setting pattern

In my opinion, Armenta has perfected the combination of oxidized metal and yellow gold.  Her pieces have an antique, Old World feel yet remain completely fashion forward and modern.  I am unbelievably in love with this ring... I am awestruck by its pear shaped sapphires and round diamonds pattern.

hypnotic

Completely hypnotized by Kataoka jewelry!  I can't stop staring at the photos of their jewelry.  Both delicate and intricate, their settings are like a dream!  This ring, with it's twists and turns and varying settings, is anything but a simple eternity band!

Such a simple necklace, yet I can only imagine how stunning it is in person!  (The holes are reamed directly into the diamond... am I the only one who thinks this is insane?!  In the best possible way, that is!)

black diamond love

So unbelievably in love with my new black diamond and gold band!  (Thank you to my parents for the etsy gift card and this wonderful Christmas gift!)  Custom made by Pompeii designed after their petite stackable wedding ring, this ring packs way more sparkle than even I expected!  I am head over heels for black diamonds now... and yellow gold.  I think this may be only the beginning!

art nouveau locket search

This blog post reignited my love affair with lockets!  (I am totally envious of this sweet, sentimental gift in the form of jewelry!)  Although I have a few small lockets at home, I would love to have a larger one, that can actually hold pictures you can see, that I can wear on a longer chain.  I made the above necklace last night with a cheap, not terribly terrific looking locket and hope to find an Art Nouveau locket that can replace this plain one. (Hint, hint, husband of mine... this would make the perfect anniversary or birthday gift for me!) Here are a few I have found for sale...

Completely in love with this one, which is way out of my price range.  But, oh, it is so lovely!

The design on this locket is like nothing I have seen yet rings so true of Art Nouveau style!

So pretty with it's swirly, floral design!

This locket with it's image of a beautiful lady and a peacock is Art Nouveau at it's finest!

This locket features a beautiful profile and I love the inclusion of flowers, swirls, and paste stone in a starburst design.

art deco patterns

I am looking for inspiration for a large sculptural pendant I want to make and I am feeling very inspired by Art Deco geometric patterns and design.  Half the fun has been scrolling through pages of imagery online. There are so many great patterns to chose from and inspiration can come from anywhere, from jewelry to architectural design to prints!  Here are a few patterns I am seriously considering... I love the fan shape on this Tiffany bracelet.

I love the starburst design on this set of Art Deco stained glass doors.

This classic Art Deco style could make a great statement pendant.

These peacock feather designs could also make for a pretty Art Deco inspired pendant.

seeing double

Very curious, readers, would you wear a double finger ring?  I always thought they looked terribly uncomfortable but I have been seeing some really great styles out there (like this one from Satomi Kawakita)!

modern geometrics

With my obsession with antique jewelry and organic handmade jewelry, sometimes I crave the polar opposite.  I have been gravitating towards some modern geometric rings lately and wearing them as the sole focal point to my jewelry. Although this ring has a hammered texture, the design is very clean and I love the hint of sparkle.

This ring looks beautiful when worn yet is the simplest of designs.