Gift It – Jewelry

You can’t loose with jewelry.  And I’m not talking Zales diamond “remember me” necklaces either.  Fashion jewelry is BIG these days, very in fashion and the best place to buy original, unique and well priced jewelry is Etsy.com …no kidding.  This lil Gold Rush Ring is only $95 and the Nugget Necklace is just $33.  So get on over to Etsy.com and finish your shopping already!  

Bright Lights Big City

My good friend Peter Teague took this photo of New York from 7 World Trade Center.  What a beautiful image of the city that never sleeps!  The night tonight is clear and crisp, the stars are out after a bright sunny day today.  I’m heading down to New York this weekend  and look forward to slipping into that grove for a few days.  Who knows maybe I’ll get my hair cut and try on lots of shoes, and maybe I’ll go up to the museums and the park and stay up town for a show… and for sure I’ll be spending hours in ABC Carpet and Home.  Check back soon for NYC updates!

Yes please!  I think this is a promotional image for 1 Madison.  the newish apartment building that is having difficulty getting occupancy.  Don’t know if it’s financing or what but I will tell you the building is BEAUTIFUL.  Certainly a favorite in recent years – as is the Gehry building at 8 spruce – One Madison is a thin black needle of a building with glass boxes cantilevered off one side.   

ETSY Binge!

You guessed it, I’ve been bingeing on the eye candy over at ETSY.com – it’s been going on for a few days now.  There is no shortage of creativity and good design over there, and the prices are crazy good!  This bracelet offered by ourfamilyjewelsLA on ETSY, is a gold vermeil over sterling silver.   They call it the twiggy bangle, I think it’s so simple and beautiful.  There really is something for everyone… Small paintings, jewelry, pottery and knitted and felted hats, wallets, pins, and purses, and yes… Dog collars.

Secret Garden

Love these butterflies with wide-spread wings and beetles with long feelers arranged in a circle with legs next to each other  forming brooches, pendants, rings and bangles. They also occur individually, as an ear stud sitting on the tip of the ear, or as a pin, nonchalantly crawling on the lapel.  All of these are the works of Nikolay Sardamov.  

The insects are their own silhouettes: silver shadows, sometimes gilded or blackened. They sit in symmetric ornaments which grow into three-dimensional constructions and resemble flowers in bloom. The beetles and butterflies turn into petals. and they are breathtaking. And the secret of the garden? Its flowers can spread their wings and fly away.

Vivianna Torun Bulow-Hube – Master Jeweler

Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe (born December 4, 1927 in Malmö – died July 3, 2004 in Copenhagen), often known simply as Torun, was one of Sweden’s most important 20th century silversmiths and a master jeweler. She is the first female silversmith to have become internationally famous.  Among her most important works are the watch “Vivianna,” the bracelet “Mobius,” and the earrings and necklaces “Dew Drop.”  Throughout her career, Torun worked in Sweden, France, Germany and Indonesia.

In 1948, saying that she didn’t want to design jewelry for the wives of wealthy men to keep locked up in private, Torun began making what she called “anti-status jewelry” out of twisted silver wire embellished with crystals and stones. In 1959, she designed the Mobius necklace, which included a lead crystal drop to be draped over the shoulder of the wearer. It was described by Barbara Cartlidge, author of the reference book Twentieth Century Jewelry, as a “milestone in the history of modern jewelry.” In 1962, Torun designed a stainless steel bangle-style wristwatch for an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.   It later became the first wristwatch to be produced by the world-renowned Danish silver company Georg Jensen.

In 1960, Torun was awarded a gold medal at the 1960 Milan Triennale and also won the American Lunning Prize for design, given annually to innovative Scandinavian designers in their thirties. She then met, for the first time, Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, for whom she began designing exclusively in 1969.

Torun is the designer behind some of the most famous Georg Jensen jewelry designs, including ‘Mobius’, ‘The Vivianna / Open Watch’, ‘Beans’, Forget me knot’ and ‘Hidden Heart’. She is the second most famous Georg Jensen designer, behind Jensen himself. In 1992 she was awarded the Prince Eugen medal by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden for outstanding artistic achievement.  Also in 1992, the Georg Jensen form held an exhibition honouring 25 years of its association with Torun, 45 years of her work with silver and her 65th birthday. In the same year, theMusee des Arts Decoratifs in the Louvre held a 45-year retrospective of Torun’s work.

