All about jewelry

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Rachel Leigh Jewelry Designer

At the request of fashion editors, buyers, publicists, and fashionistas who were searching for a fashion jewelry line that was both fashion forward, chic, and unique - former Yves Saint Laurent publicist Rachel Bravman launched Rachel Leigh Jewelry in the Fall of 2004.

Spring and Summer 2008 Jewelry Collection
Designed for the girl with confidence, who's always in command, doesn't take herself too seriously and is the life of the party. The Rachel Leigh girl knows who she is and uses her wardrobe and jewelry to play off of her personality.

Heart Statement Reversible Necklace:

Chain necklace with snakeskin heart cutout on one side, and a two-tone medallion pendant on the other. Medallion features etching detail. Lobster-claw clasp. 32"

Rachel Leigh is known for its bold, feminine pieces that are classical with a decadent touch - a favorite of young Hollywood and the editors of Lucky, InStyle, WWD, and Harper's Bazaar. Unparalleled in style and class, Rachel Leigh jewelry is the ultimate in statement-making, trend-setting jewelry.

Audrey Python Knot Bangle in Purple
The Audrey Python Knot Bangle is a fabulous vintage-meets-modern design that has a unique sliding tab closure under the gold bow knot. The gold bangle is trimmed with real snakeskin. The contrast of textures and colors makes this sophisticated bangle stand out.

Rachel Leigh jewelry is inspired by the combination and manipulation of materials, textures and colors. The majority of the pieces in each collection are made of snakeskin, wood, hammered metals, rough cut semi-precious stones, hand-dyed silk ribbons, carved ivory beads, metallic leathers, vintage chains and charms, Lucite, gold wire, lace and bone.

It's made in New York City from custom-designed molds and castings exclusively for Rachel Leigh. All pieces are quadruple plated in 12k gold or silver to ensure the highest quality.See full article.

Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Rachel Leigh Jewelry - 19 November 2006

Spring/Summer 07 Jewelry Colors - 27 January 2007

Jewelry Designer for Princesses - 08 March 2007

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Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Caribbean Hook Bracelets

The Caribbean Hook Bracelet first became popular on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to celebrate love and good fortune. Recently, the islands of the Caribbean have adopted the Hook Bracelet as their signature piece. The traditional horseshoe design was introduced to the Caribbean over forty years ago, and since then, new island bracelet designs have become very popular, including the Fish Hook, Knot, Lizard, and Dolphin and many others. Caribbean Hook Bracelets are now worn by people all over the world.

Original Caribbean Hook Bracelets
Whether you call it a Love Bracelet, or an Island Bangle, there is only one Original Hook Bracelet with a patented integral locking clasp. Sterling Silver with 14k Gold wrap.

Handcrafted gold and sterling silver hook bracelets are made in the Caribbean and have a unique style all their own. Folklore has built up around the bracelet's simple horseshoe design. If you wear the open end of the hook pointed up toward your heart, it means your love is taken, and that good fortune will come your way. If you wear the hook away from your heart, it signifies that you are available, and that you're sharing your good fortune.

Sand Dollar Hook Bracelets
Children have been known to say that sand dollars are the money of mermaids washed-up from the deep. This stunning sterling silver bracelet with 14k gold wrap and sand dollar will remind you of the times spent trolling the sandy shores searching for the shells of these delicate sea creatures.

Folklore
Sometimes the men of a Caribbean village have to leave to fish or deliver goods to other islands in order to make a living for their families, often for weeks at a time. When the men set out to sea, their wives wear their bracelets with the open end of the hook pointed away from their heart and down their out stretched arms, sending love and faith as they wave goodbye to their husbands. When the men return and their ship is spotted in the harbor, their wives turned the hook up toward their heart, symbolizing the safe return of their men from the dangers of the Caribbean.

Palm Tree Hook Bracelet
In many historical cultures, palms were symbols of victory, peace, and fertility. Today, palms remain a popular symbol for the tropics. You will remember your vacation to the islands every time you look at this stunning sterling silver palm tree bracelet with 14k gold wrap.See full article.

