Jewelry Gift Giving: Ideas for Everyone on Your List

When it comes to buying a gift for that special someone, make certain jewelry is number one on your list. You will surprise and delight her, and your generosity will bring enjoyment for years to come.

For a creative friend, a voucher for a jewelry-making workshop could herald the beginning of an enjoyable new hobby. Places like The Bead Boutique in Miami are popping up all over the country. Add a personal touch by choosing a selection of beads and findings that your friend might use to make her first pieces. They may even be so thrilled that you will receive a jewel of thanks!

For a gal with a penchant for a greener planet, an eco-friendly gift will undoubtedly be appreciated. Not only does buying an estate piece reduce further depletion of the earth’s resources, but it’s spot on trend. Hurry! There are several auction houses having sales this week including Heritage Auctions, Skinner and Sotheby’s. Christies will be offering Elizabeth Taylor’s Collection next week. Hours of fun can also be had trawling antique stores and market stalls for the perfect present. If you’re pressed for time there are now many jewelry designers who incorporate recycled pieces into their designs. We love the necklaces of Elva Fields, who incorporates a “found” object into each of her masterpieces.

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a diamond. It is most romantic of gemstones and an absolute luxury. A timeless classic such as solitaire stud earrings will captivate the most discerning amongst us. The holidays are also a perfect time for proposals, so if you’re ready, a trip to Tiffany & Co. may make all the difference. There isn’t a woman alive who could honestly say that the sight of a little blue box beneath the tree wouldn’t make them weak at the knees.

 

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.

Jewelers Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Begun 25 years ago, this initiative was designed to not only promotes awareness, but to educate and empower women about early detection and treatment options. Breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the US. Fundraising efforts by various organizations are held this month to help off-set costs for underserved women and support research. Many jewelers have joined in the crusade against breast cancer by pledging a portion of their profits this month to this effort, some have even designed pieces. Most of the jewelry is pink to honor the efforts of Evelyn Lauder, who established the pink ribbon as the symbol for breast cancer in 1993.

 

We welcome any jewelers or designers that have created pieces or promotions in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to post pictures on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/jewelrybrief

Our examples are from Elva Fields, Emma Stine and Taylor Kenney Jewelry.

DeLatori Jewelers Launches Lockets For A Cause

Instead of just holding a cause near to your heart, why not wear it? DeLatori jewelers has created “Lockets for a Cause” with that thought in mind. The beautiful lockets are made in their signature filigree style, but include the modern trend of a charity ribbon safely inside next to a spot for your special photo. What could be more sentimental?

“Lockets for a Cause” is the result of a collaboration between DeLatori founders Ori Zemer, Tal Zemer and Marilyn Harrell whose motto is “Beauty Transcending Time”. The lockets are detailed 18-karat gold-plated over sterling silver, featuring a colored enamel ribbon on the interior. A portion of all proceeds will benefit causes including breast cancer awareness, heart disease research and supporting our troops.

DeLatori will also work closely with individual retailers to tie-in local charities and events to the collection. We love that!

Style Tip: Best Travel Jewelry for Summer 2011

Packing is like a math problem. How many outfits can you make combining as few pieces as possible? Next problem…what jewelry to bring. Never wanting to spend extra time at airport security, the search is on for a few pieces that can easily transition from day to night. I picked three pieces that will keep you hip, bejeweled and a light traveler this summer!

A long gold chain that can be worn long with a tunic, doubled for a bigger evening look, or wrapped around your wrist.

Gold dangle earrings that can pass as casual day earrings with hair down or more dramatic for evening with upswept hair.

A bit of green. Green is the hottest trend in jewelry this season. I am traveling with an oversized turquoise and wood ring. It is so hip!

 

Have a happy holiday weekend!

The True Prep on Jewelry

Thirty years have passed since The Official Preppy Handbook was published, but there is renewed hope as the recently updated edition guides prepdom into the 21^st Century. Author Lisa Birnbach has teamed up with designer Chipp Kidd to bring us True Prep: It’s a Whole New World.

 

Indeed, much has changed over the last thirty years, but some noted traditional jewelry style maxims still hold true. Always remove one piece of jewelry before leaving the house, bigger diamonds are for evening, and pearls are for anytime. The author selects Verdura as the ultimate preppy jeweler. While his jewels are undeniably stunning, I believe the jewels of Verdura were selected primarily for their lack of pretension.

 

The book is also host to a three page list of vintage stores, where you are all but guaranteed to find the best in costume jewels. After all, if it is good enough for the First Ladies, it should be good enough.

 

My only complaint is the down putting of signet rings, one of my favorite pieces of preppy jewelry.

 

 

Mix Fine and Fashion Jewelry?

Absolutely. Today, fashion is fast. I don’t think twice before pairing an Hermes scarf with a Zara suit. Gucci purse and flip-flops from Target? On a daily basis in South Florida. Many items of clothing and jewelry are timeless, but for trends why not try fashion?

Jewelry is sentimental, it’s about marking milestones. It is also about refining and polishing your look. So, you can love your Art Deco engagement ring and spring for bohemian chic dangle earrings for a flirty night out!

 

 

 

Style Setters: The Jewelry Brief Interviews Tiffany Chou

It has been said that if you are lucky enough to live by the ocean you are lucky enough. Or perhaps you could own a piece of jewelry designed by Tiffany Chou. Being a lover of the water myself, I was immediately taken by Tiffany’s designs. Her jewelry captures the essence and uniqueness of the ocean’s splendors and varied life forms in an artistic and thoughtful manner.