Torun’s jewelry was inspired by natural shapes such as flowers, leaves, swirls and the flow of water. It is described as sober, minimalist and simple. Torun has been praised for her ability to shape solid materials into seemingly flexible forms, so that metal flows like water around the wearer’s neck and shoulders.  She did not use valuable stones, preferring instead pebbles, granite, rock crystal, moonstone and quartz.

Torun’s jewelry has been worn by celebrities including Billie Holiday, Ingrid Bergman, and Brigitte Bardot, and her customers included Pablo Picasso and Duke Ellington.  Her work can be seen in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Swedish National Museum in Stockholm, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Montreal, the Louvre in Paris, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in London, and in the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich.

Blue & White – Summer Grab Bag

 This summers “it” bag could very well be the Garrison Tote from Vitrine.  The two-tone natural canvas bag with waxed bottom has the fresh look of a day on a boat, but has you covered from yoga to lunch to dining alfresco with friends.  The vegetable tanned leather is a nice accent and the detachable strap is perfect when you need hands free.   Two interior pockets for all of your necessaties and four on the outside for keys, phone, sunnies, etc. Size: 19″ wide, 16″ high, 7″ deep  $196.00  Get one while they last!

Also from Vitrine the classic rope bracelet is updated by designer Tanya Aguinga. 100% cotton is woven and then dip dyed by Tanya creating an hombre effect and making a summer classic into an on trend fashion accessory for todays fashionistas.  The knot Tanya uses is called Turk’s head Knot, it allows the bracelet to slide comfortably on and off the wrist.  At $75.00 each we say get two and stack them, or work one on each wrist and bring out your inner Wonder Woman!

…you guessed it, one more Navy and White must have for summer from Vitrine.  This time its the go anywhere enamel plates from Variopinte, a line by Stefana Petrillo.  Elle Decor UK named these plates one of their “finds of the month”.  3 sizes are stackable and other colors are available and look good mixed together.  They look good anywhere but I love them for a Boat, Picnic, or poolside because they are so indestructible.  The Enamel is non-toxic and they can be used in the dishwasher ( assuming your boat has a dishwasher ) and at $22.00 each for the 9.5″ size the investment is well worth it.  

FINN jewelry

Soraya Silchensted and Candice Pool are the masterminds behind Finn jewelry in New York city.  Their line of delicate fine jewelry is designed by Soraya and  Candice manages the business end of things.  I found them by stumbling across a picture of their love knot ring (yeah, I’d wear one… with or without diamonds) and loved it from the moment I saw it.  I believe they have open for more than 6 years now and over that time period Finn has grown to attract an A-list crowd of admirers including Brad Pitt, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert Pattinson, Gretchen Mol and Gisele Bundchen and the line is stocked at Barney’s!  So you know they are in the big league now.  New York based clients can also shop Finn by appointment at the company’s beautifully decorated NoHo showroom. For more than 3 years Finn has occupied this stylish space which, like their jewelry, has its own flair and is chic, feminine and timeless.

 Here’s a peek of the (beautiful) showroom in New York City.

Andrea0503 on ETSY

When I’m not making something with my hands they are typically navigating around ETSY to see what other folks are making with theirs.  By now you have heard of ETSY.  For years I didn’t breathe a word about it for fear it would become to popular and the magic that can be found there would disappear.  That could still happen and my self-imposed silence won’t help so I have decided to celebrate ETSY while it is still very much a good thing.  Vendors from all around the world converge here to sell their handmade clothing, jewelry, housewares and other interesting goods.

This is a bracelet from the new “sticks” collection being offered on ETSY by the seller andrea0503. It’s completely handmade out of oxidized sterling silver, isn’t it beautiful?  I love the delicate scale of the “twigs” and yet the material is so strong. The geometrized (is that a word?) twig on the top follows the natural shape of the wrist. On each end of the twig the bracelet continues with a delicate but strong chain and a hook and eye clasp. The ends of the sticks have been polished to catch the light and add a bit shine.