Related Entries:

Shared Images Jewelry Exhibit - 15 February 2007

Positive Icon Bracelets - 28 April 2007

Bracelets Are the Best - 12 May 2007

The Incredible Jewelry of Hyungzee Choi - 19 December 2007

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Designer Jewelry Bargains

This week, I've been at Smart Bargains.com to bring you some great buys in Fine Designer Jewelry. Get 'em while they're hot! Click on the pic to go to the page for that item.

Scott Kay 1.34 ct. Amethyst & Diamond Bracelet
Old meets new in this beautiful sterling silver original design from Scott Kay. The 1.34 ct. amethyst and diamond station carries old-fashioned charm, while the oxidized scrollwork is quite fresh and modern.
$400

Gucci 103 Horsebit Floral Champagne Dial Watch
Swiss quartz movement.
Stainless steel case and back.
Roman numeral hour markers.
Polished integrated teardrop case.
Champagne flower patterned dial.
$500

Juicy Couture Sweet Couture O' Mine Necklace
A crystal-seeded strawberry dangles deliciously along a chain. A Juicy crown logo nearby adds a little more sugar.
$25

Rivka Friedman 18k Plate Multi Gemstone Necklace
This chunky gemstone necklace is the ideal accessory for spring's earthy, tribal, and neutral fashion trends. It features large stones of Jasper and Labradorite, and a frothy beaded tassel.
$80

Argento Vivo 3-Strand Bead & Tassel Necklace
The perfect accessory, this triple-strand sterling silver necklace from Argento Vivo offers both shine and texture. Each strand offers a different shaped bead, and the back has a dramatic tassel clasp.
$150

Samuel B Silver Wide Woven Bali Cuff Bracelet
An exotic Balinese style cuff bracelet with grace and elegance. Slide on this unique piece and showcase its exotic flair all day and night - its flexible design provides class with comfort.
$150

Di Modolo 18K Diamond & Blue Topaz Hoop Earrings
The gorgeous, ultra-modern designs of Italian jewelry maker Di Modolo can now be yours at our fabulous less-than-retail price. These glamorous, 18-karat white gold earrings feature dazzling diamonds & blue topaz in a contemporary deco setting.
$1200

Hellmuth 18K White Gold 3.80 ct. Blue Topaz Ring
Contemporary yet timeless, Gert Hellmuth blends Bavarian beauty with stunning simplicity in each of his alluring designs. World-renowned for style & elegance, Hellmuth jewelry represents everything which is simply good.
$1800

Samuel B Silver & 14K 3.65 ct. Green Amethyst Ring
This sterling silver ring is fashion-forward perfection. A shimmering, cushion-cut green amethyst is surrounded by 14-karat yellow gold accents to create chic contrast and style.
$100

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Heart Locket Pendant
The Victorians were fond of lockets, storing mementos of loved ones-a lock of hair, a picture-inside. Now, with this engraved sterling silver heirloom locket from Argento Vivo, you can revive the tradition. It's the perfect time.
$50

Have a great week!
MaggieSee full article.

Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Jewelry Bargains at Amazon.com - 04 November 2006

Jewelry Designer for Princesses - 08 March 2007

Jewelry Stocking Stuffer Bargains - 28 November 2007

Jes MaHarry Jewelry Designer

California artist Jes MaHarry is influenced and inspired by her surroundings - her ranch near Ojai, her animals, and the ever-changing beauty of nature. Her jewelry is intensely personal, always inspiring, and often surprising in its unusual juxtaposition of refined and rugged elements. For Jes, what began as a quiet observation of nature, has evolved into a passionate love, not only of nature, but of life itself.

Frog Pond Ring
With the mysterious green beauty and shiny depths of a natural forest pool, a dimensional Prehnite cabochon is framed by a leaf-etched bezel on a textural silver band.

Named after its discoverer Colonel Hendrik von Prehn, Prehnite is an attractive collection mineral that is used for jewelry and occasionally used for ornamental stone purposes. Its color is usually a very beautiful green that appears in a shade that could be considered unique to Prehnite. Found in association with volcanic rocks, it usually forms in aggregates and has a rather thick crust with a rough or crystalline texture. The rough texture makes it difficult for faceting but it can be cut in a cabochon to reveal its unusual color.

Mighty Oak Necklace
Jes MaHarry adorns an assortment of handmade sterling links with charms and philosophy. The center charm is etched with a mighty oak on one side, and the words grow strong on the other. The words enjoy life, dream, and love + joy are inscribed upon individual links. Made in USA with a lobster clasp. Approx. 21-1/2"L.

