Melinda Maria Baby Mosaic Earrings in Emerald CZ with White CZ in 18kt Plate, $105 Retail.

Melinda Maria’s Story

Melinda’s story begins with an obsession with her mother’s jewelry box at an early age. This led to designing ad hoc over the years, for herself and friends, until launching her own jewelry design company in her 20′s. She is totally self-taught, with an instinctive feel for colors, shapes and how they combine. Her designs now straddle the fine and fashion jewelry worlds, with items that are well-made enough to hand down, but still affordable enough to collect in a big way.

Melinda Maria Sabina Pod Hoop Earrings, 18kt Plated with Clear and Colored CZ Options, $200 Retail

The Jewelry of Melinda Maria

Melinda Maria’s line of jewelry includes earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets in a number of organized collections. Perhaps most well-known is the Pod collection, where organic concave ovals join together in a myriad of ways that is fresh and wearable. You’ve seen this collection on Julia Roberts, Christina Applegate, and Vanessa Hudgens. The Gwyneth collection features a marquise-shaped “pod” at it’s core, with lots of fun variations, with and without colorful CZ gems. Goddess jewelry features shimmering hammered paillettes, often in long lovely lines. And there are always new, textured, colorful designs being added throughout the year. With target price points ranging from $50 to $200 (a few select items might be a bit more), there is a ton of scale, workmanship and personality in each piece.

These are items you can buy without impunity, then reach for again and again. It’s real jewelry crafted in silver and plated with precious 18kt, with quality clasps and details you would find in the world’s finest jewelry.

Stack of Melinda Maria Gwyneth Rings in Blue Opal CZ in 18kt Plate, $52 Retail Each, many other colors available.

The Interview with Melinda Maria

idazzle: I love your philosophy of making people happy and confident by adornment, and that something as simple as a piece of jewelry can bring people together. How did it happen that you started your own jewelry design company?
Melinda Maria: I have always had shiny object syndrome since I was a little girl. I was obsessed with my mothers jewelry box, always trying to make my own with her loose pearls and beads. So it was a hobby/obsession of mine making jewelry from about 10 until I actually started Melinda Maria when I was about 27.

I love it: SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome)! What is your background?
I think I have spent more time studying stones and design on my own rather than formal training. I am totally self taught.

Stack of Melinda Maria Galaxy Cluster Melted Bangles, in Rose 18kt Plate with Black Diamond CZs, $135 Retail Each.

Where does the inspiration come from for your new collections?
EVERYTHING can be inspiring! I walk through my days with my eyes wide open because I can be inspired by so many things that I run into in my daily life. I don’t just have to be in an exotic place–I could get inspiration from the produce section in the grocery store! Shapes, colors, and textures in anything can translate to art, so I am always looking.

Your designs have appeared on so many celebrities and fashion personalities, your name is almost synonymous with the people who wear your designs! Why do you think your designs resonate with people so strongly?
Wow thank you! That is quite a compliment. I can only say I design pieces that I know I will feel special and beautiful in so I guess that translates to other women feeling the same way in my pieces!

Melinda Maria Pave Pod Ring in Platinum Plate with Clear CZs, $85 Retail.

Tell me about the charities that your company supports.
There are so many! My most recent is CURA Heart Africa necklace which 100% of the proceeds go to CURA orphanage organization in the village of Cura, Kenya, a residence for children who have lost their parent to AIDS. The orphaned children range from ages 4-13 and CURA is a complete care facility which covers all the children’s food, clothing, education and most of all a place to call home.

Melinda Maria CURA Heart Necklace in 18kt Plate, 100% of Proceeds from the $65 Retail Will Be Donated to CURA Orphanage.

Would you ever create a special fine jewelry collection using precious metals and gems for your loyal followers who want to take collecting to the next level?
I started out with doing a fine line. For me as a designer it wasn’t as fulfilling because I like big bold pieces and in fine they were costing $10,000- $50,000 and I love designing and seeing it on women who buy my pieces. So I realized in the marketplace there was a void of costume jewelry that looks and is constructed like a fine piece of jewelry but most women can buy. So all of my pieces are pieces that you pass down to your daughters because they are all crafted with the care of a diamond and gold piece of jewelry.

What jewelry are you wearing right now?
An arm full of my bangles and my tiny pod hoops in turquoise…I am ready for Spring!!

