White Shell Ring

Thursday
Jul 3,2008

White Shell Ring

Natural beauty cannot be crafted and synthesized within a laboratory, it has to be made by Mother Nature herself. That’s why I love the White Shell Ring ($320) so much, it’s created within the bowels of the ocean. Hand drilled in Italy, this unique shell ring is a wearable statement of the beauty of nature. [buy it]


Wednesday
Jul 2,2008

Gabriela Artigas White Wood Balls and Turquoise Bracelet

The unique look of the Gabriela Artigas White Wood Balls and Turquoise Bracelet ($66) is very seductive. At first glance you might think nothing of this crafted jewelry, but it sticks in your mind and slowly draws you in. The fresh colors and natural elements compliment any outfit. [buy it]


Thursday
Jun 26,2008

Peacock Hood Earrings with Fan Detail

The stunningly gorgeous and handcrafted Peacock Hood Earrings with Fan Detail ($98) come in customizable choices. First choose either 14K gold or sterling silver as your metal of choice. Then, choose the color of the hand picked feathers with correlating natural stones that you’d prefer - natural/Peridot, ruby/Red Garnet or violet/Amethyst. How dramatically chic! [buy it]


Tuesday
Jun 24,2008

Melissa Joy Manning Chain Wrapped Amethyst Drop Earrings

The sublime Melissa Joy Manning Chain Wrapped Amethyst Drop Earrings ($125) are a joy to look at, and even better when adorned. These French hooked earrings feature dangling light blue amethyst teardrops with sterling silver chain detail. They are everyday wearable yet elegant enough for special occasions - part punk, part romantic, and yet entirely chic. [buy it]


Saturday
Jun 21,2008

Medium Felt Series Earrings by Colleen Baran

Handcrafted from sterling silver, felt and resin, the Medium Felt Series Earrings by Colleen Baran ($44) are definitely unique pieces of wearable art. Part craft, part jewelry, these earrings are available in grey, green, brown and a bright Pacific Ocean blue. There is also a smaller size available and a ring in this style. Grab a pair of these texturally appealing pieces of jewelry before they’re all snatched up. [buy it]


Thursday
Jun 12,2008

Ra Creations Minah Set of Six Bangles

A thrown together appearance can be one of the most sexiest looks there are – why do you think guys work so hard to make their hair styled ‘bed head?’ The Ra Creations Minah Set of Six Bangles ($55) comes as a unique multicolored collection of Indian glass bracelets. This relaxed fashion approach is very bohemian and beautiful in its own way. [buy it]


Tuesday
Jun 10,2008

peggy liIt’s the detail work that goes by unnoticed until you stop to look or someone points it out. Have you noticed the jewelry your favorite TV show character wears, or is it that the beautiful outfit befits the beautiful heroine? Jewelry designer Peggy Li handcrafts gorgeous creations and her pieces have graced strong, beautiful women on television in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Without a Trace and Grey’s Anatomy. Her designs even made a jump to the big screen in last summer’s hit movie Superbad. Peggy followed her heart, changing her life course from Chemical Engineering at UC Berkeley to creating captivating jewelry, and she succeeded with soaring colors.

“I enjoy designing handmade jewelry, making things that help women feel beautiful. When women feel beautiful, they feel powerful and have more confidence.”

rose or lotus necklace
When did you realize that Chemical Engineering was not the career for you? Why jewelry?

I realized it wasn’t for me when I was struggling with my physics classes in college. I have always been interested in so many different things, from literature to botany to cooking to crafts. Jewelry was something I had always played with over the years. It’s so easy to begin making jewelry; the startup costs are low and the result can happen quickly and is so fun!

Your designs are simple yet beautiful. How do you manage to balance the two?

Thank you! My jewelry is really a reflection of my own style. I like things simple, with clean lines and quality materials. The natural materials I use I think are so beautiful they can often stand on their own, so I let them.

