If you check out VANCOX, you will fully understand how the core of their business is jewelry design, rather than jewelry manufacturing. Although they do both, the design aspect is truly calculated and meticulously planned. VANCOX features many statement pieces that are bold and finely crafted. From their mesh dripping earrings, to their gemstone built bracelets--each piece will surely make heads turn and whispers run wild. The company is based in Brazil, giving them access to the many gemstones that are found there. Us Americans need some timeless jewelry with Brazilian soul! Now check out my favorites:
Tresor Collection: 18k yellow gold, South Sea Pearls & Diamonds
Antique Collection: 18k rose gold, rutilated quartz & diamonds
Floracion Collection: 18k yellow gold & diamonds
18k yellow gold, citrine, smokey quartz & diamonds
VANCOX ♦ 1-877-8VANCOX ♦ vancox@vancox.com Read More
...the square! So, a few weeks prior to my birthday I asked everyone if I should go with the round or square shaped ring from Zoë Chicco's Spike Collection. I initially was going to go with the round--but then I thought it would be fun to ask everyone's opinion.
Thanks to many great comments and opinions, I ended up choosing the square! I am very happy with this choice, I love my ring! I also am glad that I chose a Matte finish rather than a Polished finish. Not too many jewelry pieces have a matte finish, which makes it even more unique. The onyx was a no-brainer for me--it is such a striking color against the yellow gold.
Now that I look in both my closet and jewelry box, I am realizing an overwhelming abundance of black. Didn't even mean for this to happen either...I think the next piece of jewelry I am going to purchase is going to be bright and vibrant!
{inquiries about the specifics on any jewelry items I'm wearing, feel free to leave a comment, I will answer your questions} Read More
Drop earrings and a pearl choker--a classic combination, seen here on Katharine Cornell circa 1930s. I like how her necklace showcases a large, bezel set Mabe pearl, rather than just being a plain strand. The drop earrings in the photo feature three pearls, graduating in size. Below are some choices that would allow you to mimic this look!
This vintage pearl necklace is so alluring, with its triple strands and eye-catching center piece. That central decor is comprised of 18k yellow gold and a large Mabe pearl. This piece is from the 1950s from Fay Cullen, price: $2600.
Love the charm of these drop earrings. Although the inspiration photo features three somewhat large pearls in the drop, these earrings are done on more of a smaller scale. They still are gorgeous--done in platinum and 18k yellow gold. There is a pearl at the top and three diamonds below, all same sizes. The buttercup settings on the diamonds are just so adorable. From Lang Antiques, price: $2950. Read More
Our Designer Spotlight is being focused on a wonderful jewelry designer and intelligent woman--Ariel Gordon! Ariel Gordon's jewelry designs are fresh and simple--perfect for your everyday staple piece. Take a look as she answers some questions about how she began, how designing makes her proud, and where her designs will go in the future. Gem Gossip has also chosen our favorite pieces from her collection, which are featured together with her answers!
GemGossip: Which piece from your collection is the most popular/best-selling?
ArielGordon: My initial necklaces are pretty popular. They make great gifts for new moms, graduations, or for yourself. I'm fascinated by graphic design and typography and I was inspired to make the collection after watching the documentaryHelvetica. I created the font myself in wax by hand, letter by letter.
14k yellow gold initial pendant (with or without diamond) "14k yellow gold initial pendant (with or without diamond) $300-350"00-350
GemGossip: What was your experience like at Revere Academy? Would you recommend it to inspiring jewelry designers?
ArielGordon: Absolutely! Revere is a great place to fully immerse yourself in all things jewelry. The instructors are all working jewelers, stone setters, or gemologists and are extremely knowledgeable. I did an intensive program that had class 5 days a week, 8 hours a day for a few months. My hands got pretty tired and my neck was always stiff but I loved every minute of it! It covered casting, fabrication, metalsmithing, polishing, repairs, stone settings, drafting, trade practices, and gemology. Every class had a syllabus and it was very structured which I found helpful. It's like learning a language... the more you surround yourself and immerse yourself the faster you learn. Plus it was great to be in a creative environment with other people as passionate about jewelry as I was.
14k yellow and rose gold Large Washer rings, "14k yellow and rose gold Large Washer rings, $310"10
GemGossip: How has working with Maya Brenner affected your designs?
Ariel Gordon: So in addition to running the one-woman AGJ show, I also work full-time with Maya Brenner who is one of the most talented and kind people I know. When I decided I wanted to pursue jewelry as a career it was a really scary moment in my life. I didn't know anything about how to start a retail business. I didn't know how to source my materials, how to put together a collection, how to price my items, how to deal with buyers, how to use Quickbooks - nothing. I barely knew how to make jewelry! All I knew was that I felt a sense of satisfaction seeing people wear my jewelry that I had never felt before. I wanted the freedom of being my own boss and I wanted to be the one to reap the benefits of all my hard work. To help ease into being self-employed, I decided to send my resume out to every LA-based jewelry designer I could think of and ask if any of them needed an assistant. I got a bunch of responses but I hit it off with one in particular. It couldn't have been a better match... Almost 3 years later and we're still going strong!! Maya has taught me so much about how to run a jewelry business and she isn't at all territorial (an issue friends of mine have bumped into working with other designers). I'm so lucky that we found each other!
Iolite or Garnet ID Bracelet, 14k gold, [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption=85
GemGossip: What is your proudest moment in your jewelry career?
ArielGordon: It's a tie between winning ShopStyle's Emerging Desginer contest or the my first web order (to someone other than a family member or friend).
10k or 14k yellow gold Hour Glass Ring, "10k or 14k yellow gold Hour Glass Ring, $325-495"25-495
GemGossip: What is in store for the future of AGJ?
ArielGordon: Always more beautiful jewelry!! Ha ha... I'm actually going to try to expand into the wholesale business. There are so many great boutiques out there that are struggling in this economy and I'd love to be a part of what helps to keep things on the up and up. Read More
Had a wonderful birthday yesterday. Leaving you with some shots I took with almost my entire ring collection. If you have questions about particulars on any of these pieces, leave a comment and I'll get back to you! Thanks to all my readers--especially those who leave comments and fun emails! And yes, I like to help out in any way that I can if you are in a jewelry dilemma.
I will post soon to let you know if I chose the square or round version of this ring. Let's just say all your input helped! Thanks! Read More
Photo taken by FrizzText
These sunny, warm days of September make me want to sail away on a beautiful sailboat off into the sunset. Jewelry has a heavy nautical influence, anything from boat charms, to sailing knots, to the marine link. I've pointed out some trendy knot motifs in rings, and even our Charity Bracelet is designed with a special sailing knot in order for it to be adjustable. These bracelets are all designed by Tiffany & Co. from the early 1990s, and can be purchased at Beladora.
Set sail in style with this charming Tiffany "Sailboats" signed designer bangle. This estate designer bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold, featuring a fleet of sailboats, inset with mother of pearl and malachite sails atop shimmering lapis waters. This estate signed designer bracelet is approximately 1 1/8 inches wide and retailed for $6,625.00 in 1992. Beladora's price: $4850
This 18k yellow gold marine link bracelet features lapis along with the bright, high polished gold signed by Tiffany & Co. The bracelet measures 7.5 inches and retailed for $4200 in 1993. Beladora's price: $3250
I think this bangle has such a beautiful pattern which mimics the ocean's waves. The classic 18k yellow gold signed designer bangle has a wave-like pattern created with inlaid mother of pearl, alternating with lapis. This bracelet originally retailed for $4,675.00 in 1992. Beladora's price: $3650
These make me want to scream, I'M ON A BOAT! Read More