Any jewelry trends you want to predict for 2011?
Lots and lots of bangles!!! Big and bold looks.

Well, Melinda certainly has bold looks covered! I appreciate her aesthetic AND philosophy of making beautiful, fashionable jewelry affordable to any woman craving a little pick-me-up. Her various philanthropic efforts through jewelry are also inspiring. Melinda Maria has arranged for an EXCLUSIVE 30% OFF courtesy for idazzle.com readers! So go ahead and indulge: visit Melinda Maria at www.melindamaria.com, and use the code IDAZZLE30 at check out from February 7th through February 28th, 2011!

Melinda Maria with Friends, Hayden Panettiere and Eva Longoria

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Melinda Maria Jewelry

IcedOrchid.com sent me a lovely pair of earrings, as an example of their jewelry quality. Alas, I can’t keep them: it’s not a gift to me in exchange for a favorable review. I didn’t want anything to potentially color my review, so I sent them back. But I’m not sure I wanted to!

IcedOrchid.com Engagement Ring Setting with Round Center Diamond

The IcedOrchid.com Company

I’ve been aware of IcedOrchid.com for a while, but it was their recent mention in a Glamour.com article about engagement rings under $1850 that really got my attention. I went to their site and checked out the ring–I was absolutely convinced that the $1762 price quoted was just for the mounting, not the center stone diamond as well. To my surprise, the white gold setting was completed by a .50 carat round diamond with a nice cut (AGS 1 rating), color (F), and clarity (SI1), with a lab report from the pinnacle of reputable labs, American Gem Society Laboratory.

The company, started recently, but with many years of experience in the jewelry industry, tries very hard for that excellent value proposition. They say that they target an entry-level price point in the market, but I find their offerings to be classic and enduring styles (unlike some of the awful things I’ve seen in malls). On their clean, simple site you can find a large assortment of engagement ring and wedding band designs, as well as a small collection of diamond jewelry such as earrings, pendants and bracelets. But would the jewelry itself live up to the quality and construction that they promise to consumers on their site?

IcedOrchid.com Engagement Ring Setting with Baguette Side Stones

The Review

The earrings I reviewed are the 1.50 Ct Tw Inside-Out Diamond Hoops in white gold, $1761 Retail. They are named “Inside Out” because the front of the hoop is set with diamonds, and the inside of the back of the hoop is also set, which is what you see from the front. I thought these would be a good to review because they are a great gift idea or jewelry essential for a jewelry collection. Plus, they would show IcedOrchid.com’s typical diamond quality, how well they match their stones, their diamond-setting skill, polish and finishing.

The earrings arrived very securely packaged, and I finally uncovered the fancy wood and leather-ette presentation box containing the earrings inside. For some reason, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the diamonds sparkled against the black lining of the box. Maybe it’s the reasonable price, maybe I’m just jaded, but I’ve seen a lot of mediocre quality out there for diamond basics. These earrings are REALLY pretty.

Inside-Out Diamond Hoops 1.50 Ct Tw, $1761 Retail

There are 60 diamonds totaling 1.50 carats, and all are listed at G-H color and VS2 clarity. I 10X-louped them in the setting, which isn’t quite like seeing them unmounted, but that quality appears to be what is set into the earrings I received. No major flaws, and all bright white in the white gold setting. Though each diamond itself is small, in the clean straight-line shared prong setting they have a lot of presence, even from across the room. I liked how short and curved the posts are, because they won’t tip forward on your ear and expose the earring hole, and they have a hinged closure that has a satisfying *snap* to close (makes them feel very secure on the ears).

Scale is one of the most challenging parts of ordering ANYTHING on line, especially for jewelry which is not branded. The detail pages on IcedOrchid.com’s website helpfully lists all the details of each piece of jewelry, but really, does anyone know what 26 X 1.6 MM really looks like? The 1.50 carat pair has a hoop diameter almost exactly that of a US quarter, so you can hold that up to your ear and get a feel for the scale.

This is a VERY wearable size and style of diamond hoop earring. Personally for myself, I would want a larger diameter, but I like pretty bold jewelry. The carat weight, scale, sparkle and finish of these make these earrings the perfect jewelry essential of a diamond hoop for most people. If someone is quite demure in their style, then diamond stud earrings or the 1 carat total weight of these same hoops would be good. (Hint to IcedOrchid: maybe make a larger diameter pair, maybe 30MMs with 2 Carats or so of diamonds–those I would NOT send back! Edited after published, I found this pair of 2 Ct TW Inside Out Hoops with a 28mm diameter on their site.)

