Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Jessica McCormack

"New York Night" 3.11 carat diamond ring, depicting the NY skyline Jessica McCormack doesn't take jewelry design lightly--she wants to designs pieces you will covet forever, and pass down through the years.  Sounds like a substantially serious objective for a jewelry designer, but when you see her work you will notice that this goal is easily reached.  Of course with a background like hers, you begin to understand how her talent emerged as well.  She spent much of her early life surrounded by antiques at her father's auction house.  In her twenties she traveled around Asia and Europe, expanding her tastes.   Each piece she designs has an enormous amount of thought and meaning behind it--a great example is her popular Wing of Desire, said to have been worn on the hat and sandals of Greek mythological being Hermes. Her work reinforces what I believe--that those who are self-taught, when it comes to jewelry design, are those who are least conventional and boring. Her jewelry sure pushes the line. Jessica McCormack, The Salon  ♦ 32 Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R 0AU ♦   ♦  +44 (0)20 7549 6700   ♦  by appointment only model wearing Wing of Desire earrings {The photos I have chosen are from her Blog on her website, which has even more inspiring images.} Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

The September Issue: Ashley Olsen Jewelry Trendsetting

Ashley Olsen graces the cover of the September issue of Marie Claire for 2009. If you've picked up your copy, as I have, you will get to read a great interview and see some amazing pictures. It is insightful to read how extremely effortless she makes her everyday clothing out to be--yet how crazily aware fashion gurus and fashion bloggers are about her. Ashley seems like a treasure hunter, like myself--describing a few pieces of jewelry and art as found in pawnshops in NYC and bazaars in Istanbul. Caption of above picture: "TRENDSETTER: Always one step ahead of the fashion curve, Ashley wore her rings high on her fingers." Below are two pieces that quite resemble what Ashley Olsen is wearing above. And yes, I too believe rings worn high on fingers will be popular. If you already have a gold beaded, long chain you can give it a new twist by knotting it like so. If not, Karen Karch has designed this fluid, sparkly choice. This necklace is 50 inches long, and because it was hand-made, knotted between each bead, it can be styled, draped and twisted any way you want. Done in 18k yellow gold and priced at $9500. Ashley Olsen wore a ring on the top portion of her finger--very unconventional and "so-her." Sarah Davida is designing rings with this exact style in mind. Each is custom made to fit you, as well as personalized with words, initials or small sayings. I think the Olsen twins would fall in love with the Davida Cuff Ring, and you will too. You get a 10k yellow gold cuff ring for only $140-147 or a silver version for $42-49. Check out the website for ordering information. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Antique Rings at Erie Basin

Erie Basin gets it right everytime. This photo is honestly all of my best dreams combined into one. And, is it a coincidence that the signet ring features the letter D? Owner Russell Whitmore just got back from an antiquing trip, which only means some great, unique pieces will soon be at his shop, with some online. Erie Basin  ♦  388 Van Brunt St. Brooklyn, NY 11231  ♦  718-554-6147 Read More

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Celebrity Jewelry

Best Jewelry: 2009 Teen Choice Awards

  Although I'm not a teenager anymore, I guess watching the Teen Choice Awards keeps you feeling younger.  Unfortunately almost everyone's jewelry choices were extremely minimal.  I felt Leighton Meester stood out, not only with her dress but her jewelry choices.  The earrings are by designer Cathy Waterman.  I've featured her Love of my Life Collection before, however these earrings worn by Leighton Meester are done in rubies.  Here they are below!      If I were a stylist, I think Elisa Solomon's microphone ring is the best choice for an event like this.  Whether you are a singer first and foremost, or just dream of being on stage singing---this is such a fun find.  I like how diamonds make up the portion you talk into.  It is done in 18k yellow gold and priced at $603. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Janet Deleuse

This necklace is amazing. All done in 18k yellow, rose and white gold and featuring blue, yellow and pink sapphires--this would just make anyone look radiant. It is 19 inches is length with a total of 4.26 carats worth of sapphires. Priced at $20260, it is a one-of-a-kind statement piece. For more information on designer Janet Deleuse check out her blog. Janet Deleuse  ♦  415-435-2484  ♦  deleuse@deleusejewelers.com ♦ Read More

My Jewel Box

I’m just tryna change the color on your mood ring

[right hand] 14k rose gold diamond & sapphire antique stick pin converted into a ring from eBay user: jgoldilox 10k yellow gold heart ring given to me by my sister ALisha [left hand] 10k rose gold flower ring from Ruby Lane Read More