The bracelet measures 18cm (7.1″) in length. This bracelet is MADE TO ORDER so please allow 1-2 weeks for completion.  This  bracelet is also available in sterling silver:   Please visit her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/andrea0503

Carla Caruso

I had a friend visiting from NYC this weekend and we spent some time in Rhode Island exploring the beautiful neighborhood around Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Benefit and Prospect streets are crowded with beautiful architecture… more on that tomorrow. We found our way into the store at RISD that features alumni and professor made art, product and jewelry. It’s mind blowing how many successful artists have graduated from RISD over the years. I was reminded of someone who’s work I admire had gone to RISD. CARLA CARUSO was born in New York City and graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in glass sculpture. After years working in glass, and making jewelry for several prominent New York designers, Carla moved to Western Massachusetts where she now lives. She founded Carla Caruso Jewelry in 2001. Carla has always been an artist. As a child she spent hours recreating the bullfight drawings of Picasso. Their linear quality and use of negative space, along with an enduring love of nature and modern design, is reflected in her jewelry today.

I love that you can see the artists hand in each piece. Not your average “mall jewelry” Carla Caruso Jewelry is handmade in a small studio outside Northampton. Her goal is simplicity: to distill an idea to its essence and create timeless jewelry that wears beautifully. She achieves that and presents an organic aesthetic that is easy to wear and has a simple elegance. Be sure to check out her work on-line and visit RISD works to see her designs or one of these retailers.

Make A Wish

Why didn’t I think of this? The“Make A Wish” ring transforms the iconic birthday cake candle holder into a piece of jewelry that serves as a keepsake of a special day. Buried in a cake as surprise or presented in its beautiful packaging “Make A Wish” will turn anyone’s birthday into a memorable event. Designed by Bettina Nissen, this product is fabricated using a new additive manufacturing technique better known as 3D Printing or Rapid Prototyping, where a high power laser fuses small particles of plastic or metal into a 3-dimensional object. The ‘Make A Wish’ rings are currently available in 5 material or colour options and for sale via Bettina’s website. www.bettinanissen.com.

UK-based designer, Bettina Nissen has an eye for observation, extracting everyday symbols and routines, incorporating them into her designs. Her pieces often feature contrasting elements or materials with the aim of creating curious, thoughtful and witty contemporary design. These include furniture, home accessories, lighting and jewelry.

Based in the Northeast of England, Nissen works with local fabricators to produce designs in diverse materials such as felt, plastics and metal. Fusing simple, functional forms with humour, Bettina Nissen designs for both limited edition as well as manufacture. Utilising new technology, the innovative products generate subtle shifts in our perception of daily life.German-born designer Bettina Nissen earned her MA in Interior and Furniture Design at the University of Art and Design Halle Germany and studied at the Danish Design School in Copenhagen. Nissen recently worked for Boym Partners in New York, and her designs have been exhibited internationally in Milan,

Berlin and the UK.

Oh, and just incase you want to get me one my birthday is September 6th, and I’m a size 9.5

Spring… around your neck.

Why should your plants stay at home? They help clean the air you breathe, are beautiful, and create a wonderful conversation starter. Carry a sprout, a succulent, or a flower you found on your morning walk.  Designed by Colleen Jordan a designer and creative based out of Atlanta, these wearable planters were  her response to how materials are perceived and their limits.  A recent graduate of Georgia Tech with a B.S. in Industrial Design, Colleen is currently pursuing a 2nd degree in Computational Media. No doubt t his young lady has a great career ahead of her, no matter the path she chooses.  I love these little planters, the moment I saw them I started to imagine who I could buy one for.  If you would like to buy one for yourself of someone else, here’s the link:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65870186/a-wearable-planter-no-1a

To learn more about Colleen and her other projects, check her out at:

http://www.colleenjordan.com/

Anthropologie Week – Day 2

Jewelry.  This is not the store to go to if you’re looking for a strand of pearls or your everyday jewelry… this is the store to go to if you want to be blown away by jewelry that is on the cutting edge of fashion, bold and unique statement making pieces is all you will find at Anthropologie.  Now that doesn’t mean you won’t find a pair of gold hoop earrings… but they will be unique in some way and beautiful in the smart way the hoop becomes the closure, simple and smart beautifully designed.  I looked at the hoops, and the dangly chandelier style earrings but it was the necklaces that impressed me the most.  Just look at the two I shot and posted with today’s blog.  I mean who thought of the linen(?) wrapped rings mixed with pearls and all jumbled up into one amazing necklace?  Of course the multi strand, mixed link, and ribbon with pearl trends all show up in this necklace but Anthropologie mixed three trends and made something that looks and feels artistic and “one of a kind” ( although I’m sure they made plenty of them ).  OK so the truth is while I love this necklace I’m sure not everyone could or would want to wear something so bold, I mean… That’s a lot of necklace!

