Author

len

Organic Futons

Just look at that image above. If you’re as intrigued by the glittering hodgepodge of gold chains, bracelets, bits, and bobs as I am, allow me to explain what it is: a snapshot of the junk pile. At least that’s what Elisa Casas, aka @chelseagirl.nyc, calls it on her lively Instagram feed, and said junk pile is where she sources some of her best vintage fine jewelry.

I had to find out more—digging through pounds upon pounds of random gold jewelry castoffs truly sounds like my idea of heaven. What follows is a recap of what I learned about Casas, her business, and her process.

First, her name may be familiar to any New Yorkers reading this, as Casas has a long history in the resale fashion space as the proprietor of three SoHo boutiques. The first was Chelsea Girl, which opened on Thompson Street in November 1993. “I was six months pregnant when I opened my little shop in SoHo, and, quite frankly, I didn’t know what I was doing,” she says. “But I was passionate about vintage clothing and jewelry, and that passion translated into a successful business.” Laurel Canyon (a onetime favorite shopping haunt of mine), Clutch!, and City Girl Café followed during a 17-year period…until Soho changed. “My arty clientele moved out and tourists moved in, my stores lost their leases and closed one by one, so I began selling exclusively through my website,” says Casas.

Cut to 2016, when Casas’ daughter Ruby set up an Instagram account for her. The format suited Casas well, as she’s a former photojournalist. Today, she’s selling exclusively through the platform, focusing mainly on antique gold-and-diamond jewelry, with about 15 to 20% of her inventory plucked from the junk pile.

“It’s such a fun way of shopping, and my customers are literally fascinated by it, so sharing my stories definitely keeps my ‘junk pile gang’ engaged and invested,” says Casas. “My customers tell me that they feel great about rescuing heirloom pieces literally days before they get melted down and lost forever. In their own small way, they’re preserving little bits of history.”

Elisa Casas and her daughter Ruby, hunting the junk pile for treasure

As for this newly initiated member of the junk pile gang, I needed specifics. Like, what is the junk pile by definition—and more to the point, where does one find one?

“What I affectionately call the ‘junk pile’ is more often called a ‘scrap pile,’” says Casas. “There are many businesses on 47th Street (and I assume in other cities) that buy gold, and it’s all thrown into big, dirty, tangled piles. The scrappers don’t care about the quality of the pieces, all they care about is the price of gold. When gold is down, they wait, and when gold goes up, they send it all to the melter and make their profit. In between, dealers like me can rifle through the piles for treasures. Being a treasure hunter all my life and loving the thrill of the hunt, I absolutely adore looking for that needle in a haystack! The pieces I choose are sold by weight, which is way under retail value, allowing me to offer special items to my customers at bargain prices.”

Not surprisingly, this dingy dragon’s lair of treasures is strictly the domain of the jewelry trade. “The junk pile guys are very strict about getting your company information, and they only take company checks as payment,” says Casas.

I also wanted to know: How on earth does one cut through the clutter to find pieces worth turning over? I distinctly recall experiencing an intense kind of overstimulation and fatigue digging through the clearance racks at the late, great Century 21 in downtown Manhattan. I can’t imagine what a pile of gold jewelry would do to my senses…

“I always buy my merchandise on instinct. If I want it, I assume my customers do also, so in that regard, shopping in the junk pile is really no different than shopping anywhere else. Of course, as a seller, I keep on top of the trends and I know what my customers like. So for example, I always purchase San Marco bracelets, which I find often, because of their popularity. And chains are suddenly hot, so I always look for good ones.”

The secret, she says, is to go through the pile methodically, piece by piece. “It’s so easy to overlook something special if you go too quickly. And you have to be really careful to screen for condition: Hollow items are often dented, rings are out-of-round, and deep file marks (from testing) are common. Sometimes an item just needs an easy repair (like a chain missing its clasp), and I’ll take it to my jeweler. Other times, I have to leave it behind.”

The junk pile is just one arrow in Casas’ quiver—she sources her goods from all over the world. “I have a dealer in Paris who buys high-end antique rings for me from all the auction houses. I buy online. I go to flea markets and auctions. I will look anywhere and everywhere for a fine piece of antique jewelry.”

But man, does she unearth hot little numbers among the rubble. Below, some of her most memorable finds.

“Once in a while, if the stones are small, the junk pile guys don’t bother to remove them, which is the best!” Casas says. “I rarely buy earrings because my daughter, who has her own company, Girl of the Earth, also digs in the junk pile and sells them on her website. But when I found one of these in the junk pile,” say says of the earrings below, “I prayed to find the other, and I did!”

