More than a decade ago, Helen Ficalora began designing jewelry that reflects the art and beauty of nature. As a child growing up in Southampton, NY, Ficalora collected shells, sea glass, starfish, and played in fields of wild flowers. These lasting impressions of the outdoors are evident in her delightfully lively pieces. Ficalora’s collections have been featured in some major publications including Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Real Simple.
The dainty Paw Print Charm is adorable, simple, and feminine. This 3/8” wide sterling silver circular charm contains a single tiny paw print honoring our beloved animal companions. Pair it with Helen Ficalora’s delicate 16” sterling silver chain with ring clasp to complete the look. This set is the perfect gift for any animal lover. Buy the Paw Print Charmfor $35 and the 16″ Fine Silver Chain for $33 at ShopBop!
StyleNaturale is a fashion-forward jewelry line that is simple yet sophisticated. Barbara Boz, founder and designer of StyleNaturale, has been in the design field for most of her life. Boz was involved in landscaping, interior design, and now jewelry making. She receives inspiration from fashion, nature, and architecture.
Italian born designer Francesca Belluomini realized her innate love of fashion at a tender age spending hours going through her grandmother’s armoire full of enchanting evening gowns and costume jewelry. As a young adult, Belluomini went on to pursue a degree in classical studies and sociology at the University of Cesare Alfieri in Florence. Thereafter, she traveled throughout the world finding joy in transforming objects from nature into extraordinary pieces of jewelry. She began creating handmade jewelry from her Florida home for friends and family who later encouraged her to launch her own line. Belluomini receives inspiration from nature and uses stones, shells, silk, cotton, paper, and vintage findings to create her designs. Her latest collection is inspired by her summer vacations on the Mediterranean.
The Blue Lace Agate Lariat is unique, bold, and elegant. I had the opportunity to view this lariat and was quite enthralled by its simple, yet lavish design. This necklace is embellished with vibrant agate stones in oval and almond faceted shapes. Both ends of the lariat contain a stunning jumbo blue silk tassel. This lariat is approximately 54” long and can be wrapped numerous ways to create different looks. Buy through Francesca Belluomini for $90.
Self-taught artist Susan Wong’s jewelry evokes the imagery of treasures lost at sea. Wong launched Castaway Jewelry in the spring of 2006; her designs are inspired by nature, exotic islands, and handmade artworks. Her creations are composed of unique findings such as seashells from the Caribbean and African sea glass beads found in Ghana. Each piece is handmade in Wong’s Brooklyn, NY studio where each design is produced in limited quantity to maintain a sense of originality.
The dainty Pyrite Nugget and Sand Dollar Necklace brings a vintage twist to ocean inspired jewelry. This subtly designed necklace contains a chunky pyrite nugget that’s surrounded by three small crystal beads. A single brass sand dollar charm is attached to one side of the gold filled chain. This necklace is 18” long and fastens with a lobster clasp. Click here to buy through Couture Candy for $121.
New England born designer Monique Malkowski launched Silent Gypsy earlier this year out of her NYC studio. In her travels, Malkowski handpicks mixed metals to create designs that encompass an eclectic and feminine style. Malkowski’s intent for Silent Gypsy is to capture the beautiful imperfections found throughout nature by using logistical layering in her designs.
In 2003 designer Catherine Weitzman began her handmade jewelry line in San Francisco, California. Her designs encompass elegance, high standards of craftsmanship, and wear-ability. Weitzman’s designs are expressed by her extensive travels, art, and nature. She graduated from a classical metalsmith school in Italy during her stay there in 1994. Her greatest satisfaction comes from people who enjoy wearing her jewelry while making it their own style! Weitzman and her husband (as well as co-creator), Scott Diamond, now reside in Hawaii and New York.
Like most of Weitzman’s designs, the Coral Cuff is inspired by nature. This cuff resembles the look of coral with its porous pattern and silhouette that’s narrowing. This beautiful bracelet comes in silver and gold. I adore the Coral Cuff for its modern and everyday wear design. Buy directly through Catherine Weitzman for $470.
Jade is known as the “stone of heaven,” and is often associated with nature for its green earthly hue. This gem brings opulence and vivacity when added to jewelry. Since this stone is known to provide harmony and prosperity it is often seen in feng shui jewelry, and in particular, beaded bracelets.
The Jade Pendant Necklace designed by Etienne Aigner is delightful and charming. Its chocolate brown and green colors are reminiscent of a warm spring day. The diamond shaped brown glass centerpiece drops to a soothing South African jade pendant, which encompasses this gold tone necklace. Buy through Dillards for $42 $25.20 while quantities last!
Madrid designer Raquel Moreno began her career as a sculptor, but shortly thereafter realized that jewelry was her talent. In 2001 Moreno decided to launch her first collection, which was admired for its intricacy. As evidenced by her jewelry, her designs are inspired by nature and floral patterns in particular. Her collections are primarily sold in Spain and Britain, but they can also be found in the United States and Japan. Her clients include major international labels such as Liberty, Paul & Joe, and Paul Smith. In the near future, Moreno intends to extend her design realm to include her own array of home products.
The Red Painted Hexagon Earrings automatically begets flair of color for that wow look. These sterling silver drop earrings encompass a hexagon base that contains red and gold enamel in a flowery abstract design. The drops are hand-made in Spain and are 1 ½” long. I admire these earrings for their boldness and glitzy appeal. Buy through Clay Pot for $176.
StyleNaturale, has been in the design field for most of her life. Boz was involved in landscaping, interior design, and now jewelry making. She receives inspiration from fashion, nature, and architecture.
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