Trio of Classic Rings From IcedOrchid.com

A Little Q and A with IcedOrchid.com

idazzle.com: What is the history and story of the company and founders?

IcedOrchid.com: IcedOrchid.com is a young American company, founded by a family that has been involved in the jewelry business for years. What began as a spirited family discussion regarding the direction of the industry turned into words of action in the creation of IcedOrchid.com. IcedOrchid.com was established as an online retail store, to market beautiful yet affordable diamond jewelry to people who thought they could never afford luxury. Targeting the bottom of the pyramid for luxury, IcedOrchid.com’s mission is to show the average working man or woman that luxury diamond jewelry is available to them at a fair price without compromising quality.

What do you feel is unique or special about the IcedOrchid.com company and website (in other words, why should customers shop with you)?

What separates IcedOrchid.com from its competitors is the company’s effort to keep the engagement process as simple, stress-free and enjoyable as possible through its easy-to-use website. While the company has a large inventory and thousands of styles, it doesn’t display everything it carries. Rather, the products that are displayed are those that follow seasonal trends as well as those backed by research statistics on best selling items. Even the promotions the company runs are direct and target the audience its products are tailored for. Further, IcedOrchid.com is unique in that all its products come from a single source ensuring top quality while also allowing it’s diamond consultants to personally check or inspect an item upon request from a customer.

Do you have some exciting things launching/happening in 2011?

IcedOrhcid.com starts 2011 with an exciting contest running on Facebook called “Operation Proposal”target=_blank. This contest is run in collaboration with Operation Gratitude, a NGO that sends care packages to deployed soldiers around the worlds. “Operation Proposal” is open to every American who has a valid military card and to veterans as well. Contestants are encouraged to upload photos and stories of their proposals (past or future) on IcedOrchid.com’s Facebook page, and then get their friends and families to support their entries. The contest ends on Feb 6th with the winner being announced on Valentine’s day. The contestant with the highest number of votes will win him/herself a gorgeous diamond engagement ring worth $4500.

Also, on January 15th 2011, IcedOchid.com offers consumers a unique opportunity to see its jewelry display in person at booth 718 at the Hartford CT Bridal Expo!

Come March 2011, IcedOrchid.com will be launching its first spring collection! Keep visiting the website www.icedorchid.com and its Facebook page to view new styles, new diamonds and other exciting additions.

Thank you, IcedOrchid.com for sending the earrings for review, and sharing your thoughts about your company! I like what you’re doing so far with your website! One suggestion that would make the shopping experience even better is to have really *snappy* images of the jewelry–when you are online, you have one chance to impress the customer! Also, illustrating scale of the jewelry, like a photo of it on a model, or against something that shows its dimensions. I recommend paying attention to the way that the best fashion sites represent things, and of course, disclosing all the details about the quality, as you are doing. Can’t wait to see IcedOrchid.com’s Spring 2011 collection!

View this post on idazzle.com: Retailer Spotlight: Review of IcedOrchid.com

Caleo Mini Cloud Earrings in 18k Yellow with Chrysoprase and Turquoise, $1090 Retail

The Designer

Designer and creative director Lyndsay Caleo is responsible for the renderings and ideas that become the finished reality of CALEO Fine Jewelry. She credits inspiration coming from primitive art, Scandinavian aesthetic, and nature’s simple, perfect forms. She distills these elements through her sculptor’s eye, then refines them to jewelry scale.

I’m not the only one noticing this designer: before the collection officially launched in 2009, it was awarded the Innovative Talent Award from the World Gold Council that year. Celebrity stylists have also noticed, and the designs have gotten numerous press mentions in past year since it’s launch. (And while it’s not the most important thing about the collection, it is worth noting that most items in the collection range in price from $150 to about $2000.)

Caleo Pinch Stack Ring with Center Rainbow Moonstone, $850 Retail, and Pinch Stack Rings with Diamonds, from $425 Retail

The Caleo Collections

The Cloud Collection is a signature look, featuring a finely-drawn line that loops bezels around rose-cut gems like Labradorite and Rainbow Moonstone. There are bracelets with hefty jewels balanced by sculptural clasps, and necklaces where the loop is actually a clip that can go from chain to chain. All have a certain appeal with the focus on the clean lines and gorgeous jewels.

