Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘jewelry’

After a 10 month hiatus, it is time to focus on pattern, color, design and of course, a bit of whimsy now and then.

Why wait for the whimsy when Dolce & Gabbana provides us with a riot of color and pattern in the Queen of Hearts Collection.  For more from this collection, look no further than the Elle online review of the Spring 2018 show.

Read Full Post »

ambersceatsThese sleek earrings from Australian designer Amber Sceats start our year with a timeless design element…the triangle. Amber’s designs are “Heavily influenced by her appreciation for art, travel and architecture; Amber Sceats is an ode to the abstract. The underlying ‘rock’ element throughout her collections make the pieces uncompromisingly contemporary whilst simultaneously timeless.”

Read Full Post »

fcd5e594cb7e435c21be92877eecc300There is something about the holiday season, that brings out the inner child in all ages.  Van Cleef & Arpels’ animal clip collection for 2016 will be certain to bring a smile to your face.With its glittering procession of animals, the Maison’s new High Jewelry collection takes an affectionate look at the tale of Noah’s Ark. These giraffes are up to their necks in emeralds and sapphires, offering a spectacular tribute to the wonders of the animal kingdom.”

Don’t forget to click on the ‘Historic Collection’ at the bottom of the page for more look back at some earlier pieces…love the lion and the cat!!!

Read Full Post »

chanel-fallwinter-2016-ad-campaign-4

The September fashion magazines are stacked in my studio with pages ripped out for scanning or dog eared for future reference.  During a quick page through of Elle, I discovered that even the august house of Chanel has a playful side. The photo from the Fall 2016 collection features three designs with colorful resin emoji brooches scattered throughout. Another dominant element that appears frequently in designs this fall is the use of grommets.

More ‘notes’ in later posts as I work my way through the stack. Hmmm!!! I love this homework!!!

 

Read Full Post »

inuitThe last few months have been filled with travel, most of it fairly mundane, with one notable exception…Alaska.

Our first port of call, Ketchikan, was a wonderful introduction to  Native American Totem Poles, as well as, the interesting patterns that are an integral part of the overall design.

HMMMMM!!! My mind is spinning with ideas.

 

 

Read Full Post »

lizzie fortunato2Twins, Lizzie & Kathryn Fortunato founded their eponymous line in 2008 with the intent of creating unique accessories that use unexpected materials.  “Lizzie designs the line, while Kathryn, who got her start on Wall Street, oversees sales and operations. Lizzie studied Art History and English at Duke University (where Kathryn majored in Economics) and her interest in “dressing to tell a story” is reflected in the pieces she creates.”

lizzie fortunato

Read Full Post »

monique peanAs you scroll through the work of Monique Pean, you may be struck by a simple yet powerful design aesthetic. “MONIQUE PÉAN uses environmentally responsible procedures to source its materials, and uses 18 carat recycled gold and platinum, conflict and devastation free precious stones, diamonds and fossils, which are gathered with no mining involved. MONIQUE PÉAN is a member of the No Dirty Gold campaign and a supporter of the Too Precious to Wear campaign.”

The stone in this dramatic ring is Kyanite. Some believe kyanite is a calming stone, helping to quiet the mind and dissolve feelings of anger and frustration.

Read Full Post »

1697_searchSolange Azagury-Partridge has a rather eclectic mix of inspirations…Berbers, Rubies, the Moon, Gargoyles etc….but first on the list “LIONS”.  “I feel a huge love and affinity with Lions. My star sign is leo, my hair is big and frizzy like a lion’s mane, I’m a carnivore, I’m from Africa, I’m sociable and lazy”

Like the inspirations, her work encompasses a wide variety of styles and several categories. Rings, in the jewelry category, move from refined to playful and then into edgy. I was attracted to the stairway in her London showroom. Each step is carpeted in a different pattern, creating a riot of color. HMMM!!! I wonder if I can talk my husband into that for the stairway to his loft office!!!

solange azaguryA recent article in the Wall Street Journal featured Solange and highlights of her work over the past 28 years. The 1999 ‘Nature Ring’ for a mere $24,500 caught my eye…but the 1996 ‘Hotlips’ ring is still a best seller…$9,600.

 

 

Read Full Post »

serenity-rose quartz

The wait is over and the Pantone colors of 2016 are Serenity and Rose Quartz…YAWN!!! Since the last 20 years of my career was in interior design, I am seeing nursery decor, or onesies in Serenity and possibly party dresses up to age 6…beyond that…NOT SO MUCH!!!

From the Pantone Executive Director “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.” 

past 6 years

As you look over Pantone’s color of the year for the last 6 years you will see several colors that have ‘legs’ and some that fall flat. While my favorite color palette includes the rusts, golds and neutrals of the Fall, Radiant Orchid through Turquoise find a way into my Spring and Summer designs. (My daughter’s burgundy school uniform definitely influenced my decision to avoid Marsala)  Let’s talk next year about Serenity & Rose Quartz…I would love to know how they have influenced your designs…or not!!!

Read Full Post »

tiro tiro

Tiro Tiro jewelry designer, Teresa Robinson, allows the materials she selects to direct her. “Tiro comes from the latin word for a beginner or novice. Tiro Tiro embraces an era of experimentation and improvisation, drawing from our years of practice and honed expertise and then making things up as we go. Evolving and exploring new mediums and techniques, we allow the materials to guide us, finding that some of our best work happens by accident.”

I apologize for the erratic nature of my posts of late. During the last month we completed our move from Columbus, Ohio to South Carolina. Leaving behind 4 decades of family, friends and memories has certainly had it’s ups and downs. But, we are both excited to see what this new chapter in our life brings.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »