop Naamonet was designed by Israeli designer Naama Elharrar.  The textured quality gives this ring such an elegant look.  It almost looks like ivory to me and the pattern is stunning.

These lovely pair of flower earrings made from brown timber were designed by Australian designer Angelene McMullen.  They have a brilliant large shape and the colour of these would be ideal for anyone with either blond or red hair.  I would probably be tempted to paint these white so the shape would stand out with my dark curly hair.

If you're looking for a pendant necklace look no further than this lovely concoction from Peiffer Studios.  I love the etched pieces of Sweet Assylum from the designer's garden.  The brown on white combo is so aesthetically pleasing.  Although the exact one above is sold out, the designer may be able to recreate it for you.  Please contact her for more info or you can view a similar one here.

I love the patterns on these earrings from Nervous System.  I think they're truly a reflection of the owners impeccable tastes and skills.  Made from stainless steel the designs are meant to evoke the branch like forms found in plants. 

There is nothing like a big cocktail ring to wear to your favourite occasion.  I love the use of Swarovski crystals here in all of their gorgeous colours.  This ring has a great shape too.   Available from Shopbop and designed by Kenneth Jay Lane. 

So, there you have it my jewelry recommendations for you, for Mother's Day or for any occasion really.  If you would like to see more please read my earlier post on Beautiful Necklace Finds.

Eternamé Earrings at Lane Crawford in China

If you ever have a chance to visit Hong Kong or Beijing be sure to stop by the Lane Crawford department store for me.  From what I have gleaned online it's an impeccably curated retail space with unique pieces from designers all over the world.  These beautiful earrings from Eternamé designed by Sarah Besnainou had me converting Hong Kong dollars in my sleep.  I wish I could have them in every colour; I love their shape.

Of course, it was not surprising to discover that the fashion director for Lane Crawford is Sarah Rutson whose style and good taste has often been captured by the likes of Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist as well as Tommy Ton from Jak & Jil.  This photo below is from the former.  Now, if only we had some good weather so we could emulate her style.

The Sartorialist

Prints from Sweden by Therese Sennerholt

I came across these prints in a magazine, which one?  I can't recall exactly.  I know I should have written it down to give proper credit but in any given month I go through and read at least a hundred, so trying to keep track of all of them is difficult. Sometimes I jot them down but most of the time I don't.  Later when I come home I have to make sense of it all and end up giving myself more stress.  But what can you do?  I love doing research; it's my favourite part of this blog.  There's nothing better than finding a new artist or writer, or a photographer whose work you admire (at least in my mind).  It never ceases to amaze me how talented people are.  That's why I have journals and journals full of names and galleries, as well as shops and writers and designers everywhere.  You can't enter a room in my home without running into one; and they are all overflowing with information. How I sort these out is a miracle.  That's why it sometimes takes me a bit to post because I'm usually trying to decide between so many different ideas. What I know for sure is that I will never run out of topics to write about.  Anyway, when I spotted these prints from Swedish designer, Therese Sennerholt, I was immediately drawn to her aesthetic and sense of humour.  Take a look for yourself...

I hope my karma will improve eventually but for now I can only pray.

I agree, people who appear normal need a vice or at least a very good martini.

I'm not much of a chocolate lover but I sympathize with those who are; I have a similar predilection for sashimi, tea and poppy-seed cake. 

I think everyone should have this print posted in front of their desk for a little motivation.  The words remind me of that Madonna song which was so well written:

What are you waiting for?

Nobody's gonna show you how

Why wait for someone else

To do what you can do right now?

Words to live by.

Beautiful Necklace Finds

If these pieces make you want to take out your credit card please don't blame me. They are all so unique that I wish I could have each and everyone of them. I have to admit I've always had a weakness for good jewelry design having once considered the profession myself. And when I look at these lovely necklaces I am reminded once again why I appreciate this area of design so much. The creative possibilities are simply endless.