Caleo Large Cloud Earrings with Rose Cut Labradorite in 18k Gold

The Pinch Collection really shows the three dimensional talent of the designer as sculptor. The simple forms take on a totally different quality with the undulating pinch texture defining the edges. Everything shines here: the hoop and straight-line earrings, the bangles, necklaces, and the stacking rings. In addition to the 18kt Yellow, Rose and White gold, this collection looks stunning in a satin white finish and blackened rhodium-plated finish on Sterling Silver.

Caleo Pinch Stacking Rings in Satin White and Black Rhodium Sterling Silver, $165 and $175 Retail

The Oceana Slink collection features some truly amazing pieces like the hinged cuff that resembles a textured Manta Ray encasing your wrist. There is also an Aurora and Halo collection, where diamonds and gems are surrounded by sculptural metal. The Aurora rings stack together in very interesting ways, with an almost Byzantine feel.

Caleo Oceana Slink Cuff Bracelet in Sterling Silver with Diamonds, $2790 Retail

The Interview

idazzle.com: So you started as a sculptor originally? What made you take the step from sculptor to jewelry designer?
Lyndsay Caleo: I made the transition from “sculpture” to “jewelry” during my artist residency at the Cleveland Institute following my graduation from RIT. I was reading about nomadic tribes at the time. I am fascinated by their culture and how they carry and wear their amulets and talismans’. During my time at the Cleveland Institute my work kept getting smaller and smaller until I began to attach chains to my designs so I could wear them. I realized that every culture has different versions of a talisman, in some way shape or form. What we choose to wear can make us feel confident, safe, empowered or somehow connected to someone or something. I am drawn to the personal connection and meaning that jewelry communicates. On another level I approach my jewelry the same way I approach my larger scale work. From interiors to sculpture, my work is all about creating systems. So in a way I feel like I’m still working as a sculptor, only on a different scale. I’m constantly thinking about how a piece of sculpture can make sense worn on one’s body.

When did you start the Caleo Fine Jewelry company? Did this grow out organically from private designing, or did you set out to start a full-fledged design company?
Caleo, as a company, grew very organically, I was in the studio for a few years creating one of a kind pieces until the demand grew beyond what I could make with my own hands.

Caleo Halo Ring in 18k with Chrysoprase with Diamond Accent

What was your first collection(s)?
My very first jewelry collection was a series of one of a kind pieces that explored what I mentioned above, as well as material, shape and form that I hadn’t seen in jewelry before. During this time I was exploring and handcarving everything from stone and crystal, to wood and hand cast metal.

Where is your jewelry made? Is there anything special about the sourcing or finishing that readers should know about?
All of the gold I use is recycled and I only use conflict free diamonds and stones. I still create pieces in my studio but I also have an incredible team of goldsmiths that work me with on production and one of a kind specialty pieces.

How does your bench training at Rhode Island School of Design influence your designs?
RISD was an important time for me on many levels. My years at RISD were intense but inspirational. You gain so much knowledge by working with your hands. It taught me to see things from a different perspective and reconsider my thought process behind my work. I try to approach everything I create with an open mind. The attention to detail is key in all of my work. The knowledge and discipline I gained during those years has helped me mold Caleo into what it is today.

Caleo Pinch Teardrop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold, $1500 Retail

Have you had any fortunate serendipity while designing? Like a “mistake” or experiment that somehow turned into something really wonderful?
About two years ago someone sent me a huge bouquet of lily’s. The flowers had passed but I had plucked off the stamen [those pesky little parts in the center of the lily that stain your cloths? ] and left them on my bench. I would push them around and play with them while I was working. Months later I was looking at a new collection I was working on and realized that those pesky little Stamen shapes were in every one of my designs. Today that collection is one of our best selling collections.

Is there any type of medium or material you would like to add to your collections? Anything exciting that you are working on? Yes!! Material is a constant source of inspiration and I am excited about what’s on the table for Spring! I am just finishing the samples now.

Where can readers find your designs?
All of our retail partners that carry the collection are listed on our website, www.caleojewelry.com. We have key partners around the country. If we do not have a retail partner in your region we can be contacted directly about questions or concerns at: info at caleojewelry dot com.