…so here was my second favorite, or plan B.  Light and delicate, this piece could be worn with a long shift dress, linen or silk or worn with a crisp white shirt, or a sweater or even layered tank tops or a t-shirt.  The point: This necklace can be worn with almost anything.  I think it would be best in warm weather… for some reason the delicate chain of this piece makes me want to see it come out spring or summer but you really could wear this anytime with jeans or that little black dress you bought but haven’t had the reason to wear yet.  Create the reason to buy the necklace and have a great night out feeling good about yourself ( in jeans or the little black dress) because necklaces always fit!  and you’ll look good in it!

Honorable mention for this “tween” necklace… loved this one too!

it’s be”tween” chunky and light, change-up the ribbon to go with any outfit!

 

Danielle Maugeri Jewelry

Danielle Maugeri has been hand making contemporary jewellery and delicate porcelain wares since 2001 and her designs are fresh, modern, unique and wearable.

Each collection is a reflection of Dani M herself. Often designing and making things she wants to wear (with the hope that someone else will too), her designs trace Dani’s history, where she was mentally and physically at the time and also tracks her development and never-ending desire to learn about new materials and techniques.  Dani M doesn’t believe that fashion should always be so serious.  Its meant to be fun, so you straight-faced hipsters relax!  This jewellery is for the cool chics…those that want something original, well made and not just well marketed.

http://danimdesigns.portableshops.com …you’re welcome ladies!

Good Books

…don’t always have plots, antagonists and chapters.  Some of my favorite books are filled with picture after beautiful picture; inspiring pictures, beautiful pictures, thought-provoking pictures.  Ideas come from the most unusual places, and often looking through a book of fashion or architecture can help lead to an idea for an interior design project.  Sometimes I simply get lost in the images of a beautiful coffee table book.  I even love a good book just sitting on my coffee table or stacked up in a near-by bookcase.  Books make wonder perches, a lift or platform for an object. ( I have a client that calls anything worthy of standing in as a pedestal an “alley-oop”).  Good sized, pretty picture books do this wonderfully and look good doing it and they offer riches inside.

So a good book on your coffee table will make your ashtray look better, big deal, right?  Well it’s a bit more than that for me.  The books you choose to collect and display will say a lot about yourself.  To me a persons books are like a window into their personality and having a clear look at their seeing interests, passions or inspirations.  So choose your “alley-oops” thoughtfully and perhaps not just for size and color, although that would make your decorator very happy.

SHIMMER SKIMMER SWAG

Inspired by the magical winged creatures that dot the colorful summerscape, this sparkling statement-making necklace is finished with a jeweled dragonfly to add a buoyant touch to any ensemble.  Rows of richly colored glass beads comprise this charming handcrafted necklace by Kate Spade.  I’m blogging about it because it’s beautiful and this palette is HOT in today’s home furnishing market.  Yellowy greens, pear greens, lime greens and splashes of yesterdays favorite watery blues are everywhere.  This necklace is also vintage and current at the same time… also a home trend.  People want to be surrounded by things that remind them of their past, a trip, a loved one, something that has familiarity but they want fresh and current too.  Todays sophisticated consumer is looking for that in fabrics, furniture and accessories, there is a trend to things comfortable and easy with a dash of old world, vintage.  I guess SJP did a lot for vintage jewelry on Sex in the City years ago, but we a way main stream now with the likes of J Crew and Banana Republic and Kate Spade making pieces like this one.

Green is a restful and relaxing color.  Green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth, renewal, health, and the environment. On the flip side, green is jealousy or envy (green-eyed monster) and inexperience, but lets not go there.  Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye than most colors, and is second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the natural world, making it an ideal backdrop in interior design because it connects us to the world outside.  The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the color of peace and ecology.  Green affects us physically by soothing and relaxing it helps alleviate depression, nervousness, and anxiety AND it offers a sense of renewal, self-control, and harmony.

Get some green in your life if you don’t have any.