Retro diamond and ruby earrings

“Jewelry regret! I didn’t actually buy these: They were so expensive and I didn’t know what I would do with them,” Casas says of the chess pieces below. “But I took a photo, and when I posted it on Instagram, everyone went crazy. When I went back to get them the next day, they were gone.”

18k gold chess pieces

“Even though I knew it wasn’t superold, I appreciated the quality workmanship, so I bought it,” Casas says of the larger ring below, on the right. “When I showed it to my friend Janet, she gasped: It was a designer from the ’70s, whose pieces rarely come to market. Janet was a collector of hers, so I was thrilled to gift it to her!”

Helen Woodhull rings (the junk pile find is on the right)

“This solid gold fob is a work of art. Fobs are not really my thing, but when you find something special like this, you instinctively know to buy it. It sold in one hot minute.”

Griffin fob

“Snake chain bracelets are a hot trend right now, and believe it or not, the old ones end up in the junk pile pretty frequently. Last week I found the heaviest one I ever saw, but it had some kinks, so I took it to my jeweler, and I pray that he can fix it. The great thing about the junk pile is, if you don’t sell it to a customer, you can just sell it back to them! So, often I take chances on pieces that I normally wouldn’t buy.”

Assorted snake chain bracelets

 

Top: “What I like most about the junk pile is how democratic it is: There are $10 charms and superheavy pieces that cost thousands of dollars,” says Elisa Casas. “And I have always liked the idea of appealing to a large demographic, offering fun, affordable pieces along with expensive estate items.” (All photos courtesy of @chelseagirl.nyc)

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I’d already heard so much about the Italian Jewelry Manifesto, and, with the promise of seeing 50 designers and makers from Vicenza, Valenza, Arezzo, Orvieto, and beyond—right in the heart of midtown Manhattan—I decided I had to check it out for myself.

I’m so glad I did. The venue, Piazza Italia on Madison Avenue, was light, bright, and spacious. Intimidation factor: low. Energies were high, smiles were abundant. There were super-high heels and well-tailored suits. And so much gold. Piles and piles of it being worn or laid out on velvet-lined trays.

The event was not bustling when I was there last week, but I was told that many retail buyers were in attendance. The pace of my visit was easy and allowed plenty of time for discovery, questions, and conversations.

Let’s get into the pretty things I saw.  I’ll start with what I think will be most helpful to readers planning to attend Las Vegas Jewelry Week next month: three Italian Manifesto designers who will also be exhibiting at Luxury and JCK Las Vegas.

There was the Arezzo, Italy-based brand Neonero (booth 21026B), which has the most beautiful gold pieces inspired by the lacework traditions of Tuscany. Light-as-air openwork unites the many, many SKUs in the collection (I fell madly in love with a pair of swingy chandelier earrings dangling strands of buttery, shimmery fringe that I can confirm are very well priced, especially for 18k).

Forme Preziose bracelet in 18k gold, $5,225; Neonero

Boccadamo (booth 23007) has a massive catalog of options, all heavy on “chic Italian lady” fashion jewelry and statement parures set with colorful cabochons.

Caleida collection necklace and bracelet in rose gold–plated bronze with CZ and pyramidal colored crystals, prices on request; Boccadamo

And I’d heard about Marco Dal Maso (exhibiting with the Gioielli Group, LUX 630) from Reinhold Jewelers, who named them a must-see as far men’s and unisex jewelry when I interviewed one of the store’s executives for this story. Some men’s ranges feel kind of one-note and generic, but the options here are so elevated and diverse: braided leather; tough-luxe links; hard stones such as lapis, onyx, and aventurine; and a million unexpected details worked into the metals that make each piece feel distinctive and special.

Ara ring in 18k vermeil and burnished silver, $317; Marco Dal Maso

My favorite discovery at the show came from Vicenza-based Peruffo Jewelry, where everything was an architectural, innovative, and masterfully executed delight. Maybe I just haven’t seen Italian-made jewelry in a while, but the ring below, in particular, made me giddy. I love when the jewelry is so good I have a visceral reaction!

You can’t tell from the photo below, but it moves with absolute precision as you shake your hand about (see photo at top for a sense of this).

Slide Sunset ring in 18k gold, $ 1,570; Peruffo

Here are some more finds from my little vacanza in jewelry heaven below.

