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
These little solitaire rings by Jamie A. Kelsch are my latest obsession. These have a vintage feel and are so versatile. I can see them worn alone or stacked, and be equally as beautiful. Each can be customized in 14k yellow or white gold--even platinum by special request. Below, in order from top to bottom are a blue topaz, amethyst and blue sapphire. Diamond and pink tourmaline are also available (and possibly others by request). Prices range from $350-400. Jamie A. Kelsch is an Austin-based designer; you can find her designs at Austin-based jewelry store Eliza Page. Read More
I was reading the new October issue of Lucky magazine yesterday, when I noticed a beautiful spike cuff bracelet which Kristen Bell points out as being her jewelry must-have. It was the above spike cuff, done in 14k yellow gold by Lizzie Scheck Jewelry. I couldn't help but notice the price ($1400) and remember that it looks quite similar to a design by Zoë Chicco. So I hurriedly looked up Zoë Chicco's version, and low and behold it is $992 cheaper than the Lizzie Scheck bracelet! Both are done in 14k yellow gold and seem to be of similar size/dimensions. Although they are online and not in person, and although there may be a size difference, if you are looking for this style of cuff, then go with the Zoë Chicco version!
Lizzie Scheck Spike Cuff Bracelet, 14k yellow gold, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="Lizzie Scheck Spike Cuff Bracelet, 14k yellow gold, Price: $1400"][/caption]400
Zoë Chicco Spike Cuff Bracelet, 14k yellow gold, Price: 08 Read More
