Chaumet ‘Bee My Love’

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Lusting after Parisian luxury jewelry brand Chaumet’s ‘Bee My Love’ stackable luxury ring line. A bit old (I believe released in 2013) Hexagonal bee hive pattern band rings available in rose, yellow, and white gold! Plain, alternate diamond stud or eternity band style. Mix and match, they intertwine and interlock with each other.

Bee My Love
Absolutely stunning. Sadly, one of those cannot afford items. Selfridges.com sells them for about 560 British Pound which is equivalent to about $780 USD for any of the plain gold ones which is super pricey for just gold. So window shop and gaze longingly over the pictures I shall.

Sidebar- I am guilty of discovering or rediscovering Chaumet while oogling over famous chinese socialite Angelababy‘s wedding photos. That rock is ginormous! (how does one’s finger not fall right off??!?) And while I do like Chaumet’s pretty tiara inspired rings, my currently obsession is stackable rings. Go figure.

Currently Listening to:
I took a pill in Ibiza (SeeB Remix)
By: Mike Posner

Jennie Kwon Designs

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Modern. Minimalist. Effortless Style.
JKD Logo
Those are the top three words that describe Jennie Kwon and her line of fine jewelry.
Nothing much else to say about this LA based designer except that I strive to some day be like her. This woman has a background law degree! Makes my lust for a jewelry design career seem somewhat achievable… but not for awhile yet.

Simple yet stunning stackable and graceful designs are what depict her jewelry.
A myriad of glittering colors to bedeck the fingers with thin slivers of shining gold to wrap around all the world’s skin palettes.
Chriselle
Sadly, pricing is on the high side. $485 for her Equilibrium Ring (of which I found one identical complete with 14kt gold and 6 tiny diamonds elsewhere for 1/2 the price!- but I’ll leave that for another post). My heart yearns for a ring stack of her designs as they are just simply divine.

Lionette by Noa Sade

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Logo.png
Let’s talk about statement pieces. To be honest, I don’t own any statement pieces simply because I do not feel like I can rock it. Lionette by Noa Sade is NYC based and creates beautiful statement pieces. I found them via famous popular fashion style blogger Chriselle Lim a few years ago and I just love their pieces. Each piece is so unique and definite statement pieces. You can wear bracelets and necklaces stacked up or by themselves- either way draw attention to the pieces.

Now while I love love love these statement pieces, I doubt I will ever purchase from them via sheer price alone. Lionette NY’s popularity is definitely real and present. (Trust me I’ve seen the prices rise along the years). The prices are (in my honest opinion) utterly ridiculous. I don’t mean to bash them, but their pieces are made of plated brass and simulated semi precious stones like turquoise or opals etc. Let me say that again, plated brass and simulated stones. Why are you charging $400+ for brass and fake stones? I just can’t wrap my head around it. Oh and the designs however beautiful and ingenious can most definitely be replicated via materials from your local craft store (maybe not the cone shaped stones but you know what I mean).

Long story short, while I absolutely love Lionette NY’s designs and pieces (because they truly are gorgeous) I would not buy them because honestly you can get a 14k gold ring plus a tiny diamond for that price. Call me cheap but its simply not worth it. – unless you are filthy rich and do not care.
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And while I was lusting after their Sinead bracelet for quite some time, I wouldn’t purchase because my wrists are sooooooo tiny and I doubt they will adjust one for my size (must I mention the fear that they might charge more for an adjusted one? not to mention charge the full price for materials?).

 

 

Miansai

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This particular post was one that I was going to post later on… but upon close inspection and recent findings, I thought why not now.

10852829_753277468084786_1292066568_nI first heard about Miansai through popular fashion blogger Chriselle Lim of thechrisellefactor.com.  I was introduced not via her blog but through instagram on her 2014 Christmas Giveaway post. Needless to say, I entered and didn’t win but it was to win a pair of rose gold colored cuffs (yes I enter all these contests because I’m a sucker for jewelry). I’m not particularly a fan of their ever popular Screw cuff bracelet (see below) because the design honestly reminds me of a pair of shackles.

Please see the following images and continue to read:

10865015_1663479077228905_1412987324_n.jpgDo these designs look familiar to you? Hint: Nautical themed, nuts and bolts, nautical cord? Hello James Barts anyone? Tell me they do not look alike! Okay, okay some of you might be saying the nautical theme is free for all and I get it. But at the same time, personally I like to find unique designs and credit/ buy them from the masterminds. I hop on to their website and click on their ‘About Me’ section- all I find is a generic description of Miansai being made in America and a store in NY, nothing about when it was established and by who. (Later findings found this Q&A on racked.com)

My  only question is, who had the idea first. I have yet to receive 924060_740963412639529_550173921_nmy James Barts bracelet in the mail but looking at pictures, I’d say Swedish quality looks better… (or do they just have better packaging?) Would it be too bold to say Miansai copied James Barts? Suffice to say, there are some very clear similarities in these designs and in my opinion James Barts takes the cake.
Pricing on Miansai’s bracelets are also a little on the pricey side $55+ USD. Options include rose gold plated, gold plated, silver plated, sterling silver, and full 14k gold (alongside various colored cords and leathers).