Odette New York

This beautiful Petal Necklace above in Gold Vermeil was designed by Jennifer Sarkilahti, an artist and jewelry designer from Brooklyn, New York. I really like the softness and textured quality of this piece; it has a nice organic shape to it too.  To see more work from this designer you can visit her Etsy shop or her website at Odette New York. 

And what do you know, this gorgeous Giant Silver Dandelion necklace from Swedish designer Anna-Karin Hallström from Black Daisy Designs sold out two days ago on Etsy.  Just my luck.  For some reason I always seem to pick items that sell out right before I have a chance to write about them.  Anyway, this piece was made to order so hopefully the designer will replenish her shop soon enough.

Black Daisy Designs

This 13 Silver Nugget necklace made from sterling silver is from Julie Nolan a designer from Brooklyn, New York.  It's simple and playful all at the same time.  I also like how these little clusters of silver hang on a long 16" chain.  You can read more about Julie Nolan and her jewelry on Etsy.  I have to add that I love this photograph, I think the background goes so well with the jewelry piece.

Julie Nolan

I can't get enough of this Finger Print Necklace from Alejandra who is the designer behind 2212 Jewelry from Buenos Aires, Argentina.  It's stylish and über feminine.  I only wonder if it's possible to order your own fingerprint to be designed on top. 

2212 Jewelry

While this necklace below might be called a Glacier Necklace, I don't know about you but all I can think of is Cheerios. But in a good way.  It's both adorable and modern and made from recycled African glass.  You can also find it on Etsy from designer Cassie's Shop Clementine.

Shop Clementine

Made from liquid porcelain this Mama Camillia necklace comes from Wapa Studio in Israel.  It is designed by Ady Shapira who is as talented in jewelry design as she is in ceramics. I really enjoy anything white and like many of the other necklaces in this post it has organic written all over it.  But then I've always preferred natural, fluid lines and shapes versus anything remotely geometric.

Wapa Studio

Here is a pretty necklace from another Israeli designer this one from Etsy shop Rio Rita.  I love the little granules on the perimeter of the necklace and all their different sizes.  The pendant is a good size too and the convex shape balances the design very well. The textured quality of the chain is a nice bonus.

Rio Rita

If you like the use of bronze in jewelry then this Eternity Necklace from Peaces of Indigo is for you.  It has a great shape and texture and there is also something quite subtle about its design that I find really appealing.  To see more designs from Dawanna Young you can visit her Etsy shop or read about her on her blog.

Peaces of Indigo

If you're looking for something different and unique you can't go wrong with this large rose necklace from Blue Serendipity by Jill.  I think there's a reason it's called Je t'aime; it's full of romantic sentiments.  I'm also a big fan of the contrast between the white and burgundy colours. 

Blue Serendipity

This emerald green Tulip Drops necklace below is simply gorgeous.  I like the addition of white pearls just below the petals; it gives it a nice touch.  The piece hails from Singapore and is designed by Maddy whose work is also available on Etsy from her shop Marolsha.

Marolsha

And how about a Creamy Butter Swirls Necklace from Paris-based designer MiniCyn.  I like the shape of this, though I'm still struggling to figure out what it reminds me of, definitely something edible.  If only it was made of chocolate.  I love the delicate quality of this piece. 

MiniCyn

This curved Matt choker reminds me of a graphic brush stroke.  It is designed by Australian designer Melanie McCleary whose work is available on her Etsy shop Anthaus.  This is a really elegant piece of jewelry that is both sophisticated and chic at the same time.

One of the reasons I'm really attracted to this Drop Trio necklace from Lauren Haupt Jewelry below is that it reminds me of one I already have.  Or at least used to have before one piece unfortunately fell off.  If I don't fix it I will have to find a replacement. I first found it on Lauren's Etsy shop, Local Library and I love how it is classic in its design and also charming in shape and size.

