Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Designer Jewelry

Laura Gibson and her Tiny Black Diamonds

I am really liking these tiny black diamonds I've been seeing in lots of necklaces.  The facets make them sparkle, and the their size makes them dainty and sweet.  I recently tried on a necklace that featured the tiny black faceted diamonds and 14k gold bars in between each one.  The necklace was at least 22 inches long, and was around $1200 at a small gem & fossil shop in California.  Laura Gibson, jewelry designer out of Arizona, uses tiny black diamonds in a few of her pieces from her collection.  Check out her entire collection by looking at her website.  She also has several trunk shows across the United States, which would be interesting to attend.  Here are her designs--love the bracelet.  What do you think? Read More

Obsessions

Obsession: Leather Bracelets

After coming across these bracelets in hopes of finding something "unordinary" in the stackable bracelet trend, I've realized these leather goodies are on a whole new level. I especially love how the designers have paired the earthy material of leather with something bold, like a pearl or something sparkly, like diamonds. These would go great with any other bracelets, whether you own gold bangles or a tennis bracelet. The leather on these bracelets has proved that leather can be considered "fine jewelry" and look high-end. I love them! These leather bracelets have a diamond encrusted button which encloses each one. You have your choice of black or brown leather, and you also can choose yellow, rose or white gold. Each are $500 and can be found at JL Rocks! Easily purchased online! This stack of seven bracelets is actually one bracelet! From the Misani Collection which originates in Milan, Italy. The company specializes in combining leather, gold and diamonds. It can be purchased at Pageo Jewelers--North America's exclusive representative of this company. Bold and beautiful! Leather combined with black or white South Sea Pearls creates these great bracelets from Cathy B. Jewelry. I am excited for their website to be revamped soon, allowing customers to order directly and have access to prices and better descriptions. Keep an eye out for that, as well as sneak a peek at their flip flops. They are extremely cool. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Yum! Fruity Bangles by Mark Davis

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Obsessions

Spotted: Dangle Rings

I've always had this tiny, gold, etched band ring with a single, circular charm dangling from it which portrays the Virgin Mary.  I love this ring and I was recently admiring the simplicity of it.  It is also one of the most complimented-on rings that I own.  That dangle definitely sets it a part!  I've found some dangle rings that are just as beautiful and will guarantee compliments.  Enjoy! This dangle ring showcases a pretty color-combination of aquamarine, peridot and apatite. Set in 18k gold and designed by Becky Kelso. This is a fun and vibrant ring! From Ylang|23, for $540. This ring is also from Ylang|23 and is a great buy at $202.50! That is half off! It looks similiar to the dangle ring I have. A good amount of gold with two charms dangling from m2 Design collection by Mary Margrill. A unique dangle ring that combines two trends in one! A stack of rings, plus the cross dangle! Believe it or not, there are seven stack rings here, all done in 18k yellow gold. This one is designed by Beth Orduna, priced at $1320 from Ylang|23. I can't stop wanting to buy this ring. I think the concept is so neat, and I'm so intrigued by the pieces of jewelry that BYLU creates. That little piece of quartz? Found in Central Park--each is unique and hand cut. Price ranges from $250-280 depending on ring size and can be found in the Compass Rose Collection on BYLU's site. Wow is the first word that comes to mind when I see this ring! It is made using 18kt gold and denim silk that is hand woven together. Made in Italy by Carolina Bucci and found on Astley Clarke, an online boutique which houses designer jewelry from around the world. Price is about $1122. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Gretchen Julius: a Day at the Zoo

I love Gretchen Julius' designs because they make me feel like I'm spending a day at the zoo or on an African Safari adventure. Zoos are my top favorite places ever and I've been to quite a few. For my birthday this year, it was the San Diego Zoo and then last year it was the Cleveland Zoo. Here I am when I was little at a zoo in Florida. The petting zoo area is the best part. I fell pretty hard and scraped my knee, and the little goat was licking my scrape. My favorite animal at the zoo has always been those meerkats...I could watch them for hours. I get frustrated though because I just want to play with them. Here are some of Gretchen Julius' designs--we've got a ring, necklace and earrings. All are done in 14k yellow gold with semi-precious stones. She uses a zebra, elephant, camel, rhino, and scarab in her pieces of the Safari Collection. So, if you like the necklace but would rather have, say, a camel for example, it is available. Check out her website...her bracelets are also very pretty. And check out the Cluster Collection. I've added a peak of what that collection looks like as well below. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Election ’08: Buttons are Overrated;;a Graffiti Bangle is more like it

With the election coming on strong, Americans will be headed to the polls before we know it!  Heck, it's almost October already!  Crazy stuff.  I've seen cars whizzing around with McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden bumper stickers all the time.  But who wants to ruin their car with a huge bumper sticker?  Or how about those button/pin things...they are great, but how do you wear that and look stylish?  The best option to show your political spirit this fall??  Try a Graffiti Bangle!  Gorgeously hand-made using brass and enamel.  The phrase "Obama '08" is done up in a graffiti style.  Each costs $100, with $50 going toward the Obama Campaign.  Now that's showing your support, while being stylish!!  Comes in colors red, white, blue, gold, yellow, beige, or pink.  Each are 1 inch wide, from BYLU jewelry. Read More