I am most definitely not a fan of the ‘D’ shape that are Miansai’s most famous screw cuff bracelets. In addition, their leather and cords look a little thin. There only one design I truly adore but it does not help that my expensive eyes dart immediately towards the $2.5k solid rose gold fish hook cuff bracelet.

Playing on Repeat:
Cheap Thrills
By: Sia

Novum Collection

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Here’s another one of my interesting finds. Categorized in the super duper expensive side is The Novum Collection created  by American designer Logan Novum.
Very cool and very chic his designs revolve around conceptualizing the music world. I’m not quite sure when this company popped up, but based upon the teeny tiny collection, I’ll say not too long ago. The online store only has stocked about three different items (available in different metals: sterling silver, 18kgold, and black ruthenium).

Now lets talk pricing. It is fucking ridiculously expensive. Sterling silver jack bracelet starts you at ~$345USD. To be honest, its cute and they market it great on the website with a gorgeous model and I absolutely love the idea but the price makes me very apprehensive as their brand is new. I mean, if you wore these on the street hardly anyone would notice and say ‘oh its that necklace from The Novum Collection‘. On the other hand, famous persons in the music industry such as Chris Brown and Sonny Moore (AKA Skrillex) have been photographed with some of Novum’s pieces. Anyways, I would love to see this brand grow and expand in their collection. In my opinion the average everyday Jane/ Joe could not possibly afford such tiny luxuries, but it is nice to look at.

Oh- please do checkout their Craftmanship tab on their website. It very beautifully demonstrates quality jewelry creation processes through pictures and explanations. The perfect and best tribute as a run through from idea->sketch->3d rendition and print -> casting mold -> melting metals-> rough product-> polishing + finishing touches-> final product. Link is included HERE.

MNGRM

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Let’s take a dip on the really uber cool very unique customizable side and talk about MNGRM. 924636_808405482579822_445637043_n.jpgWhilst browsing on the 3d printing/ makerbot hashtag on instgram (because most of my finds are from instagram- go figure). I stumbled upon this little beauty of a find. MNGRM is a fine 3d print jewelry company (?) of little known background (well at least to me since I could not find who the owners are!)
So MNGRM takes two letters of your choice (usually your initials) and puts it through a 3d algorithm to create this kaleidoscope of a 3d pendant. The final product is a 3d mesh of one letter on one side that when you spin to the other side Voila!, it becomes the other letter! Pretty ingenious algorithm I must say and with all these personalizable pieces out there, MNGRM definitely take the cake and puts the spotlight on 3d printing and all its possibilities.

For those of you who are into the whole initials and personalized thing, go check  out their website! I am definitely a supporter of all things unique and 3d printed but unfortunately, these pretty babies are out of my budget. MNGRM does have alot of options including stainless steel, polished steel, copper and even the precious metals like gold and platinum. The cheapest is the 1/2 in rough stainless steel option which starts at $70 USD. (ouch!)
Again, it’s not on the top of my list of must haves but it is one of those pieces that would get alot of attention and keep your ADD at bay.

Lastly, check out that dope packaging! Pretty 3d fine jewelry packaged in custom 3d printed white geometric boxes wrapped up in twine. Whats not to love?

 

James Barts

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I have a thing for bracelets. Not so much for rings or necklaces but most definitely bracelets. You know those string bracelets? The ones when you were younger and braided and knotted with all the pretty colors and wore religiously on your wrists? Thats right, they were called friendship bracelets. Well James Barts kind of reminds me of them, with a nautical spin of course.
James Barts
Side bar- I recently discovered this Swedish brand while looking for alternative right wrist accessories. I cut my gorgeous locks for an angled bob and what usually keeps my right wrist bare is no longer needed (the infamous black/ colored scrunchie!)
Anyways, back to the topic at hand. James Barts creates bracelets made of real nautical rope- is that even what you call them?– handmade from the best quality direct from Stockholm! (Who doesn’t love handmade items?)


Needless to say, I recently ordered a bracelet. They have several designs (not including all sorts of different colored cords) including the Octavia, Octavia Half Cuff, Deckhander collections. My favorite by far is the Octavia collection where simple nautical rope meets refined metals. The creators have taken there designs and have elevated them a step further by creating the octavia half cuff further extending its sleekness.