Tiffany grew up on the island of Maui, where the ocean was a part of every day life. She attended college at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After a brief Hollywood internship with famed photographer David LaChapelle, Tiffany moved east again. In early 2010, in New York City, Tiffany Chou Jewelry was launched to rave reviews.

I first wrote about Tiffany Chou to cover her eBay necklace auction to benefit earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. Today, Earth Day, Tiffany has created a challenge called “Bling to be Green” to encourage recycling. Her enthusiastic approach to life and giving back is refreshing and I encourage all of my readers to check out her contest..the prize is this shell link bracelet!

How does the ocean fit into your creative process?

I think growing up on an island made the ocean a pretty big influence, not only for my creative process but for my everyday life. I am constantly inspired by the ocean and it also brings me comfort. It is amazing to think that the ocean covers more than half of the world’s surface and yet we have only explored a tiny percentage of it. New plants and animal life are always being discovered so there is no shortage of things to learn about and go to for inspiration. When I need inspiration, underwater images and documentaries are always the first things I go to.

Who, past or present, has had the greatest influence on your life?

I would say my dad has been the greatest influence on my life. My parents adopted me when I was 3 months old and gave me a chance at a great life, which is something I will be forever grateful for. I can always count on my dad for an honest opinion and sound advice, even though I’m not always willing to listen. I am constantly learning new things from him— from business to how to lead a fulfilled life. He taught me that it really isn’t important what other people think of your profession, as long as you enjoy what you do and are happy in life.

The price point combined with the high quality of design of your collections are very enticing. Do you have a commitment to producing attainable art?

When I first decided to start a jewelry line, I knew that one of the most important things was to be able to provide beautiful jewelry that people can actually afford. I want people to feel good about buying one of my pieces, not go home and worry about being able to eat for a week.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my Fall/Winter 2011 line. The biggest challenge I faced was coming up with ideas outside of my beach-inspired comfort zone. I think the best designs are the ones that come naturally. With the new collection, I really tried not to force it. Eventually I came up with some new pieces that I am really excited about, which are different from my beach aesthetic but still have the unique but elegant look I strive to achieve.

With the ocean and environment being such a major source of inspiration, I’m also doing a Facebook challenge called “Bling to be Green” to celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22. I’m giving away a gorgeous silver bracelet made of large cowrie shell links with 625 hand set Pacific Opal Swarovski crystals which retails for $280. To enter, you have to click “Like” on my Facebook Fan page and email me a photo of the most innovative way you’ve reused something that would have otherwise been thrown in the garbage or recycling bin. e.g. Those empty tequila bottles sure make great bookends!

Photo entries will be accepted until Friday, April 29th. All photos will then be posted on my Facebook page, the photo with the most “likes” will win the bracelet. Voting period will last from Saturday, April 30-Tuesday, May 3. The winner will be announced on Facebook Wednesday, May 4th. I’m looking forward to seeing innovative ways to help the environment!

For all the contest details:

http://www.tiffanychou.com/pages/bling-to-be-green-contest

Hollywood History for Sale: Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry at Christie’s

Earlier this week it was announced that Christie’s will sell the vast and legendary collections of Elizabeth Taylor. Sales will include jewelry, art, clothing and memorabilia. The details will be announced later this Spring, but will probably include a series of sales over the next year. One estimate put the value of the jewelry as high as $150 million, but Ms. Taylor’s collection is replete with Hollywood history and historic jewels so the value is anyone’s guess.

The eight-times married Academy Award-winning actress had a love affair with jewelry, which is the title of her 2003 book My Love Affair with Jewelry. The book highlights the notable jewelry from Ms. Taylor’s collection including the 33ct Krupp Asscher-cut diamond ring, the Taj Mahal diamond, a brooch from the collection of the Duchess of Windsor, and La Peregrina pearl which was originally worn by Mary Tudor of England but is now part of a custom necklace by Cartier. Also included in the book are chapters devoted to Art Deco jewelry and animal jewelry, just to mention a couple. It is probable that most of these jewels will wind up on the auction block.

Christie’s is certain to produce a large number of beautiful, “book-like” catalogues for each sale, and (hopefully) host public pre-sale viewings. For those of you thinking about actually acquiring a piece of history check out my post on buying at auction. If you just want to ogle with out spending, Christie’s has one of my favorite, free i-Phone applications that puts articles and full-color catalogues at your fingertips.

The Designs of Frank Gehry

For as much as I seek out fine design in jewelry, I am also a novice architecture buff. In my recent travels I have been awestruck by two new buildings designed by award-winning architect Frank Gehry. One building is the new home of the New World Symphony in Miami and the other is a large scale apartment building in Manhattan. These buildings gave me pause to return to the jewelry designed by Mr. Gehry for Tiffany and Company.

While jewelry design and architecture are certainly both art forms, their designs are on vastly different scales of size and intimacy. Mr. Gehry has perfected them both. He has designed eight collections for Tiffany & Company since announcing his collaboration in 2006. While Mr. Gehry is rumored to be partial to Fish (one of the collections), I am taken with the Torque collection. The architectural design of the sterling silver and light gray cement ring and wide bangle bracelet are probably as close as I will ever come to owning a building designed by Mr. Gehry. His ability to envision angles and materials that one might consider impossible to pair is unparalleled.

Frank Gehry was born in Toronto in 1929. He moved to Los Angeles early in his adult life, where he completed his education. In 1962 he opened his own design firm. Mr. Gehry’s buildings can be found worldwide. He has received numerous accolades for his work in design including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, and in 2010 was named the “most important architect of our age” by Vanity Fair Magazine, which published a peer review survey and subsequent article on contemporary architecture.

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