Jes MaHarry's Sun Horse Ranch is in the Ojai valley, a couple of miles outside town. Room to roam for the herd of animals the artist has been collecting - horses, dogs, cats. The aged parrot. The pair of wild burros, just rescued from starvation in the Nevada desert. Jes and her partner, metalsmith Patrick Henderson, have only been on this land for a short time. They've already built a house filled with light, a hay barn, and an expanded Sun Horse workshop - not to mention corrals, paths and the beginnings of a semi-desert garden.

Pearl of Truth Earrings
Endless rings of 14k rose gold represent the wholeness of life.
Each hovers beneath a cultured white pearl, Jes's symbol for truth.
Handcrafted in USA with 14k gold lever backs.

Jes wanted to make jewelry before she knew how to. She comes from a family of artists in New York State. Her earliest pieces used found objects: earrings made with feathers, creek stones and rusty bottle caps, and old washers pounded into rings. She taught herself the fine art of silversmithing, then worked drudge jobs after college to finance her jewelry-making equipment, purchasing one piece at a time. Now her palette includes authentic African trade beads, Gaspeite, Tibetan Turquoise, Oxblood Coral, Sterling Silver and 14k Gold.

Artist Statement

Family tradition gave me the freedom to experiment, to take risks and create the life and art I wanted. People say my pieces make them feel good; some people wear my jewelry as a personal amulet. If the pieces bring good luck, I think maybe it comes from my absolute love of doing it. Of designing every piece. Maybe the good luck comes from what goes into the work - passion, hope, and some feeling for risk, for adventure, for overcoming any challenge.

I design my jewelry with the hope that it will bring a bit of beauty to our world, and a measure of solace and peace to you. I try to represent the wonder of the natural and spiritual worlds through my work. I hope it resonates in a deeper place within you. Be free and love life.

Our Mission
We believe that through compassion, there is beauty. Through love, there is art. We believe that we are only free through being kind. That there is grace in generosity. We believe that there is dignity in all living things.See full article.

Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Jewelry Designer for Princesses - 08 March 2007

Designer Jewelry by Rhonda Reagan - 16 January 2008

Donna D'Aquino Jewelry Designer - 25 February 2008

Monday, April 21, 2008

Summer Stones, Winter Jewels

When I mix gemstones for bracelets, I mix because of a paradigm that I've adhered to for quite a while. I see many gemstones in terms of season. That may sound stupid, but I simply can't help it, and if you look at many of the jewelry pieces that I design, you can see this particular mind-set of mine at work. First, let me say that I wear all gemstones at almost any time of the year - this is something that happens when I'm creating. And, let me add that the precious gemstones that I use: ruby, sapphire, and emerald seem to me to be seasonless - that is, they can be for the hottest day of summer or the coldest of winter, but with certain other coloured stones, I have a definite prejudice!
Above you see one example: a citrine bracelet with two strands of citrine and silver; now, that is definitely a summer bracelet as is the aquamarine bracelet that you see below:

Of course, the link is easy, you think: sea and sun! But if you look at the rainbow moonstone bracelet below because of the white (beneath the blue flash) most people would think of summer. Not I! Rainbow moonstone is a winter stone; I have the same idea about labradorite jewelry. I attribute it to the blue flashes that they have that always remind me of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights and conjure up visions of snow, reindeer in Lapland, the icy lands of Norway and Finland.

Sunstone is one of those stones that reminds me of hot summers - and also, hot days of Autumn, before that first chill sets in. It truly is a warm stone. And as one might think, when I mix pastel colours largely for one of my unique bracelets, it usually turns out to be a summer bracelet.

So what season is the peacock blue apatite and sunstone bracelet? The addition of the dark peacock blue makes it seasonless, adding the cool tones of winter to that hot summer sun. I've also de-seasoned a bracelet with labradorite as well - adding some aquamarine for summer and balancing the two stones with amethyst (which I think of as Fall and Spring)and a couple of dichroic beads for extra sparkle. To make the top citrine bracelet Fall-worthy, I would probably add some ocean jasper to it.
I know that some designers prefer to consult a colour wheel, but we all design in our own way - and sometimes in a way that perhaps makes sense only to one person.