Thank you, Lyndsay! You can find her designs at stores like Broken English in Santa Monica, Tivol in Kansas City, and some other locations across the country. You can contact her studio through their website here. This designer shows such strength, and such promise, I can’t wait to see what else she creates!

View this post on idazzle.com: Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Caleo Fine Jewelry

The Designers of Herndon Heald

Mark, Naomi, and Jeri Lynn met while working for a Santa Fe jeweler and continue to work together in their studios in Austin and Santa Fe. What is extraordinary about their jewelry is that every detail is manufactured by one of the three designers themselves, who are all bench jewelers, or their talented team of craftsmen. And I mean EVERY detail, down to each hand-hammered paillette or jump ring, is handmade. It’s quite remarkable and shows a certain approach towards jewelry that exudes care and craftsmanship.

Detail of necklace by Herndon Heald

The Jewelry

The jewelry designs of Herndon Heald are primarily defined by the metal work that the studio does. They use interesting techniques, such as forging, hand-hammering, and anticlastic raising to produce their forms. Consequently, their metal designs have a richness of texture that is very unique in the marketplace. After the metal is crafted, the details are layered on, such as tumbled rubies or seed pearls.

Herndon Heald 14k Gold, Ruby and Seed Pearl Novia Earrings, $332 Retail

The Interview

idazzle: How did you all meet and when?
Jeri Lynn: Naomi and I met in 2006 when we were both working for a jewelry company in Santa Fe. We immediately felt a connection and discovered that we had grown up just a few minutes from each other in Fort Worth, TX. We became fast friends and started Herndon Heald with Mark in 2007.

What drove you all into jewelry making and design? Was it meditated or serendipitous?

Naomi: Mark and I studied sculpture in college and for us it was a natural progression – everyone wanted to make stuff bigger and we wanted to make things smaller.
Jeri Lynn: It was serendipitous for me. I made jewelry here and there during my college years, but it was when I spent a year in Prague and fell in love with the glints of gold on the blackened statues and the spires dotting the bohemian sky that I was inspired to devote myself to jewelry. I moved to Santa Fe, apprenticed with a goldsmith, and met Mark and Nao.

Herndon Heald hand-forged 22kt yellow gold and sterling silver fluted cuff, $1354 Retail

Readers should know that you all are jewelry MAKERS as well as designers. How does your knowledge of jewelry making impact your designs? Do you think that designers who are not jewelry makers are at a disadvantage?

Naomi: Mark, our technical adviser for our company, is a very skilled metalsmith. We draw something out or talk about it and he can figure out how to do it. That being said, my skills set is one where mistakes and failed designs are a regular occurrence. But that means happy accidents happen and some of our signature touches have come from those happy accidents.

Mark: I think it is quite an advantage to understand your medium. When you understand the properties of a material you can push the material to its limit. For example some of our pieces rely on the work hardening of the metal: they must be hammered and would be impossible to cast.

Jeri Lynn: Having an idea of the potential of the materials is quite valuable. I also think we’re really fortunate to be three. Three different skill sets and three different interior landscapes creating three different visions – challenging sometimes but really advantageous.

Herndon Heald hand-hammered silver Satellite Ring, $105 Retail

Who do you have in mind when you design your jewelry?

We are inspired by the authentic women that we see everywhere – on the street, in our travels, in our personal lives. We design for them. And for us.

Your work spans a variety of materials, from silver to rose gold, and gemstones from pearls to rubies. 1. Do you have a favorite material? 2. Something new you would like to try?

Naomi: 1. My favorite material is high karat gold. My wedding band is 24kt. The Aztecs, the Romans, I could go on… everyone through time and cultures has used high karat gold for ornament. Its just the best for me -there is nothing like it. 2. Since there are 3 of us, we all come to the table with new things and then we figure out how to combine them. Right now, I am getting into Gorgets which were originally armour – steel or leather collars designed to protect the throat, so i have been looking at those. Mark over the summer went to study with a master engraver and has been practicing and working on his engraving skills. Engraved gorgets for holiday sound good to me!

Jeri Lynn: 1. High karat yellow gold is my favorite to wear and to work with – deep yellow 22k or 24k, but I almost always wear it with rose gold as well. I love the combination. 2. Mark made my wedding ring out of Damascus steel – it beautifully contrasts the high karat gold. I’d like to work with it more and introduce it into our Herndon Heald line.