 

Seed necklace in 18k yellow gold, $11,820; Orogami

One-of-a-kind leather bracelet with circa 1880 shell cameo in an antique 14k yellow gold frame, $5,800; Anna Porcu

Reef Party ring in 18k gold–plated sterling silver with CZ pavé and red coral enamel, $225; Misis

Lightray pendant in 18k gold with white and brown diamonds, and Roman micro mosaics, $21,000; Le Sibille

 

Sunflower ring in 18k yellow gold set with brown and yellow diamonds and green sapphires, $19,250, and Pink Rose ring in 18k rose gold with pink sapphires, $8,925; both Angry for Vittorio & Co.

 

Assorted Archetti collection rings in 18k rose gold with diamonds and sapphires, $1,500 to $4,500 each, Fiore Roberta

 

Top: The Slide Sunset ring from Peruffo has moves to spare (photo by @aelliott718).

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You never know who you’re going to run into at a trade show, especially if it’s open to the public. But between the lookie-loos and chatty Cathys, you could end up making a very fortuitous contact. Maybe it’s a stylist or a member of the press.

In Los Angeles, it very well could be someone from the costume design department of a major TV show. That’s what happened to Bay Area–based vintage jewelry dealer Lisa Kramer of Lisa Kramer Vintage when the assistant to costume designer Hala Bahmet stopped by her booth early last year at the Pickwick Vintage Show. As Kramer soon learned, Bahmet is the costume designer for NBC’s This Is Us. You may have heard of it.

If you’ve been watching season six of the hit show, you may have seen some of Kramer’s jewels in action. “On a show like This Is Us, because it’s a large cast with a storyline that happens over multiple time frames, the costume department needs a lot of stuff, but it can’t be very expensive,” says Kramer, who also explained these pros aren’t borrowing or renting jewels, they’re purchasing them. “The show more or less takes place from the 1950s through the present day, and I had a lot of very affordable costume jewelry inventory that I’ve collected over the years.”

Over the next few months, Kramer would make the drive to L.A. to meet Bahmet for a series of appointments. But not on the Paramount studio lot, which restricted visitors due to the pandemic. “We met in the garden of her house, and she was remarkably fast, choosing the pieces in under an hour,” she says. “Every time, I would bring about 15 to 16 trays, and she would buy about two trays’ worth of of jewelry.”

Mandy Moore of This Is Us
wears an Israeli silver necklace from the 1970s that Lisa Kramer purchased at an antiques show in 2019.

After six seasons, the series finale of This Is Us will air on May 24. So now seemed like the perfect time to get to know Kramer a little better. Check out our conversation below (the responses have been lightly edited for clarity).

It must have been quite something to observe Hala Bahmet curating her This Is Us selects from your piles of jewels. Did you learn anything from the experience?

One of the things I learned from Hala is they have to be very careful about high-shine metal. There’s a character who plays the wedding planner in the show, and she’s wearing a big, gorgeous silver necklace. On-screen it looks like it’s an amazing designer piece, but in person the finish was dull, which ended up being to its advantage on camera because you have to be careful of the flare from lights reflecting and also the metal’s surface catching a reflection of the cameraperson or other actors. Sometimes she would look at a necklace, and it would have too many moving, dangling parts, which are a problem because of continuity—if they’re filming a scene and doing a distance shot, and then refilming it for a close-up, you don’t want any elements of the jewel to have moved. Jewelry that moves and dangles can also be too noisy—the mic picks up everything.

Actress Briana Venskus wears a silver necklace that was perfect for the camera thanks to the dull finish it acquired with age.

Let’s talk about your career path. How did you end up in the world of vintage and estate jewelry?

I had a long career working as an architect and construction manager. I’ve loved vintage clothing and jewelry since I was a teenager, and about 20 years ago, shortly after I purchased my house, I started going to a lot of auctions and estate sales, and I started seeing and buying all this great vintage clothing and jewelry. A friend was running a little vintage clothing shop and having monthly sales out of her garage, and she asked me if I wanted to set up card table and sell my goods. I did—and I loved it! So I started buying and selling a bit more, just as a side business. And then in 2012, I got laid off and had to really decide if I wanted to look for another full-time job. My aging parents were in Florida and going back and forth to visit them takes a lot of time. Starting a new job would get me back to two weeks of vacation per year, so I decided to make the vintage jewelry enterprise my primary business. Because, by that point, I had pretty much stopped selling clothing and was focused on jewelry. And now that it’s a full-time job, I’m selling a lot more mid- to higher-end pieces.

What would you say your specialty is as a vintage jewelry dealer? What are you known for?