Back In Black – Borrowed Blog

Crazy cool, loving this watch right now.  Saw this article in the New York Times on-line and wanted to share it with you as a Borrowed Blog.  Enjoy…

We’re all familiar with the fashion crowd’s fixation with black, but if you’re also obsessed with watches, check out Black Limited Edition, a series of vintage stainless steel Rolexes turned into “Tron”-like collector’s items. Alejandro Alcocer, a watch fanatic and design entrepreneur who has previously delved into skateboarding, catering and handbag design, followed the legend of a black watch supposedly released by Rolex in the late 1960s for the Royal British Army soldiers stationed in South Africa. It was thought that only 500 were made, but Rolex never confirmed their distribution and they became the holy grail of watch collecting. So Alcocer decided to make his own, with the help of a Pennsylvania-based company that had previously done contract work for the U.S. Army but had fallen on tough times. Aside from the dial and crystal, which remain in vintage original condition, the watches were transformed into matte black beauties using highly specialized chemical applications. Black is the new black, and I’m feeling for the Rolex redux. – By BRUCE PASK

VITA

No, it’s not a spoiled daughter from an old Joan Crawford movie… thats got a “d” in it.  I’m thinking it’s really just a reference to vita meaning life, in Italian.  No mater the reason VITA is a super chic line of jewelry that caught my eye on  the streets of New York.  They had a pop-up store in SOHO over the weekend and I couldn’t pull myself away from their beautiful designs.  Organic and modern at the same time, the designs are wearable and the color combinations beautiful.  The rings are a bit oversized, very current with todays trends and you won’t beileve the terrific prices!  Seriously, buy one for a friend when your shopping their website.  www.vitanewyorkstore.com

Get Lucky

Listen up fashionistas! I’m thinking you may want this look from Lucky Dog Leather, one of their other leather belts or the very “in” leather bracelets. They are happy to customize most of their pieces, but I think the designs are cool and very wearable. The belt above (the Spot Stud Belt) is hand died before going through a multiple step detailing process. Each of these belts is unique and over time will continue to develop its distinct personality.  But this is he tip of the “hip” iceberg when it comes to Lucky Dog Leather.  Check them out on-line and get yourself some hip leather, A-sap.

oh, I almost forgot… if leather isn’t your thing, the black and white Collars are just one of many styles Lucky Dog Leather crafts for the canine love in your life.  Doesn’t your pooch deserve one of these?

Turquoise

The western world was introduced to turquoise as a blue stone that traveled from eastern regions through Turkey to Europe. Along the way the French named it after Turkey, calling it turquoise. One of the first gems used for jewelry, by 2000 B.C. it had been depleted in the early mining regions of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Rare robin’s-egg blue Persian turquoise, mined for three millennia, has given way to fine turquoise from New Mexico and Arizona, thanks largely to turn-of-the-century Tiffany gemologist George F. Kunz, who promoted the use of American stones — and particularly “Tiffany Blue” turquoise — in the company’s repertoire of jewelry. Often associated with warm-weather wear, turquoise is heavenly year-round.  It makes a great accent in a grey blue room with hints of gold sprinkled around the room by the way of an old framed mirror, casters on long legged chairs and a sleek modern floor lamp, Fab.

Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium, with the chemical formulaCuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times turquoise, like most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the market.

Trinity

The Trinity ring was designed by Cartier in 1924.  Inspired by Russian weddings, this beautiful ring has become icon and is instantly recognizable as a Cartier piece.  Three different metals are used to create the interlocked bands that roll on to your finger, platinum, red gold and yellow gold.  in the same year a bracelet was also made and it is said one of the first to own one was famous American interior designer Elise de Wolfe.

Born in 1819, Louis François Cartier entered the goldsmith and jewelry trade as an apprentice under the Parisian jeweler Adolphe Picard. When Picard retired, Cartier bought his master’s business on consignment, establishing the house of Cartier in 1847 on Paris’s Rue Montorgueil. Cartier’s jewelry designs–which presented simplified versions of the era’s ornate fashions–quickly made a mark on Parisian society. Cartier soon was adopted by royalty, finding his first notable champion and patron in Princess Mathilde, a niece to Napoleon. Princess Mathilde was said to have been the arbiter of the Second Empire’s sense of elegance and fashion.

A great history, and you can’t deny the cult status of this well know design that has endured decade after decade.  For me this ring is right up there with the Eames bent wood chair, Knoll sofa, or the Arne Jacobson egg chair when it comes to classics… you can’t sit in it, but you can wear it anywhere.