Archive for the ‘Jewelry’ Category

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MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

Posted by Anne Vickman on 12/21/2011 at 12:07PM | No Comments

The holidays aren’t all about presents. But … they do play a big part. Here’s my wish list of what I’d like to see under the proverbial tree* come Christmas morning. (*There’s no actual tannenbaum gracing my living room, as I don’t have a car, axe, or the motivation to make that happen at this point in my life.)

Ibex Shak Freestar Zip Up
I’m a carless commuter, which means that there are times during the winter when I have to just hop on the trusty, old bike and suck it up. So, having good gear is a must. This (soft!) wool zip-up from Vermont-based Ibex is a perfect mid layer: it’s thin, warm, has thumb holes, and is machine washable. I want it! $155, Ibex, 303 Newbury St., Boston, 857-277-1932, ibexwear.com. READ MORE

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SNOWMALL IN SOMERVILLE THIS SUNDAY

Posted by bostonista on 12/9/2011 at 3:00PM | No Comments

Arts at the Armory will be hosting SnowMall this Sunday, a holiday marketplace filled with unique holiday gifts from local vendors. Get a preview on the Facebook page, where organizers have gathered profiles and pics from some of the craftsy folk who will be selling their goods. And in case you need a little more motivation to brave the winter weather, we’ve put together a list of five of our favorite vendors, whose covetable items will be available for purchase this weekend.

Image via Albertine Press

Flowerfolk
The herbal-based body products are made from natural ingredients and come in crafty packaging.

Abby Berkson
Abby’s handmade ceramics incorporate whimsical designs that are reminiscent of children’s book illustrations and vintage textiles.

Camla Jewelry
These nature-inspired, silver and gold baubles are feminine and elegant.

Albertine Press
Snap up eco-friendly holiday cards, note sets, and greeting cards from this Somerville letterpress company.

Well Suited Design
Try on one of these scarves made from old suit material for an urban, mix-matchy feel that works for both men and women.

12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville

—Ashley Wood


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PROJECT ACCESSORY: BRIAN BURKHARDHT’S JEWELS

Posted by bostonista on 11/14/2011 at 8:02AM | No Comments

Photograph courtesy of Triian

On the Oct. 27 pilot of Lifetime’s new fashion show, Project Accessory, Brian Burkhardt grabs a handful of stuffed teddy bears and tells the camera that the idea for his first look will be “post-apocalyptic Mad Max meets runaway.” After adding other materials like old ice skates and furniture blankets to create a necklace, belt, and hair accessory, Burkhardht earned the one of the highest scores in the first round of the competition. READ MORE

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ETSY CRUSH: ROUND HOUSE JEWELRY

Posted by Anne Vickman on 10/27/2011 at 1:27PM | No Comments

Photograph courtesy of Round House Jewelry

A photographer by trade and training, Lisa Sachs now spends her time making jewelry at her home studio in Newton. The Massachusetts native makes rugged yet feminine leather wrap bracelets and hammered metal necklaces in silver and bronze — and in straightforward designs that make us swoon. Sachs answered a few of our questions about her handiwork.

How did you get into jewelry making?
I trained as a photographer and spent years making and showing my work around the world. But I came to find working in three dimensions more satisfying, somehow, than the flat, two-dimensional world of photos. So after much debate, I put my life as an artistic photographer on hold and threw myself into the craft of designing jewelry. I love working in three dimensions. And honestly, I love knowing that people are wearing my art. That’s something no photographer can say — it matters to me that people take my creations and make them part of their everyday lives. READ MORE

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TREND WATCH: ID BRACELETS

Posted by Anne Vickman on 10/19/2011 at 1:22PM | No Comments

Sweet, old-school goodness. (Photo by Anne Vickman.)

While shades of red, polka dots, and colored denim are the star trends of the fall fashion stage, I’ve been pining for a new accessory: a vintage-style ID bracelet, preferably something gold, chunky, and used. After spotting versions in Elle and at J.Crew and Endless.com, I went on the hunt. And thanks to the modern miracle known as eBay, I found precisely what I was looking for: a men’s bracelet for less than $30 and free from any engraving, though I did briefly consider upping the antiquarian factor by sporting a nameplate etched with “Bill.” But plain and simple won — and I’ll be pairing this bad boy with just about everything I own.

What about you, Bostonistas? Spotted any ID bracelets around town?

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BEER + JEWELRY = BREWELRY

Posted by Anne Vickman on 9/22/2011 at 8:57AM | No Comments

Photo courtesy of Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project.