I think what I am known for is that I love researching the jewelry I sell.  I love learning about and identifying things from different eras. In terms of aesthetics, I tend to like older pieces that have a sleek and modern feel. I spread across a large number of eras and don’t specialize in a time frame. But I like pieces that are design driven and that very much speak to their era. I tend to go for a cleaner aesthetic, although there are things that are very elaborate. For instance, I love archaeological revival jewelry, which also is part of my background. My undergraduate degree [from the University of Pennsylvania] is in anthropology, where I was focusing a good portion of my studies on archaeology. As a work-study job, I assisted one of the faculty members who was an Egyptologist and spent one summer participating in a dig.

“I am particularly fond of antique jewelry that has a surprisingly modern feel, like this late Georgian chain,” says Kramer of this gold chain featuring an impressed pattern of interlocking circles on each link.

Do you make a beeline for signed jewels? What designers are you always theoretically on the hunt for?

I’m more focused on aesthetics. I first go for the visual, and then I see what the marks are and what they tell me. I tend to go for more unusual pieces. After the design, I look to the materials. So, for instance, I love the brutalist work of the sculptor Pal Kepenyes, who worked in bronze. The material has absolutely no intrinsic value, but I love the sculptural quality of his jewelry. I probably differ from a lot of other jewelry sellers in that I actually feel that focusing on intrinsic value can detract from appreciating the artistry in jewelry. It’s nice when it’s made in gold, but I think people should buy a piece because they think it’s beautiful. And makes them feel good.

What are the most treasured pieces in your personal collection?

One is a 1960s bracelet that was my mother’s, and one is a watch bracelet that was my paternal grandmother’s. They’re treasured for sentimental reasons. In terms of what I end up wearing the most, I’m an earring person. I recently acquired an incredible pair of Victorian earrings in gold with fine lines of blue and black enamel. They’re Victorian visually, but there’s something also very modern-looking about them.

I know vintage jewelry doesn’t really lend itself to trend tracking, but have you observed any shifts in consumer tastes that might be helpful to JCK’s audience of jewelry professionals?

I think you’re probably aware that for the past few years it’s been all about gold, and it’s been charms and chains. But I do think I’m beginning to see the start of a trend toward silver jewelry. I can’t tell you any details, but there’s one piece I sold a couple of months ago that ended up on the red carpet at the 2022 Oscars. Silver. That was a real shock and not something I would have expected to see! You can get bigger, more sculptural pieces in silver. To get anything of size in gold—if it’s going to be real gold—it’s just going to be an absolute fortune. I know some people don’t consider silver fine jewelry. But silver is still a precious metal.

What’s on your show calendar this year? Where can we shop with you in person?

 I’ll be in Los Angeles monthly for the Pickwick Vintage Show with the exception of June because I’m finally taking a vacation. I’m thinking about doing the Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry show in October, and possibly the Manhattan Vintage Show in October as well. And there’s also the Hillsborough show [in San Mateo, Calif.] in November.

Top (clockwise, from left): Former architect and construction manager Lisa Kramer started her vintage jewelry business out of a friend’s garage. “A massive modernist ring” by Juha Koskela, a Finnish jewelry designer known as a modern master of anticlastic raising, which is a “a metalworking technique in which sheet metal is shaped into complex curves that are at right angles to each other,” according to Kramer. A mid-20th-century brooch by Marsh and Co., “a pioneer in the use of blackened steel in fine jewelry,” says Kramer. Prices on request. (All photos courtesy of Lisa Kramer Vintage; This Is Us screenshots used with permission from the NBC costume department.)

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Engagement Rings Cushion Cut

by len

Engagement rings cushion cut are among the top choices of many jewelry lovers. This is mainly because it is an upgraded, and modified version of a vintage diamond, which makes the engagement rings cushion cut unique and different from round cuts and others. The engagement rings cushion cut sports the old mine cut as a modification in an antique diamond, which makes the style of engagement ring cushion cut an ideal frontrunner as a top choice for those who are looking for engagement ring designs.

 

Engagement rings cushion cut are also similar to the square shape with cuts on the edges (sometimes cushions), and puts a modern twist with brilliant and experimental cut faceting. The engagement rings cushion cut is about 25% to 50% less expensive than round cuts, which also makes engagement rings cushion cut an ideal choice for those shopping under a budget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Three Stone Cushion Cut Aquamarine Engagement Ring from Italo Jewelry is a perfect example that falls under high-quality engagement rings cushion cut. Its cushion cut aquamarine sapphire gemstone with a center stone weight of 5.50 CT. dazzles with its white side gems truly makes the ring an exceptional choice for engagement rings cushion cut. This particular engagement ring isn’t the only standout engagement rings cushion cut from Italo Jewelry. The online store holds a bunch of other engagement rings cushion cut with varying designs that will surely capture your preference! If you’d like to browse through those styles, visit the official website of Italo Jewelry for visual reference.

