Tag: american

Tilda Biehn

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Been super busy and lots of things of my plate as of late. Everything just seems to bunch together in stress factors and I haven’t had the time to go out for my daily jog around the park much less post something short here!
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Anyways, here is Tilda Biehn, a fine jewelry line founded in 2014 by jewelry designer Andrea Lipsky-Karasz. Featured below are a few of her designs that are worth mentioning.
I was on the look out for a new pointer ring and stumbled upon her Aurora band; which is a play on the simple chain investing in it a smattering of shiny shiny glittery rocks we call diamonds.


What also captured my attention were her Stratus line earrings which kind of remind me of Bibi Vandervelden’s use of baroque pearls to depict cloud shapes! I mean, just look at the similarities!
But I digress. Lipsky-Karasz’ Comet line is absolutely beautiful. The half cuff/ wrap style is very much in and this designer does not seem to miss it. Lovely wrap style “comets” with subtle geometric aspects ingrained with options for colored stones make everything just rainbow.

Pricing wise, as I do love the ability to customize with engravings/ stones/ types of metal, still out of my budget.

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.

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.