starburst

I love stacking my rings and finding favorite combinations.  There are many different aspects to take into consideration when ring stacking, one of which is how rings fit or sit together.  In fact, part of my ring wardrobe are rings I have purchased or made specifically to fit together with others to create just the right balance.  I am especially loving rings that are sold to fit together, like this starburst duo.

white versus yellow metals

(photo from this lovely etsy seller)

Awhile back, I read a post on Gem Gossip's blog that has stayed with me ever since.  In an interview with designer Stacey Lorinczi, Stacey said, "I recall when I was a teenager, and first started to seriously devote myself to jewelry making, I had little interest in gold—sterling silver was the only metal I would wear. In contrast, my mother was a devotee of yellow gold jewelry, and would rarely purchase anything silver. When I would debate this with her, she’d always insist, “just wait… when you’re grown-up, you’ll see, you’ll love gold as much as I do. Far more, in fact, than you will silver.” I was doubtful, but sure enough she was right. Now that I’m an adult, I find myself profoundly attracted to the qualities of gold. I have come to believe that it’s a metal for when you’ve fully matured as a woman."  I feel I am going through the very same experience!  Most of my life I have been devoted to wearing silver but as my taste in jewelry matures, I feel that I am starting to gravitate towards yellow gold.  Although I still love my choice in my platinum wedding ring set for every day wear, I am choosing yellow gold right hand rings more and more.  So, my wonderful readers, which do you prefer?

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.

tale of mystery

Happy Halloween everyone!  Today, I will present you with a tale of mystery called the Cheapside Hoard.  A treasure trove of jewelry was discovered in 1912 in a house being demolished in the Cheapside District of London.  The hundreds of items found, hidden there for nearly 300 years, are a rare glimpse into a history of jewels and jewelry making.  But who collected this treasure?  Why was it buried there and never claimed?  Curators have tried to piece the story together but there are no definite answers.  Read everything you need to know about this beautiful collection, now being shown at the Museum of London.  (I was drawn to this story by the image of the ring above, one of the pieces found in Cheapside.  How amazing is this table cut diamond with it's black and white enameled band?!) 

first knuckle rings

I am extremely excited about the resurgence of the first knuckle ring trend.  I used to wear rings like this back in high school and as soon as I saw this picture I got excited all over again.  Gem Gossip had the awesome idea of wearing antique baby rings.  It feels like a sophisticated take on this hot jewelry trend!  I'd love to find a delicately engraved gold ring for my pointer finger.  (If you aren't into an ornate or antique ring, Catbird has a lovely collection of the daintiest first knuckle rings!)

birthstones

I am coming up with some ideas for a project using birthstones. The history and meaning of each stone is fascinating! When I was younger, I so desperately wanted to be born in August like my brother (to have peridot as my birthstone and to be a leo!) but I was stuck with being a cancer and having ruby as my birthstone. But I was super excited that my daughter was born in April so I have another excuse to buy diamonds!

elephantine

Do you read Elephantine's blog? She is remarkable! (I so envy the fact that she makes quite possibly the simplest, yet most beautiful, jewelry and has become such a success from it!) I love her posts about what to wear with particular pieces of jewelry.  Some people might think it is crazy, but any die-hard jewelry lover will admit they have planned an outfit, more than once, around a piece of jewelry!

my passion for ruby and diamonds

I LOVE this ebay vendor, My Passion for Ruby! I was watching this ring and wondering how on earth the vendor could start bids for a 14K gold diamond ring at $.99 (one of those too good to be true scenarios) but within 2 days it has already jumped past my spending limit. When it's something good and you know it's worth, I guess you can feel confident about getting the appropriate price!

gem gossip rings

One of my favorite blog writers, Gem Gossip, just launched her own jewelry line starting with 5 rings!  I couldn't be more excited!  My favorite is the ring featured above.  Surprisingly, I am loving the one without the diamond.

architectural beauty

These earrings are stunning!  By Boe's design is architectural and geometric and at the same time feminine and pretty.  I had to show the model shot because I don't think the product shots do these earrings justice.  I wish all of her product was shot on models so you could really see the beauty of how each of them look on.

art deco starry eyed love

I am physically restraining myself from purchasing this art deco necklace. I want to treat myself to it soooooo badly! LOVE!

easter bunny love

Happy belated Easter! This holiday always makes me appreciate, just a little bit more, my two rabbits at home. But I am especially appreciative this year about my lovely little angel, Delilah, who recently just recovered from a serious surgery. We weren't sure if she was going to make it or not but she proved to be a strong fighter and is back to her happy, hoppy self! This cute bunny ring reminds me of her. The little face and those big eyes just melt my heart!

rose cut london blues

One of my favorite stones, nothing tops the color of london blue topaz! I love these rose cut london blue topaz stud earrings. The color of this topaz makes even the smallest earring a standout!

sapphires and diamonds

Ohhhhhh, how I love thee!

too late

A little heartbroken that this ring has already sold. Definitely would have been at the top of my wishlist if it was still available.

another masterpiece by mr. reed

DROOL!!! What I wouldn't do to own a Todd Reed ring...

cubic zirconia's bad rap

Once upon a time, there was awful, cheap cubic zirconia jewelry that gave cubic zirconia a bad rap. And sadly that stigma has stuck. But I think it is about time we acknowledge that this stone is worth taking a second look at. I am an avid diamond lover, as you will know if you have ever read my blog before. I love them, I do. But when you want the look of a diamond without the hefty price tag, than cubic zirconia is a wonderful alternative. I have used them in my jewelry before and have always been happy with the outcome. But I am sad that using the name cubic zirconia in my work somehow devalues it. Here are 2 great articles in support of CZs. (photo from here.)

embracing rose gold

I literally own one piece of rose gold jewelry. In fact it is a mixed metal locket with yellow, white and rose gold. But I have been seeing a lot of rose gold rings lately, and they just look so romantic and lovely to me. And, of course, I love the additional color to add into the mix of metal mixing! Above are a few rose gold rings I love (from here, here, here and here).

ombre chain necklace

Love this ombre waterfall necklace from Kaiyan Designs. So beautiful. Even better... she's a brand new seller on etsy!

ring inspiration

Working on 2 pretty exciting projects (more on this to come!) and have been looking for some great ring inspiration. I am loving these 2 rings (from here and here). I think I might cry when (or IF) mixing gold and oxidized silver falls out of style!