Stack of 5 Herndon Heald 14kt rose gold rings, $580 Retail

What’s on your bench right now?

Jeri Lynn: Countless paillettes. Heaps of them!

Where can people find your designs? Is there any place to see them in person?
Our website is www.herndonheald.com.

We are also in some great jewelry galleries around the country – Katy Beh in New Orleans, Eliza Page in Austin, and Silverado in Bend to name a few.

Thank you so much, Mark, Naomi and Jeri Lynn for giving us some insight into your designs! I absolutely LOVE what you are doing, and the direction you are going. We’ll be watching and waiting for some Damascus steel and deep yellow 24kt Gold combinations, and engraved gorgets!

In the Studio: Mark, Naomi and Jeri Lynn of Herndon Heald

View this post on idazzle.com: Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Jewelry Designer Herndon Heald

Irene Neuwirth

I profiled Irene Neuwirth previously here, and I would take this ring in a heartbeat. It is sculptural, versatile, and I think it has the potential to be a future heirloom that can be handed to the next generation:

Irene Neuwirth Rainbow Moonstone Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold, $2440 Retail

Irene works a lot with colored gems, but her gold jewelry is just as beautiful. Fluid, soft, and still modern, I think these earrings are an amazing addition of gold to a jewelry wardrobe:

Irene Neuwirth 18kt Yellow Gold 9-Drop Earrings, $1850 Retail

Shawn Warren

These hoops are my hands-down favorite of the designer jewelry I’ve seen in the past few months (for more jewelry by Shawn Warren, click here). They are exactly on-trend with a blackened finish, tiny diamonds and larger diameter. But more importantly (when you are spending this amount of $), they are also pretty timeless and I think they would be a staple in your jewelry wardrobe for a very long time. The best part? You can change them up instantly by adding the detachable rose-cut diamond drops. They are available in 2 sizes and 3 metals: 18kt rose gold, white gold, or the black-rhodium finish on 18kt gold:

Large Diamond Hoop with Rose-cut Diamond Drop, $2350 Retail for hoop, $1075-1500 for Rosecut Dia Drops

Here is another item from Shawn’s collection that I would really love to have: a striking pendant that could be worn on a shorter leather cord, or a long chain, potentially layered up with another necklace or pendant. Shown with her “Alba” 18kt white gold chain with white sapphires, please check with Shawn on availability and retail. Shawn’s studio has quite a few great gift ideas from $275 Brazilian Druzy rings to $1500 gorgeous diamond pendants:

Unison Bubble Pendant in 18kt White Gold and Silver, $2350 Retail for Pendant alone

Rebecca

If you are looking for really striking jewelry that is generally under $1000, the Rebecca line should be on your radar. At their state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Italy, they produce fine jewelry made from bronze that is heavily plated with 18 karat gold. I really like this “Roma” ring. It is definitely not shy (about 1″ square), but with 18 Kt gold-plated bronze as the metal, and a hydrothermal Peridot (same gem properties as the real thing, just grown in a lab), it is affordable fine jewelry. Available through Authorized Retailers, or from Fox’s Gem Shop:

Roma Ring from Rebecca, $620 Retail

Mattioli

It seems like it’s hard to find great gold designs. After white metals reigning supreme for more than a decade, I think gold is definitely moving back to its spot as the king of metals. Of course, you have be able to stomach its current price per ounce (at the time of the article, it is hovering around $1100/ounce, close to its all time high). Here is a bracelet from Mattioli that is sinuous and lovely, but has the hallmarks of a classic piece (their necklaces are gorgeous, too):

Mattioli Hiroko Collection 18kt Bracelet, $3675 Retail

Need More?

There’s a lot of gift ideas and designer information on this site already, if you explore a little. You can also drop me a line at monica@idazzle.com, or visit my Local Jewelers page to get a recommendation for an excellent jeweler close to you that can help you.