Local Library (Etsy) by Lauren Haupt Jewelry

I didn't realize when I started to write this post that it would become an all Etsy cast.  As you can probably tell I'm quite enamoured with the site.  I think there is an incredible amount of talent on there that's just bursting with creativity and waiting to be discovered.  I have plenty more jewelry designs to show you, from Etsy as well as other sites that I uncovered recently but I will have to post them in a bit.  For now, have a good weekend.  I'm off to work on an artist profile/interview that should be up shortly... 

And The Heart Says Forever

I thought I would post something uplifting today in light of what's happening in Japan.  Regardless of where you live, these events are going to affect you in one way or another even if only economically.  And while I work on some hopeful prints of my own, in the meantime, I hope you enjoy these heart-inspired designs.  The first one is a mug designed by Jen Ray available from her Etsy shop Corduroy.   Ne sois pas triste means, do not be sad, in French.

Next is a ring called Heart Dance designed by Nafsika from Greece who also has a shop on Etsy.  This is such a lovely design, I think it would make a great gift for anyone.

These earrings are from designer Jeanine Payer who has a penchant for writing poetic quotations on her jewellery. How can you not like these?

And I just love this necklace from Pat Falcão a Brazilian designer whose work is available from Colette.  The shape of the hearts has an almost graffiti-like quality that I think is really unique.

This pretty necklace, also discovered on Etsy, is from Minty Fresh Fushions.  I love the touch of copper here, I think it's such a nice contrast to the silver. 

Chic Jewelry

Remember that jewelry post I promised to write?  Well, it's finally here.  After weeks of research, I have amassed roughly 200+ jewelry pieces which are currently saved on my desktop.  Needless to say, I will have to post them over the next few weeks, maybe months.  Here is the first batch starting with a pair of beautiful Ginkgo Biloba earrings in emerald green from Aurélie Bidermann.  If you think they look rather organic it's probably because they are real ginkgo leaves that have been dipped in gold and then enamel.

I don't know about you but I think this ring from Hervé Van Der Straeten looks more like a sculptural piece to me than jewelry.  The craftsmanship is simply impeccable.  Straeten who was once a jewelry designer for Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix now also designs accessories for the home.

Although this bracelet from Isabel Marant is now sold out (sorry) I thought I would include it anyway.  I love red accents as far as jewelry is concerned and this is nice to look at even if only for inspiration.  Maybe if you're lucky you can find it somewhere online.

If you're seeing or reading this post for the second time, you'll  notice that I have changed the Eddie Borgo bracelet to another one from his collection.  It was bothering me all weekend and I decided that I had to change it.  I guess you could say I am somewhat addicted to the edit button on my blog.  But anyway I think this one below works better with this post.  I still chose one of his non-geometrical inspired pieces, because that's generally what I prefer in jewelry.  And I like the mix of gold and black here. 

Jeanine Payer is a San Francisco-based jewelry designer who often uses text from writers new and old to engrave her jewelry work.  These teardrop earrings, available both from her website as well as Barneys, feature a quotation from Henry David Thoreau.

I have a lot more pieces to show you, but I thought I would start small with these six pieces.  And I can't think of a better item to end on than this adorable little elephant necklace from Aurelie Bidermann; just seeing it made me smile.  I hope you like it as much as I did.  I will have more for you later.  Take care for now.

Feathers + Pillows

My love affair with Aussie design and art continues.  I spotted these feather textiles from Elkhorn Design on Etsy several months ago and I knew it was only a matter of time before they ended up on this blog.  I love everything about them especially the orange flavour.  It just makes me want to visit Australia even more; there's so much creative talent down there.  Unfortunately, it's so far on the periphery that we hardly ever hear about it.  I certainly plan to add more artists and designers in the future so stay tuned.

They make table runners too, check this one out in a beautiful mustard.

But I have to have the orange one.

For a neutral pallete there's a nice white and gray combo.

And here is another lovely pillow.