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For those who aren’t too fond of jewelry, the struggle to choose the perfect earrings is a common notion shared by many. There are many factors that come into play when it’s time to choose the perfect earrings, which is why many would find it difficult to choose the perfect earrings. Moreso, when you have to choose the perfect earrings for your face shape. So for those struggling on the process to choose the perfect earrings, here are some tips on how to choose the perfect earrings.

 

The first tip on how to choose the perfect earrings that match your face shape is to first determine what your face shape is. Being familiar with your own face shape is crucial to the whole process on how to choose the perfect earrings for your face shape.

 

For instance, those who have oval face shapes have a symmetry which allows them the luxury of wearing any type of earrings such as studs, hoops, and more. This makes it the easiest choice on how to choose the perfect earrings. For those with round face shapes wanting to choose the perfect earrings, dangling earrings or drop earrings or any form of long earrings may be the wisest choice for you to elongate your chin and make the edges of your jaw appear. For those with square face shapes and would like to choose the perfect earrings, try circular and round earrings like hoop earrings to maintain a balance and complement your face shape.

 

These are among the factors that buyers need to consider on how to choose the perfect earrings. The length and the shape of the earrings play a key role in determining the ways to choose the perfect earrings. Overall, a perfect complement between your natural face shape and the designs, style and shape of the earrings are the ultimate factors on how to choose the perfect earrings for your face shape.

 

Perfect Earrings On italojewelry

 

Luxury Halo Created White & Blue Sapphire Drop Earrings

 

 

 

 

 

This drop earrings are the perfect accessories to complement beige, and monotonous outfit colors. The ring has both blue and white sapphire gemstones, with the blue color tracing the rims of the earrings, while the white takes up the inner circle of the earrings. It is round-cut, and its stone setting is pave. The stone weight of the earrings are at 2.00 carats, and a total weight of 4.2 grams. The earrings are also quite a standout in its size of 16.65 MM in width, and an astounding 28.00 MM in height.

 

 

 

Round Cut Big Hoop Earrings For Women In Sterling Silver

 

 

 

 

 

This big hoop earrings exudes a classic look for formal looks, with its white sapphire gemstones, round-cut, and prong stone setting. The earrings are sterling silver plated, which adds more to the classic vibe of the jewelry. The stone weight of the earrings sits at 1.00 CT, and the total weight is at 7.00 grams. It’s the type of earrings that will naturally stand out and be felt by the wearer!

 

 

Round Cut White Pearl Stud Earrings

 

 

 

 

 

A complex array of white round sapphire compliments the gorgeous rounded pearls of this beautiful earrings.Made from 925 Sterling Silver,this earring is definitely a great piece worth checking out.

 

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Vintage Engagement Rings For Women

by len

When one thinks of a unique engagement ring, the set of vintage engagement rings for women immediately pops up. Vintage engagement rings for women are among the unique designs for engagement rings because the style of vintage itself isn’t as common. This means that high-quality vintage engagement rings for women are rare, so having one in your possession makes you unique. And it’s one of the main factors why vintage engagement rings for women are what’s highly recommended for those who would like to try a different style other than the traditional designs of engagement rings.

 

Vintage is a style that’s also having a comeback, and vintage engagement rings for women are no exception. Ancient stones and jewels from different era like the Victorian era are among the styles that make up vintage engagement rings for women. Since the demand for something different is on the rise, the popularity of vintage engagement rings for women is also quickly picking up. Because of this, lots of jewelry stores offer a variety of vintage engagement rings for women. Among these jewelry shops that offer vintage engagement rings for women is Italo Jewelry.

 

They have a wide selection of vintage engagement rings for women where jewelry enthusiasts would have countless options to choose from. There would be a style offered in Italo Jewelry that would suit you best, especially when it comes to vintage engagement rings for women. That’s how wild their jewelry collection is! Not only that but they also offer a bunch of wedding jewelry (vintage engagement rings for women included) at an affordable price, making it the perfect store for those who are on a budget, and love jewelry.