View this post on idazzle.com: More Jewelry Gift Ideas: Designer Jewelry Wishlist

Personalized Charm Necklaces

Personalized charm jewelry is a fantastic gift idea for a couple of reasons. It’s very thoughtful and obviously customized for the recipient, and depending on what you choose, it can be very affordable fine jewelry as well. For a detailed rundown on a range of personalized jewelry, see my previous post here. Here are a couple of my favorite options:

Etsy Artist Jeneri Double Sided Silver Pendant and Chain, Etsy.com, $64 retail

Heather Moore is the designer who really put this category on the map. Beautifully done, and uses recycled precious metals:

Heather Moore Oval Charm Necklace, $1485 Retail as shown

You can also check out Lisa Leonard, and Helen Ficalora, or more artisans on Etsy.com.

Silver Jewelry

Silver is very versatile, wearable, and affordable. There are some timeless pieces in silver that would make great gifts.

You cannot go wrong with the Blue Box from Tiffany and Co.:

Elsa Peretti Band Ring in Silver with Diamond from Tiffany and Co., $275 Retail

Classic silver charm bracelet with engravable heart charm from Blue Nile (the other blue box):

Blue Nile Sterling Silver Heart Tag Bracelet, $90 Retail

Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are a classic jewelry gift. I did an article devoted just to beautiful, affordable freshwater pearls here.

I love this necklace from American Pearl, it’s perfect with everything and is timeless without being stuffy (other sizes, qualities and gold contents available):

Akoya Pearl Station Necklace in 14k Gold from American Pearl, $275 Retail

If you think a simple pendant is more her style, here is a Tahitian pendant from Pearl Paradise that is very pretty and also a good value:

Tahitian 8-9mm Pearl and Diamond Pendant from Pearl Paradise, $260 Retail

Diamond Jewelry

When in doubt, go diamonds. Trust me on this. You’re welcome.

Diamond solitaire earrings are the second-most coveted jewelry item for most women, after an engagement ring. It’s important to buy the right quality. I recommend G-H-I color, SI1 or SI2 clarity (no eye-visible inclusions), with the best cut you can afford (for a rundown of the diamond 4C’s, click here). For size, that could be determined by budget or the style of the recipient. If she prefers tailored, subtle style in clothing and jewelry, go with 1/2 carat total weight (each diamond weighs 1/4 carat) to 1 carat total weight. If she’s not shy about her style and you can afford it, go with minimum 1 carat total weight up to 3 carats total weight. A fellow jewelry insider did a review of diamond stud earrings from 4 major retailers, click here for his Consumer Reports-style evaluation. This is an item that is well-suited to shopping locally, as a great jeweler can explain differences in quality and cut.

1 Ct TW H-I Color, SI Clarity Diamond Earrings from James Allen, $1940 Retail

Diamond hoops are a great idea; very versatile and fashionable at the same time. I’m particular about hoops. The mountings can’t be too heavy on the metal (prongs, etc), and I don’t like hinges visible–if the weight of the earring pulls them down the hinge will really show and sometimes droops in the front. I also generally prefer smaller stones, with a medium to large diameter, and diamonds set on the outside of the front and the inside of the back so you see a lot of sparkle.

These hoops made by Roberto Coin (sold at Nordstrom and independent jewelers) fit the bill perfectly and provide nice sparkle for the money. Also available in smaller and larger diameters:

Roberto Coin Diamond Hoop .80 Ct. TW., Nordstrom, $1740 Retail

If you would like to give a diamond necklace, this necklace is a nice variation on Tiffany and Co. classic Diamonds By The Yard. Wearable, and more interesting than a single diamond dangling from a chain:

Blue Nile 1/2 Ct. Diamond 3-Stone Necklace, $1370 Retail

If you’re a perpetual romantic, you can visit my rundown of heart pendants here.

Gold Jewelry

Even with white metals like Sterling Silver and Platinum vying for attention, gold jewelry is always in style. Here are a few items worth collecting.

No jewelry wardrobe is complete without gold hoops. These Roberto Coin earrings have a beautiful texture:

Roberto Coin Woven Silk Yellow Gold Hoops, from Windsor Fine Jewelers, $400 Retail

Lockets can often be engraved, plus they hold photos, making them romantic and sentimental. This one is from Tiffany, but many jewelers will have a version of an oval or heart-shape locket:

18K Heart Locket from Tiffany and Co., Locket $400 Retail, Locket with Gold Necklace, $2700 Retail

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View this post on idazzle.com: Great Jewelry Gift Ideas: Essentials for Women

Shawn has a by-appointment studio on Central Park West, and also shows at one retailer, Fred Segal Couture in Santa Monica, CA. To cover other geographic areas, she does several private trunk shows a year, often in the homes of collectors. This model of selling directly to customers has been very successful for her, and allows her to offer an excellent value proposition to her collectors. I had a chance to catch up with her recently, view her current designs, and ask her a few questions.