What was the first television show to feature your jewelry? How did you feel about seeing your piece on TV?

“Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” was the first show to use my designs. It was wild to see them on TV, knowing I had made those pieces with my own hands, and on a show that I loved!

Superbad has as a huge fanbase - how do you feel about being a part of that?

Fantastic! When I was told that the project was “Superbad”, at first I had no idea what the film was. As it got closer to the premiere, I began getting an idea of how big this movie would be. It was awesome to know I’d be a part of it.

How did your jewelry make its way to the big screen? (were you notified about it beforehand?)

Yes — a costume designer I’ve worked a few times with tapped me for her work on this movie. I am forever grateful!

sunstone earringsDo you have a favorite piece of jewelry? Favorite material to work with?

I have no favorites! Usually my most recent design is my favorite, so that changes fast! Silver is a great material because it is so easy to work with, whether it is wire or sheet, sterling or fine silver. There are many options and it is readily available.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I always say that my inspiration comes from the materials themselves. Beautiful stones and fun charms are always easy to work with. I choose things for their color, unusual shape, or some whimsical idea. Jewelry should be fun and make the wearer happy!

You feature one of a kind pieces on your site - do you feel that it’s important to reuse “used” items?

Absolutely — I love working with vintage items. What’s old can definitely be new again — and there are certainly styles and cuts that will never go out of style. I recycle all my metal scraps and reuse packing materials from all the shipments I constantly get. Not only is it efficient, but it’s good for the planet!

For more about Peggy, click here.

crinkled link braceletThe Crinkled Link Bracelet ($42) is made from small and large beaten circles that provide texture and an eye catching glint in the light. This bracelet lies flat on your wrist so the metal can contrast against your skin. Available in either gold fill or sterling silver, this bracelet invokes an ancient civilization craftsman feel while maintaining a modern presentation. [buy it]

orange sapphire cluster earringsThough small, the Orange Sapphire Cluster Earrings ($110) emit a dazzling energy. Bright orange gems are bound together with either gold vermeil or sterling silver and dangle off a fishhook earring. When worn with an understated outfit, these little fireballs are sure to add some fire to your look. [buy it]

amethyst bubble necklaceThe limited edition Amethyst Bubble Necklace ($59) features a light spectrum catching purple gem that dangles off a gorgeously patterned chain. Available in your choice of length and metal, this necklace empowers women by bringing out their natural beauty. This piece will easily become a favorite in your jewelry collection. [buy it]


Vivid Carnelian Earrings

Tuesday
Jun 3,2008

Vivid Carnelian Earrings

Simplistic contrast is the design focus behind the Vivid Carnelian Earrings ($30). A heart shaped bronze leaf is set as the backdrop to enhance the vibrant dangling orange-red Carnelian gemstone. The fishhook earrings have 14K filled wires and are handcrafted. Pair with a little black dress for some ‘wow’ factor or add to your casual outfits for a bit of a sophistication. [buy it]


Ladybird Watch Locket Necklace

Monday
Jun 2,2008

Ladybird Watch Locket Necklace

Add a little bit of some good old Victorian charm to your appearance with the Ladybird Watch Locket Necklace ($20) which opens up to reveal a working timepiece inside. Both the watch and necklace are gold plated. An image of two birds chattering near a flowering tree branch is embossed on the cover for a cute illustration that adds charm to any outfit. [buy it]


Thursday
May 22,2008

Me and Ro Three Bells and Beads Ruby Necklace

Delicate looking jewelry always seems to be a good choice when going for a soft, feminine look. A gorgeous subdued piece of jewelry can be found in the Me and Ro Three Bells and Beads Ruby Necklace ($634), which comes at an expensive price for its beauty. Three 18K gold bells dangle off a matching karat gold chain, while nine wine red rubies dance and catch the light. Definitely a sure-to-please look, if only on reserve for next year’s Valentine’s Day present. [buy it]