Spikes and Sparkles: nOir Stack Pyramid Rings

Spike encrusted accessories seem to be my new thing. I'm trying not to go overboard, but I just can't seem to help myself.

When I heard nOir jewelry was on Gilt, I immediately downloaded the iPhone app and snatched this set of mixed metal spike rings. Luckily I was able to get a set because I know a number of other blogging ladies were excited about these too! I think we have a photo planned.



The mixed metal set is glamorous and shiny and sparkly in person. I had bought a size 7 set to wear on my middle finger but I found them to run pretty small. I wasn't the only person to find that to be true. I would say mine fit a size 5.5 or 6 rather than a typical 7.



Because they ran small I was wearing them on my ring finger and I have to say, these would make a kick-ass wedding set. When I stack them I've been wearing the wide silver band topped with the gold band then the rhinestone band.




Not that these are a very expensive set. Their regular price is only $60.

nOir has a ton of other necklaces, bracelets and rings ranging from more studs to crystal encrusted animals. I love the quality of my rings so I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for them on Gilt again.

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Pretty Pink - TokyoMade Chapter Pinky Sparkle Ring

I've had my eye out for a Chapter ring from TokyoMade for some time now. With their Spring 2009 collection, I finally got my pink sparkly wish.

Behold!

Oh yes! I know have my very own Bubblegum Plastic-licious Pinky Sparkle ring. I LOVE IT!

This ring is, obviously big. And loud and, oh yeah, kind of heavy. I was wearing it on my right hand but had to switch so I could take a picture for you.

And just to add to the pink fun, I wore my Chinese Laundry Dagger pink glitter slingbacks.

It doesn't get much pinker or Barbie-er than this. This ring is total art. Most people aren't sure what to make of it but they like it. Coming with me to NY for sure.

Product photos by TokyoMade via Flickr

Jonathan Saunders & Swarovski

Just as Jonathan Saunders is doing a collaboration with Target, he also has a new collection with Swarovski.

I wasn't a fan of the Go International line, even though the lines and designs are sleek and sporty, but these pieces strongly appeal to the side of me that wants to go in for modern statement pieces.

The collection has rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces and I have a few favorites that I think stand out.

Of the rings, I really like the Obi rings.



I especially like the black but really, all three are just gorgeous.




The Ecuso necklace sparkles with square crystals and also comes in blue.



But my favorite piece of the whole line is the Tuscan necklace in white. I love the shape and the mix of casual style with the white leather cord paired with sparkly crystals. I think white and gold go so well together.



It comes in a black too, which is a great piece for tonal layering.




These pieces are made using an "exclusive Swarovski pointillage technique in which crystals are embedded into a ceramic-like material" which give them sort of an enameled look. I'd love to see these in person.

Bad Trade for Beads

Apparently Stella McCartney is still under the delusion that bead are really really valuable.

Stella! The Dutch really didn't get Manhattan for $24 in trade beads and neither can you!

Look at this necklace, currently on sale at Net-a-Porter. It's originally priced at $285. Dollars.




Let's go to the close-up to see how ridiculous that is...



Those are regular old seed beads. And not that many of them. And not in a very intricate pattern. Just strings of seed beads attached to a ribbon. I could go to Michael's and get the materials for this necklace to the tune of about $20.

I had this in mind when I went to Target yesterday. And while I wasn't actively looking for jewelry, they had a ton of really cute pieces that would go well with the ethnic/safari style. I bought two necklaces, two bracelets and a carved wood ring. I need to take more photos, but here's what I'm wearing today.

This necklace had a ton of strands of bronze-y brown beads in graduating layers.



I really liked this woven bangle and it goes perfectly with the dress I'm wearing today.



It's kind of hard to tell, but this is a carved wooden wring. The top is a beveled rectangle and it has a great spotted pattern. Plus it's large enough to make a statement but not overly showy. Plus it's pretty comfortable.



The other necklace was a long black and tan beaded necklace and a tan multi-beaded stretch bracelet. I'll be wearing them soon I'm sure.

What's great is that there are literally TONS of pieces on line (although I couldn't find the ones I bought) and they are all very inexpensive. My necklaces were around $15 each and the ring and bracelets were $8.

So, again, Stella must have lost her mind with this one.

Never Forget! Elephants are Awesome.

I'm not sure if I can directly contribute the growing trend of jewelry featuring elephants to the growing interest and awareness of the Indian and Asian markets or if it's because the everyone is as smitten as I am with the new Hermes campaign "Hermes Orange, Indian Pink" (which is gorgeous by the way - check out all the ads), but they are definetly on the rise.



I love the Hermes brand. They are one of the final true luxury brands that care about craftsmanship and are less of a company of sell-outs.

Anyway, I just got this fun little elephant necklace from Target mainly because it had a vintage-y feel to it, but also because it keeps with my accent colors for Summer.



But when I was reading my Lucky magazine this weekend I saw a whole slew of elephant pieces. They featured this ring from Palm Beach Jewelry. They have a bunch of other elephant pieces too.



They had this ring from Moss Mills -





I loved this bracelet from JCrew but I don't think they are carrying it anymore. I'll be you could find a vintage piece like this.



I did a quick search eBay and found this mother-of-pearl necklace. I've seen lots of these in jade too.

What I like about the elephant motif is this it looks vintage but also has a modern Asian feel too. Exotic and safari-chic.

Designer Focus - Shompole Collection

I'm not sure if you read the article about her, but Elizabeth Gilbert was featured in the March issue of Domino magazine. The article wrote a lot about her lifestyle and what she does, but it also featured some of the local hand-crafted products and jewelry she is creating a store for to help support the local Maasai and to help preserve their artistry and way of life.

Her site says it better:

At Shompole, luxury is defined by experience, environmental responsibility and individuality. With this in mind, we work with African artisans, women’s groups, independent traders and craftspeople to produce a collection of high quality, unique house wares, jewelry and tribal arts. Our one-of-a kind beadwork, fig wood furniture, African art and jewelry are all environmentally sound, handmade products created by freelance artists who price and determine the fair value of their own products.

The shop and collection were created as an extension of the Shompole Lodge, once again in tandem with the African people with whom we work. The shop at Shompole is our “flagship” store. It is run like an atelier,with art, design and fashion sitting side by side.

What caught my eye were the amazing jewelry pieces that were featured in the issue. I contacted Liz to learn more. Each piece is unique due to the hand-crafted nature and the variations in the natural product they use. I love the heft of this ring.




Emerald Galaxy Ring - $3,500

And look at the colors in this Lamu Shell Ring ($1,500). Shells always have such a glow about them. I have several shell serving pieces, but very little jewelry. This is so simple and elegant.



But my favorite is the Bone Collection -

Our bespoke 18k gold jewelry is made in Africa, by Africans, using African gold, bone, gem stones and other indigenous materials. Each piece is individually crafted by hand and can be made to order.

This horn, gold and garnet ring is modern looking but you can see the origins of the design.



Horn, Gold and Garnet Ring - $1150

Don't these beads just glow? Mafupa Bracelet - $350



This ring is my absolute favorite. I love the treatment of the round stones and the circles. The Little Ox Ring - $275.



As each of these are hand made, they aren't available on the site in a huge variety of sizes, but you can contact them to order your size, I'm sure. What's great is that to order you email info@shompolecollection.com and you will be working with Liz directly. I'm sure you could ask her about the pieces and learn more about their work and the artists they work with.

This is one of the best things about the Internet. Connections with amazing people around the world. Learning about who they are and what they do and being able to bring a piece of that home to you.