The Jewelry of David Noble

If you covet jewelry that could adorn a rock-star, look no further than the collections of David Noble. His impressive pieces feature hammered metal finishes and ornate patterns inspired by ancient artefacts from Roman, Mayan and Etruscan treasures. Noble achieves his signature intricate embellishment by using the ‘lost wax’ method, a technique dating back more than 6,000 years that he learned at The Evanston School of Art in the late 1990’s. Prior to this he had enjoyed a successful career designing and sketching women’s wear for Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene and Pauline Trigere. During the 80’s he launched Noble for Benton Suits, his own label that created lines for television shows including Dynasty and The Love Boat and the movie Tootsie. He also provided all the sketches for Women’s Wear Daily.

 

Working in silver and 18 karat gold, Noble produces exquisitely detailed designs involving articulated hinges to allow exceptional movement. These are often enhanced with unusual bezel set gemstones such as iolite, kyanite, peridot and tsavorite garnet that add to the antiquarian flavor of his work. Speaking of his passion for the past Noble says, “The more detailed and the more history a piece has, the more inspirational it is to me.”

 

To view his stunning statement pieces of the current collection, visit DavidNobleandCo.com

 

 

 

 

Cameo Jewelry

From ancient Sumerian and Egyptian cultures to the Victorian age, cameos are shrouded in an air of mystery. Historians and jewelry collectors still debate the origin of the word and their exact use. But one thing remains true, this style of jewelry and self adornment has lasted for thousands of years and doesn’t show signs of disappearing.

The first cameos made their appearance around 3,000 BC in the form of scarabs carved into stone. They were meant to symbolize the sun, serve as amulets and represent courage. By the time the Roman Empire swung around, cameos were status symbols and given as tokens of affection to departing soldiers. The small circles and ovals moved throughout history. They became extremely popular during the Italian Renaissance as prized jewelry for royalty, and again reemerging in the 19^th century as a favorite of England’s Queen Victoria.

Pictorially, cameos represent any number of objects. Portraits, animals, flowers, pastoral and classical scenes are just a few of the designs to pick from when you’re collecting antique objects d’art. The designs found in contemporary cameos are limitless.

Peruse the collection of colorful cameos at AprilM.com by Extasia to add a classical, but youthful, touch to your accessories wardrobe. Bracelets, earrings and necklaces utilize glass cameos in bronze mountings giving the traditional designs a contemporary appeal.

If you’re taste tends toward fine jewelry, you’ll find stunning hand-carved shell cameos set in silver and gold by Amedeo Scognamiglio at amedeonyc.com. The use of semi-precious stones in rings, cuffs and bracelets of exquisite design manage to re-create jewelry that seems to be a direct relic of the past. 

Things We Love: Personalized Jewelry

Personalizing jewelry and clothing has been going on since the Roman Empire reigned supreme, but the return of the Preppy Style has reinforced our love for all things monogrammed. These days you can add a personal touch to just about anything. Adding a few letters or numbers can turn something you love into something unique.

Jewelry is where monograms, or initials, go the extra mile. So often used to mark a milestone or a special occasion, personalized jewelry makes an already personal gift extra special. Stunning cufflinks and pendants by Grey Lee Designs are an instant heirloom, completely customizable online. Designed by Regina Chapman, who combines a passion for antiques, a love of monograms and a crisp, flawless style that translates into initials as art. David Aubrey’s Letter Charm Necklaces, available at AprilM.com, put original flair on the single initial charm. Combining carefully selected beads in various color palettes to accent a gold plated letter, these pieces are fun and whimsical, perfect for a new mom or a special friend.

Check out our Facebook page for more things to monogram!  

New Talent Alert: V Nunes Hand Crafted Jewelry

Brazilian jewelry designer, Veronica Nunes, has a passion for designing and crafting beautiful jewelry. Trained as a product designer, her focus is on creating jewelry that is attractive and ergonomically designed to enhance the body. Her jewelry company, V Nunes, was launched in December of 2010 with a line inspired by the natural elements of her hometown of Rio de Janeiro. Veronica is now introducing her second collection, which was influenced by the man-made elements of her adopted city, New York.

 

Architexture is stunning, modern and easy to wear. Subtle, yet recognizable details from the New York skyline run throughout Veronica’s pieces. Bricks, arches and other architectural elements are the collection’s theme. I particularly love the bold, chunky design of the “Build” ring. Each piece is hand crafted and the step-by-step photos of the process posted to V Nunes’ Facebook page give a unique look into the jeweler’s studio. Each piece is sold in eco-friendly packaging.