The (Spectacular) Jewelry

Her collection was surprisingly diverse, with some interesting sub-themes. My favorites were the gorgeous Karma pieces, with Maharajah-like earrings and pendants set with concentric rows of colored gems like dark Sri Lankan sapphires and richly-hued rubies. Rose-cut diamonds set off the colored gems and are sometimes set in yellow gold contrasting with dark rhodium-finished gold. Many items in this collection are limited-edition or one-of-a-kind, and look like they should be double to triple the prices marked.

Karma Sapphire (18.72 ct) and Rose-cut Diamond (4.1 ct) Earrings

Another favorite was her Diamond Sliver collection. Shawn has designed a series of mainly earrings and necklaces that feature thin “slices” of grey-white diamonds with very organic outlines, often set with pave white diamonds in contrast. The bezel-set diamond slices capture and diffuse the light, creating an effect like stained glass. It manages to be delicate and exciting at the same time.

Royal Sliver Diamond Necklace, 17 carats TW

I’m loving her hoops, with their rose-cut diamond drops. The diamonds are impossibly tiny and perfectly set on the outside and inside of each hoop to catch the light just right. They are available in 3 sizes, and in three colors of gold: white, rose, and a dark rhodium-finish gold that contrasts wonderfully with the sparkle of the diamonds. The rose-cut diamond drops are substantial, with an irregular outline and soft sparkle that keeps them interesting and not too precious. They are also removable, which is a basic tenet of Shawn’s designs–she really likes versatility.

Large Diamond Hoop with Rose-cut Diamond Drop

I also thought these bracelets were fantastic–very modern and wearable. She combines Tahitian pearls, pave diamond balls, and onyx, labradorite, or hematite beads on silk cord. They are very adjustable for length, as the cord just slides.

Unison Pearl and Diamond Bracelets on Silk Cord, Stacked

The Interview

It was especially great to meet her: she’s a combination of refined and a little rock-and-roll, kind of like her jewelry designs. I also admire that Shawn gives 10% of what she sells to charities, which is notable. She answered a few questions about her current collection and design process:

idazzle: What was the inspiration for your Karma collection?
Shawn Warren: I have always loved Buccellati pieces, with their lacey metalwork and the beauty and quality of the colored gems. But $30,000 to $40,000 retails are not exactly a collectible price point. I wanted to offer important jewelry at a compelling price: customers deserve a luxury item at a great value. I love the “old and new” aspect to the Karma designs. The outlines can be very modern, but the rose-cut gems, which is an ancient cutting style, softens and adds to the lustre of the stones.

idazzle: How often do you release new collections?
SW: I am always working on new designs. We are always emailing clients with our new ideas, and new finished pieces as they come in. I’m really excited about some new pearl designs using organic-shaped Tahitians (pearls) in amazing colors. We are also working at bringing some color into the line: Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires in bezel-set necklaces that can be doubled up or worn long.

idazzle: Am I correct in thinking that you mainly design for women who are purchasing for themselves?
SW: I have 75 clients that I regularly design for. I know what they like, and keep detailed wish lists which work really well for us and them. When I design I always ask, “can I wear it with jeans?”. Women need jewelry that straddles the different parts of their life.

idazzle: What gives you the most pleasure in your (enviable) career as a jewelry designer?
SW: I love the materials. I can’t WAIT to have the jeweler show me the finished product! To see the jewelry go from concept to the final piece is definitely my favorite part. The sales part is harder–I’ve gotten better at that–but the creative part is what drives me.

You can meet with Shawn at her studio on Central Park West in NYC. Or go in to Fred Segal Couture when you’re in L.A. Given her limited distribution, it might be difficult to see her designs in person, but her website does a surprisingly good job of representing her designs (you can check out her sale section, too!). Since I’ve seen her designs in person, I can vouch for their integrity and beauty. I can almost guarantee that people will stop and ask you about what you are wearing. Shawn Warren’s jewelry can be your secret weapon, too.

Karma Diamond Triple Circle Earrings

View this post on idazzle.com: An Interview with Jewelry Designer Shawn Warren