 

Head on to Italo Jewelry’s official website to get a first look at all their dazzling wedding jewelry, and browse through a various selection of engagement rings, especially those highly-recommended vintage engagement rings for women!

 

Best Vintage Engagement Rings For Women

 

 

Vintage Milgrain Halo Emerald Engagement Ring(4.15 CT. TW.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The design of this Vintage Milgrain Halo Emerald Engagement Ring takes after a vintage-look, and straight out of a different era style. It is made of white emerald-cut sapphire gems with a 4 prong stone setting, while its white side gemstones are round-cut with a prong stone setting. The ring has a total center stone weight at 3.00 CT. and its 925 sterling silver metal band racks up the ring’s total weight to 5.63 g. It is shiny, and gives off a platinum appearance.

 

 

Vintage Milgrain Oval Engagement Ring (10.65 CT. TW.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Three Stone Oval Engagement Ring (6.95 CT. TW.) is made of 925 sterling silver metal that is nickel-free with a shiny platinum appearance, and has a total weight of 6.37 g. The ring also bears blue oval-cut sapphire gems that has a total center stone weight of 9.32 CT., with a 4 prong stone setting, with round-cut sapphire gems with a prong stone setting, as side gems. The blue sapphire steals the show for the design of the ring.

 

 

Vintage Pear Cut Engagement Ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Vintage Pear Cut Engagement Ring is made of 925 sterling silver metal with a platinum appearance, nickel-free, with a total weight of 6.75 g. The ring also has white pear-cut sapphire gems that has a total center stone weight of 3.00 CT., with a prong stone setting, and white round-cut sapphire gems with a channel stone setting as side gems. The main design of the ring is centered towards its massive center stone, and it’s further emphasized with the plainness of the ring band.

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Late last week, Banter by Piercing Pagoda announced that Grammy-nominated rapper, songwriter, and artist Tierra Whack has assumed the role of the brand’s first-ever creative director. It’s a yearlong gig that has been kicked off with a jewelry collaboration that places Whack’s distinctive, bold, and unapologetic style (in both rap and aesthetics) at the heart of the collection with pieces that are offbeat and irreverent, whimsical and playful, and just plain charming.

With nearly 800,000 Instagram followers, a ton of catchy, colorful hits, and a Grammy nomination (for her Mumbo Jumbo video in 2019), Whack’s involvement is for sure the headline here. But a compelling part of the story is that jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton (a rising star in the indie designer space) was the creative who translated Whack’s ideas into a cohesive jewelry collection.

Designer Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia

McNaughton, a member of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, was part of the inaugural Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI), the new program powered by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and Lorraine Schwartz that is being sold at Greenwich St. Jewelers.

When Banter reached out to McNaughton last fall to discuss the collaboration, she didn’t know who the celebrity creative director would be.

“When I found out it was Tierra, I was thrilled because I’ve always been a fan of her music,” says McNaughton. “And the way that she’s super creative in expressing herself, it was the perfect collaboration for me.”

Banter was keen to work with McNaughton because of her popular Progression hoops. “They’re very gold-rich in their in their collections, so they thought that the collaboration would be a great fit for me. And when they reached out, it was a dream come true because when I was growing up, Piercing Pagoda was my introduction to jewelry. I received a bracelet from my aunt, who’s no longer with us, as a graduation gift, and it came from Piercing Pagoda. I started my brand because I wanted to make accessible statement jewelry that could be worn by a wider audience. And this opportunity really allows me to do that.”

The collection is priced from $95 to $1,750.

And working with Whack? “When I saw her notebook, I wasn’t intimidated by the fact that it was a lot of ideas kind of going everywhere. I was like, ‘OK, I get it,’ ” says McNaughton. “She’s mega, super, immensely creative. And she’s colorful, she’s versatile, and you can’t really pinpoint one aesthetic and stick it to her. She’s very much in her own skin, super authentic and comfortable. And I can relate to that.”

Linked Up hoops in 14k gold–plated sterling silver with CZ, $115

“She’s a hoop girl, something everyone knows I love too, and she’s very into bangles, and I love bracelets and bangles. So we had a lot of similarities in the jewelry that we’re drawn to. And so I would say that we’re connected in the fact that we’re both creatives in the sense that we want to be authentic.”

Music to My Ears hoops in 14k gold–plated sterling silver, $165

“I love the intersection between art and nature, and she loves animals and nature. So it wasn’t too far of a reach for me, it felt aligned with the things that I like to create,” says McNaughton. Clockwise from left: Giraffe charm in 14k gold–plated silver with CZ, $55; Crown charm in 14k gold–plated silver, $75; and Music Note charm in 14k gold–plated silver with CZ, $55.

