Jewelry designer Brooke Kanani creates mini sculptures of art when she makes jewelry.  Being taught and trained in the lost wax method of casting, as well as studying sculpture has truly influenced each design.  I love how she uses many nonconventional materials when making jewelry--like shells, seed pods and other natural rocks.  Her jewelry has a very organic feel without being too simple--it is actually very complex and intricate.  Check out her designs below and to see more visit her website.  She also has a Facebook Fan Page.

18k yellow gold "Alligator" ring, set with seed pod and diamond

18k yellow gold and pearl ring

18k yellow gold and shell ring

{left to right: 18k yellow gold cedar apple and diamond ring, 18k yellow gold and shell ring, 18k yellow gold diamond and shell ring}

These twig rings have been a favorite of local residents of Ithaca, NY for over 25 years now.  I may be a little late in catching on, but better late than never! This custom ring is perfect for those who have loose diamonds that need a new home.  With this design, you can choose which twig style you like as well as the metal.  Micky Roof who is the designer and owner of a jewelry store in Ithaca, NY called The Jewelbox.  Check it out sometime if you are ever in the Finger Lakes area.

 

Treasure hunting is my absolute most favorite thing to do. Whether it's at an antique shop, looking for gold frames and vintage jewelry, or at a gem mine, sifting through piles of gravel and dirt--I love the thrill of finding something to be treasured. The beach is one of my favorite spots. It is fun to be on the hunt for sea shells and sea glass. In the above photo, I am searching for sea glass in Southern California. Below are some pieces of jewelry with elements of raw mother nature. Not your typical, finely polished gemstone--just a smoothed beach stone, some quartz found in Central Park and some raw black diamonds. Enjoy!

The alluring seafoam green color of the chrysophrase beads goes great with the simple beach stone. This necklace is designed by Renee Garvey and can be found at Eliza Page. Priced at $375.

I love the concept of this necklace, along with some other pieces that match in BYLU's Compass Rose collection. The quartz encased in the gold setting is found in Central Park, each is unique. The necklace is done in 14k yellow gold and is $550.

Maya Brenner has some great jewelry designs and this black diamond bracelet is a great example. The black diamonds are drilled so they look like beads, and the delicate 14k chain is perfect. Check out Maya Brenner's website to take a look at her other designs. The bracelet is priced at $220.

Rough edges, blemishes, and flaws--raw gemstones create character in the jewelry they reside.  Whether it is a diamond that has been uncut, unpolished and "in the rough" or a prehistoric shark tooth, jewelry that features a raw material is beautiful and has become popular by up-and-coming designers.  You can find examples in jewelry boutiques, online or even create your own if you find a rough stone and feel it is worthy to be showcased.  I've found some great pieces that feature a Moroccan Azurite, a prehistoric shark tooth and a Kyanite crystal.  Check them out below!

This necklace is designed by Melissa Joy Manning and features a royal blue Moroccan Azurite. The style of the 14k yellow gold prongs makes it resemble bird's claws, grasping the stone. The price is $940 and it was even featured in Lucky magazine.

Designer Pade Vavra creates a tough, don't-mess-with-me look with this great white shark tooth necklace. Those are diamonds you are seeing at the top of the tooth, as well as three black diamonds at the end of the chain (not visible). All is set in 18k peach gold and can be purchased at Ylang|23, for $2090.

I love this Kyanite crystal necklace set in 14k yellow gold from Zoe Chicco. It is geniusly designed to extend from 24-26 inches in length, giving you a nice and elongated look. This will easily layer with shorter charm necklaces. This necklace is $693 and each will vary slightly.

If you ever wanted fine, handmade jewelry then Sarah Perlis is a jewelry designer that you need to check out!  She likes to create jewelry that is eco-conscious, so she melts her own gold in her studio, located in New York City.  Her designs use 18k and 22k gold, gemstones and diamonds.  Sarah Perlis has a popular collection called "In the Rough" which incorporates 22k recycled gold and rough diamonds that have been panned and not mined.  The panning method does not release toxic chemicals into the environment, like how mining often does.

Take a look at my favorites from her collection, which can be ordered from her website.  There are more great pieces to look at on there as well!

Personalized jewelry is fun and quite popular. Whether you get your initial, your significant other's, or a secret crush's, this is an all around easy-to-wear necklace. I like how it also comes with a gold heart charm and a tiny diamond charm. This piece is done in 20k gold and is $595. You can also get this necklace without the heart charm, for $435.

This ring is so adorable! Sarah Perlis was definitely thinking outside the box when she created this piece. I never would have thought to attach a gemstone in that way--sort of looks like one flower petal. This ring features a pink sapphire and a rose-cut diamond, in 20k gold. Price: $840

I like this chain necklace because it could be worn in so many different ways. It would look great alone, or layered with other necklaces. Who ever thought a simple chain could make such a bold statement? It is 20k and 18k gold and priced at $480.

I've been outside nearly the entire day. Sometimes I feel it is urgent to stop and appreciate nature. With our hectic lives that we all live, it is sad that we don't take the time to just sit and take in the incredible wonders of this world. You could sit and watch the sunset, watch a tiny ant make its way home while carrying something 3x its size, or wonder about the stars and moon. It is relaxing and puts your worries into perspective.
Here are some nature-inspired pieces that are just as amazing as nature itself. Maybe purchasing one will remind you to stop and appreciate the little things in life.

This little necklace is designed by Pippa Small. That green gem is a chrysophase and it is strung on a natural cord. To give it some glam, two 22k gold seeds are added. This necklace definitely has earthy elegance! It can be purchased at Twist for $620.

Doves hold a special meaning to my family, so this necklace is near the top of my wishlist. The designer, Renee Garvey, is amazing and all of her designs are so organic. The dove has a white diamond for an eye, and is hanging with a raw black diamond and a smoothed beach stone. What a neat combination! The leather cord is so right...I can't imagine this piece with a gold chain necklace. It is $358 and found on Eliza Page.


This necklace comes from a website I recently came across and quickly added to my Favorites. It is called Ele Keats and they have amazing jewelry. This particular one is an 18k gold necklace with an emerald crystal as the center-piece. That emerald looks like it has just been dug out from underground. I like how the necklace has the other emerald and gold accents, rather than just the center pendant. Price: $835