Beer and jewelry are two of my favorite things in the world, and now they’ve collided in the most awesome way possible. This year’s Best of Boston winner for locally made beer — Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project — just launched a wee collection of jewelry oh-so-appropriately dubbed “brewelry.” Owners Dann and Martha Paquette teamed up with Somerville jewelry artist Emily Scott, of E. Scott Originals, to craft necklaces and wristbands out of leather and upcycled steel from broken kegs that the brewers couldn’t reuse.

Doug Ruuska, a Boston-based photographer who has an engineering background and is a friend of the couple (“He’s the type of guy who probably has built robots in the past,” quips Dann), hacks up the kegs into smaller pieces that Scott can work with, a feat that Martha calls a “bitch to do.” READ MORE

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TREND WATCH: KNUCKLE RINGS

Posted by Tanya Pai on 8/5/2011 at 8:00AM | 1 Comment

Photo courtesy of OneGarnetGirl.

Whitey is finally behind bars, but mobster-esque fashion is hitting the streets in the form of brass-knuckle-inspired  rings. These babies come in two forms: the multiple finger version, like this rose-adorned one from Aldo, or the moonstone bar ring at right by local designer OneGarnetGirl; and the elongated variety with a built-in hinge, which from now on I will be referring to as “Robot Fingers.” (This Crishabana ring wins the creepy prize for taking the knuckle idea to a whole new level.) I understand that fashion and practicality don’t have the strongest marriage, but a piece of jewelry that potentially interferes with basic motor functions is taking things a bit far.

What say ye, Bostonistas? Would you embrace this trend or give it the (robot) finger?

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THE DAZZLING NEW MFA JEWELRY EXHIBIT

Posted by Brigid Nastasia on 7/28/2011 at 4:59PM | No Comments

Image courtesy of the MFA

The first, and frankly easiest observation to make about the new Jewels, Gems and Treasures: Ancient to Modern exhibition that opened last week at the Museum of Fine Arts is that yes, it is small. Roughly 75 pieces, nestled away in the new Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation Gallery, range from Nubian shells and tusks dating as early as 2400 B.C. to a 1990′s Harry Winston masquerade mask glittering with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires in an American flag motif. But while the vast amount of time represented by relatively few treasures means that no complete picture emerges of any one era, the impact lies not in the collection but in the tiny details.

Earrings and a brooch made from taxidermied hummingbirds are beset with ruby eyes. The 17th century German rosary shown here There are many different facets (pun duly noted) to take in. My personal favorites were the 17th century German rosary shown above, and a Verdura tiara from the 1950′s that mimics Native American feathers. Take the time to regard each piece with care, for detail makes the small limitless.
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TREND WATCH: KINGDOM ANIMALIA

Posted by Tanya Pai on 6/30/2011 at 6:50PM | 1 Comment

Zebra and leopard prints have long been a fashion staple, but jewelry designers are taking things a step further this summer and creating pieces sculpted to resemble animals themselves. We’ve spotted rings shaped like panthers and peacocks, necklaces with fawn and beetle pendants, and hoop earrings with serpentine flair. With so many options, what’s topping our wish list? This gold-plated cuff from French designer Camille Eddera. Delicate yet substantial, it adds a bit of artsy flair to everything from jeans to party dresses — and reminds us of one of our favorite spots in the city in summertime, the Public Garden.

$250, eddera.com.

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WEEKLY SALES!

Posted by Tanya Pai on 2/24/2011 at 10:00AM | No Comments

By: Ally Betker

Although Sara Campbell‘s winter sale has been going on for a couple of weeks, this weekend they’re pulling out all the stops. Fall and resort wear, overstock, seconds, and samples will be marked 25 percent off the lowest ticketed price (which is already up to 75 percent off the original). Look for party-ready items such as fur jackets, floral-print coats, silk dresses, and accessories. The discounted prices will be available this Friday to Sunday at the Plympton Street store only.
Sara Campbell, 44 Plympton St., Boston, 617-482-7272, saracampbell.com. Hours: Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.

Earlier this month, boutique Ku De Ta slashed prices on William Rast, Joe’s, and Red Engine denim ― and this week True Religion is the featured brand on sale. Score 20 percent off the popular jeans through the end of February.
Ku De Ta, 663 East Broadway, South Boston, 617-269-0008, www.kudetaboston.com. Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday,  11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday,  12 to 6 p.m.

Flat of the Hill is offering deep discounts on their selection of Dogeared’s “healing stone” jewelry. Get half off gold chains, earrings, and rings adorned with pink jade, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, and other stones. The sale is scheduled to run for a month, but don’t wait too long; chances are these gift-friendly charms will move fast.
Flat of the Hill, 60 Charles St., Boston, 617-619-9977, flatofthehill.com. Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.

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