Designer Nicole Apostoli began creating accessories for herself and friends while she was studying metal arts at the California College of Arts in San Francisco. Local boutique owners became interested in her work and started selling her stylish designs. In 2001, Apostol launched her latest collection, Presh by Nicole Apostoli, which immediately gained recognition. Presh has been featured on TV shows such as America’s Next Top Model, All My Children, The View, The Rachael Ray Show, and American Idol.
The intricately designed Presh Gold Chain Aquamarine Hoop Earrings project a light and airy quality. Two dainty golden chains sway atop of a single faceted aquamarine teardrop stone that hangs from a chunky link chain. Its 24kt gold vermeil hoops are 1 5/8” in diameter. Buy through Max & Chloe for $108.
Urban Posh founder, Jeanne Kirkland, launched her timeless jewelry collection in 2004 after spending 5 years in the high-tech industry. As a child she learned about gemstones and their attributes from her grandparents who were both gemologists. She later went on to study business at the University of Texas. Kirkland’s handmade jewelry uses a medley of Swarovski crystals, gemstones, and pearls.
Have fun mixing these stackable rings or wearing them alone. The dazzling Urban Posh Royal Stackable Rings come in a set of three vividly colored stones. These simple band rings are designed from gold vermeil and contain a london blue topaz, amethyst, and emerald green quartz stone. Buy this set for $135.
Launched in 2006 by Jennifer Sarkilahti, Odette New York is a jewelry line that’s inspired by organic and industrial shapes, natural specimens, antique artifacts, and travel mementos. Each piece is handmade in Sarkilahti’s Brooklyn, NY studio using ancient and modern wax carving techniques that are sculptured before being cast into metal. This classic yet bohemian line has been featured in magazines such as Lucky and InStyle.
The Bird on Branch Necklace brings a touch of outdoors to your wardrobe. The pendant is designed with a single tiny bird sitting on a delicate tree branch and hangs from a beautiful 18 inch chain. This sweet pendant is made from 14kt yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver and measures 1 3/4 inches long. Buy through Max & Chloe for $163.
Melinda Maria’s passion for jewelry became evident at the age of 10 when she began searching through her mother’s jewelry box and using vintage pieces to create new designs. Maria creates a line of chic high quality fashion accessories. Her collections feature semi-precious stones and gold-plated metals and are meant to make women feel beautiful and invincible.
The dazzling Pod Earrings are casual yet classy, and can be worn everyday. These 18kt gold vermeil earrings contain five coupled mini pods that sway with every move. The Pod Earrings measure 1 7/8” long and 1/4” wide. Buy these stylish Pod Earrings for only $125.
The Asha by ADM jewelry line was launched by Ashley Dodgen-McCormick with the idea to interpret architectural motifs and vintage ornaments found in Florence, Paris, and New York City. Dodgen-McCormick incorporates semi-precious stones, natural materials, and sterling silver dipped in 18kt yellow and white gold to create classically unique pieces. The signature quatrefoil clasp that’s used in her necklaces was inspired by her visits to the medieval chapel, Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
Kevia is a line of intricately beautiful handmade jewelry. I was able capture some of designer Kevia Jeffrey-West’s time to bring you background information on her and Kevia jewelry. Enjoy!
Jewelry Revelations: I know that you were exposed to fashion at a young age, what in particular drew you to jewelry design?
Kevia: I have always been creative and drawn to building things. Growing up I learned to sew and create woodwork, tile mosaics, and mixed media collages. I fancied myself a collector of beautiful things whether I made them myself or scouted them out. In spite of my creative leanings my career path has not been straight and narrow. While studying in Zimbabwe on an undergraduate study abroad program I walked by a store that sold loose stones. The stones drew me in and I began to collect locally mined and cut stones, sketch designs, and found local jewelers to make my creations. I returned two years later to do post baccalaureate research and again began to design pieces for my personal collection. I planned to become a university professor and was close to finishing my doctorate when I realized my hobby was where my heart was. I am not sure that I would have thought about selling my work if a local boutique hadn’t asked me to make items for their store after they noticed a necklace I was wearing. Designing is definitely my calling. In my case I initially resisted becoming a designer because I had spent most of my energy to advance a career as a researcher and designing seemed like a risky career move. Luckily, the universe kept pulling me in the direction of fashion and eight years after I designed my first pieces I feel as though I couldn’t be happier doing anything else.
The Jules Smith jewelry line is reminiscent of runway looks from the 70’s and 80’s combined with a unique contemporary design. Gina Nigrelli launched Jules Smith in 2006 during a time when she lived in St. Thomas where she was learning about their jewelry culture. Her designs include cuffs, star motifs, engraved animal print pieces, chain link silhouettes, rings and bangles.
Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts
architectural motifs and vintage ornaments found in Florence, Paris, and New York City. Dodgen-McCormick incorporates semi-precious stones, natural materials, and sterling silver dipped in 18kt yellow and white gold to create classically unique pieces. The signature quatrefoil clasp that’s used in her necklaces was inspired by her visits to the medieval chapel, Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
Recent Comments