Whack provided rough sketches and images for inspiration to convey the direction she wanted the line to take. “And so with that, I took those pieces that she wanted to see in the collection and gave them my own spin. We created some really cool, fresh new pieces that spoke to Tierra, but still I was able to come in with my authentic voice and allow that to shine through.”

A few more fun, shiny things from the Tierra Whack collaboration below.

Initial rings, $75 each, and studs, $55, in 14k gold–plated silver

Ear Wings studs in 14k gold-plated silver with CZ, $95

Music Note bracelet in 14k gold–plated silver, $250

Whack nameplate necklace in 10k gold, $750

Top: Rapper and Banter by Piercing Pagoda creative director Tierra Whack wears the Wiggity Whack hoops in 10k gold, $1,275

 

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Handfuls of Morris and David Rings

by len

In the world that is composed of high fashion designer jewelry creation resides a rather fascinating combination where one is able to balance the old with the new, the traditional with modern innovation, and of course the trendy and the classic.   With the seemingly limitless variety of fine jewelry designers who are already firmly established and growing in this realm of personal adornment, the newest jewelry creators who want to break into this specific business arena can find a situation that is very difficult and can even (on occasion) be rather hostile.  Yet, as with any hard task one faces in life, the maintenance of real talent coupled with overall perseverance even in troublesome times can normally win over any of the bumps one might encounter along the road.  Morris and David Jewelry Designers are relatively new on the fashion scene of alluring and high style jewelry pieces, but their special combination of outstanding designs, strong commitment to true quality foundations, and helpful prices have allowed Morris and David to attract the eyes of even the more traditional and seemingly snobbish jewelry critics.  They have even created a huge sensation among jewelry lovers like you who want the most bang for their buck when it comes to stylish pieces.  Morris and David make sure that they put out a wide selection for their fans to pick from so that all their glamorous jewelry desires are met without having to seek out other jewelry designers.

However, you cannot start talking about this special high fashion, fine jewelry designer without mentioning the Morris and David ring collection.  Their alluring bands are formed and designed in just about every fashionable style you can possibly imagine, whether you are looking for a piece which can independently stand on its own because of its alluring qualities without being an over the top eyesore or perhaps a Morris and David diamond ring that can stuns onlookers with its prestige and elegance.  Morris and David diamond rings keep to the jeweler’s utter dedication of creating many different designs to the point where you can choose from great trendy rings in addition to being perfect selection for engagement, wedding, and even anniversary bands.  Yet, on the other hand of the jewelry game, the designer’s Mix-n-Match collection can simply and easily put forth its own brand of fashion as the individual rings can be used to create unique groupings and make a stunning Morris and David stackable ring which comes in huge numbers of varieties and styles on even the most basic levels!

At Allurez we are Authorized retailers of Morris and David and have a huge selection of Morris and David Rings

About Allurez
Allurez is the premier designer and retailer of high quality fine jewelry with a brand name known to royals as well as to the rich and famous. We are committed to providing you with the largest and the finest selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, bridal jewelry, fine fashion jewelry, and certified loose diamonds. Go ahead, browse our store, and find your perfect jewel!

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Allurez+

Allurez is the premier designer and retailer of high quality fine jewelry with a brand name known to royals as well as to the rich and famous. We are committed to providing you with the largest and the finest selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, bridal jewelry, fine fashion jewelry, and certified loose diamonds. Go ahead, browse our store, and find your perfect jewel!

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Diamonds by the Yard Bring Elegance