On cost: their inventory is vast and the cost is reasonable in my opinion. Their website is extremely user friendly including many language options. For any out of EU buyer, you will be happy to see that the actual cost on website is not what you pay for. I ordered one bracelet for $45 and was ultimately charged $36 (they took off 20% for EU Vat Tax!).

Word has it, they have a new watch collection coming out soon. I believe it will be close in design to the recently popular Daniel Wellington watches, but we shall see….

Kataoka Jewelry

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katoakaOn the note of uncommon luxury jewelers and their designs is that of Japanese jeweler Yoshinobu Kataoka of Kataoka Jewelry.
From what I’ve seen its very common for Japanese jewelers to convey the dainty feeling of all their designs. Kataoka is not exception to this ‘rule’. I think it has something to do with the modest Japanese culture- nothing too flashy or too over the top.

What especially caught my attention with Kataoka’s designs is that he literally drills holes in diamonds for his necklaces. Similar to Martin Margiela’s split sapphire ring, this jeweler is unafraid to ‘cut corners’ (in this case holes) to create new and refreshing looks.18k diamond necklace
I mean, diamonds to a lot of people are sacred things and the larger the better right? There’s always talk of quality and imperfections of diamonds lowering the price of shiny rocks but kataoka throws that idea away. He treats diamonds as you do with less pricey precious stones (rose quartz etc) the idea that you can manipulate a piece of rock to create wearable aesthetically pleasing pieces, albeit dainty expensive ones.

Needless to say, I love the idea of drilling holes into diamonds. It kind of reminds me of a passive aggressive front on blood diamonds and the diamond industry in general. Americans and I believe millennials are instilled with this idea that diamonds are forever. In addition that for a man to love a woman is to commit by spending one third of his annual income by buying her a diamond ring women are taught to aspire to the idea of marriage and the idea that getting ‘the ring’ is a common goal. That is not to say that is the case for all women, I am merely providing my musings.
But I digress. Most jewelers in this day and age I feel must confine by societal standards to make a living. That’s just how it is.


Current Song:
Hands to myself 
By: Selena Gomez

Vita Fede

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Introducing my ultimate all time favorite and classic – Logo
I believe every girl (or guy) should have at the very least one item from Vita Fede. Fashion genius American born Cynthia Sakai of Japanese descent is the owner and the designer of Vita Fede. I cannot tress the simple elegance of her famous ‘Titan’ and ‘Mini Titan’ bracelets. These seemingly simple hinged cuff bracelets with conical edges create the perfect shine and breathtaking look. Founded in 2009, Sakai has proven that she can think outside the box while still delivering new and upcoming ideas in fashion jewelry. Just when you think there is nothing more you can tweak with the Titans, she releases new and over the top designs. Most importantly, her bracelets match just about anything and everything! Wear them as a single statement piece, or stack em up! I simply just can’t get enough!

Make and models vary in price. Most all bracelets are 14k plated making them sturdy and durable. I have yet to see a diamond studded piece (which I have mixed feelings over) but she does have a selection that sports fresh water pearls of various colors and Swarovski elements.

images (1)Prices vary depending on bracelet; cheapest would be the Mini Titan ~$250. Lowest price item currently on the website is ~$125 (Ultra Mini Titan Ring). Throughout the years, prices have definitely soared as I scored my gold mini titan on a sale bargain price of ~$185. Personally, I would love to purchase more but it is simply too expensive for 14k plated only. Stoned pieces can rise to as much as $450+! (which is wayyyyy too much). I would however love to see when and if she decides to rise to luxury jewelry – meaning producing her jewelry in 14k gold, rose gold in entirety. This would definitely give Cartier’s love bracelets a run for their money!

Sidebar: her designs are such a hit there are so many copycats out there. While a great way to get styles you love for a better price, quality just won’t be the same.

Maison Martin Margiela

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PompadourScindeeRing
Pompadour Scindee Ring

For those who love jewelry with a twist, you should definitely check out the fine jewelry section from French designer Martin Margiela.
Its hard to get fine jewelry to look sleek and fine while cut in half. Made with diamonds and sapphires, this will set you back roughly $6000 USD. But still, if someone proposed to me with this ring, its YES YES YES A MILLION TIMES YES!

Apparently, Martin Margiela worked alongside Paul Gaulthier at some point. Alongside this beauty are sideways rings, deconstructed rings, giant clasp necklaces etc.

I’m a sucker for unique jewelry and Maison Martin Margiela does just this.
At the very least, sporting any accessory from this line is almost guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

*As always, as I cannot afford such luxuries these pictures were found from google.com.