Given: Ashley Olsen has the best jewelry ever. But anyone can have nice jewelry--it's how you wear it that sets you a part from the rest. I like how she wears two medallion pendants at the same time, only difference: the chain length. This look is easy to pull off if you have two different chains; one long, the other about 24 or 30 inches. Of course two medallion pendants are needed: go for an Art Nouveau one and another that has gemstone detail. Matching yellow gold is the right idea as well!
This medallion pendant is from Doyle & Doyle's Heirloom collection, which is designed by the Doyle sisters. So these pieces are modern jewelry, with an antique style. These come in several different choices for gemstone choice--I like the jadeite which is shown above. 18k yellow gold, price: $350
Doyle & Doyle also has this great Art Nouveau medallion pendant. Art Nouveau often features silhouettes of women, all done in yellow gold (often found on lockets). This one is done in 10k yellow gold and features diamonds. Price: $1200 Read More
Seed Pod Flower rings; comes in small, medium or large sized flower
These seed pod flower rings designed by Blanca Monrós Gómez are the epitome of daintiness. The way they are designed lets you stack them in such a neat way--rings don't need to face straight-on when worn. I also like the idea of taking one and stacking it with a large solitaire ring. It is done below with tinier stack rings. The juxtaposition of the two is so unexpected. Would make a great addition to anyone's wedding set--just stick a little seed pod ring in between your band and wedding ring. How great would that be?!
Blanca Monrós Gómez also custom designs wedding sets that are just as beautiful and dainty. The tiny diamond stack ring gives this set just the right look. The seed pod flower rings are all done in 14k rose gold, with the center of the flower being oxidized.
Prices:
Small seed pod ring- $98-100
Medium seed pod ring- $110-115
Large seed pod ring- $155-165
Single Black diamond stack ring- $120
Blanca Monrós Gómez ♦ blanca@blancamonrosgomez.com ♦ 718-594-2869 Read More
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