by len

diamonds-by-the-yard-300x300-1Every single person in the entire world loves a solid, shimmering, and overall stunning diamond gemstone in some format for their personal jewelry collection. The fact that diamonds have tightly held the desires of most humans for countless ages and even eons is most definitely an easily acknowledged and well known concept due to the fact that the innate rarity of these precious gems in addition to their extraordinary beauty once properly cleaned and artistically shaped. The style known as Diamonds by the Yard jewelry act as the perfect example of the universal love of the diamond as well as discovering a way to show off a great number of the stones while still keeping within the limits of high fashion and embracing the specifics of your own personal style. While the majority of pieces do not actually measure thirty-six inches in their lengths (which is the exact scientific measure of a single yard), they still tend to be quite long enough that the piece can seem to be within the requirements of length given as part of their name. Even though many jewelers are currently at work attempting to adopt this style as their very own, only the great Tiffany can truly call it their own original design. Still, you do not need to break the bank to get the style.
Through a quick glance, Diamonds by the Yard may seem a bit simplistic despite its very over the top name. Yet, it is the basic simplicity of these bedazzling pieces that really show off the built in beauty innate to diamond gems. All of the rope like jewelry formats (whether a Diamonds by the Yard necklace, Diamonds by the Yard bracelet, or the combination of a matching pair) have many common traits—such as perfectly cut small carat diamonds which focus more on high quality shine and clarity rather than mere size as well as the specialized in-line settings so that the rope blends ever so smoothly between individual gemstones and the grasping metallic chain for a highly integrated overall look. The lovely and uncomplicated bezel setting that is included very often in Diamonds by the Yard frames each individual round cut gem with a very classic styling that does not detract from the natural beauty of the stone or the jewelry piece. A diamond station necklace in particular is truly a great way to have your own Diamonds by the Yard piece that is ideal for daily wear as well as unique and special occasions in your life. Of course, do not forget the allure of a diamond station bracelet if you prefer hand accentuation.

About Allurez
Allurez is the premier designer and retailer of high quality fine jewelry with a brand name known to royals as well as to the rich and famous. We are committed to providing you with the largest and the finest selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, bridal jewelry, fine fashion jewelry, and certified loose diamonds. Go ahead, browse our store, and find your perfect jewel!

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Allurez+

Allurez is the premier designer and retailer of high quality fine jewelry with a brand name known to royals as well as to the rich and famous. We are committed to providing you with the largest and the finest selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, bridal jewelry, fine fashion jewelry, and certified loose diamonds. Go ahead, browse our store, and find your perfect jewel!

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Alexander-Calder-at-Ms-Rau

The renowned New Orleans–based antiques dealer M.S. Rau somewhat regularly places advertisements in The Wall Street Journal. And, to its sheer delight, one ad recently caught the attention of someone in possession of a one-of-a-kind jewel by the famous artist Alexander Calder (1898–1976).

Best known for his sculptural mobiles, Calder was also a maker of jewelry, favoring spirals, concentric circles, and amorphous discs in hammered metal. With this in mind, the jewel in question—a custom ruby engagement ring from the 1960s (pictured at top)—encapsulates Calder’s aesthetic but also stands out in the best possible way as a bit of an outlier.

“The great body of Calder’s jewelry output was entirely metal work, with only a scant few pieces having set stones of any kind,” says Coles Loomis, sales associate at M.S. Rau, “and most pieces with a gold appearance were crafted of gold wire as opposed to hammered gold, such as the hammered gold spiral ring the artist designed for his own wife. Since this ring we have acquired was designed as an engagement ring, the artist obviously pulled out all the stops. This meant sourcing the finest material—18k gold—as opposed to inexpensive and malleable materials like copper scraps and silver wire as he did for many of his other jewelry pieces.”

The story behind the ring is that Calder offered to design it for Albert Fenner Milton, to commemorate the occasion of his engagement to Catherine Higgs in 1964. Milton was the son of Albert Fink Milton, who was Calder’s close friend and neighbor in Litchfield County, Conn. M.S. Rau acquired the ring through a member of the Higgs family.

Alexander-Calder-ruby-ring-at-Ms-Rau
The Milton-Higgs engagement ring designed by Alexander Calder uses 12 Burmese cabochon rubies from a Milton family heirloom.  

“The piece is special in many regards. First, Calder repurposed roughly 15 carats total weight of cabochon Burmese rubies from a Milton family heirloom to incorporate into the one-of-a-kind piece,” says Loomis. “Secondly, the great majority of his jewelry designs were bracelets, necklaces, and brooches. Rings accounted for only a small percentage. The gold still bears a small mark where his pliers tweaked the spiral into the right configuration!”

Further contributing to the ring’s stature and appeal is the fact that appreciation for Calder’s work in the art market is booming.

“Not only did the Whitney recently exhibit some of his collection, but the Museum of Modern Art recently opened a gallery entitled ‘Alexander Calder: Modern From the Start,’ ” explains Loomis. “Although he is thoroughly celebrated for his incredible mobiles, his jewelry is incredibly exciting and rare to come by. Only very special friends and household names such as Peggy Guggenheim and Joan Miró were gifted such extraordinary treasures.”

I’d like to be next in line, please. How about you?

Top: Alexander Calder circa 1964 spiral ring in 18k hammered gold with 15 cts. t.w. cabochon rubies, $138,500; available at M.S. Rau

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