Tag: Pearls

Yvonne Leon

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lovoI’ve been on the prowl for some new earrings. Naturally, I do some online window shopping the the jewelry section on Net-a-porter. Found the cutest solid gold, multi color stone crab earring by french jeweler Yvonne Leon.
Little is known about Leon save for her quirky designs that breathe life into precious metals.
Her website displays a multitude of designs; from sea creatures like lobsters and manta-rays to more abstract geometric designs. She certainly creates something for any woman at every age.
I particularly love her creations focused on ears. Pictures to follow.


A bit on the pricy side. I do wish some of her pieces were smaller (the crocodile in particular looks like it would cause sagging earlobes if I wore them everyday!

Super cute! Hope to one day own a piece for myself.

Mateo NYC

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I recently lost one of my favorite rings at a Dave & Busters (literally tossed it off into the abyss as I was lobbing a basketball in one of those arcade games). Sent out a mobile phone flashlight party, but to no avail it is most definitely gone for good. And that is the reason why I’m back here. The hunt for a new shiny piece is on!

I’ve been pretty much MIA with life this summer. As the days grow shorter and the daylight wanes, I’m back to my usual online prowl for glimmering beauties.

Mateo Logo

MATEO NYC was introduced to me by the one and only Eva Chen (I’ve been an avid follower of her instagram and fashion pieces). Mateo NYC is headed by Matthew Harris an NYC implant of the ripe age of 16 from the sunny, sandy shores of Montego Bay, Jamaica. A self taught jeweler, he started with mens jewelry and later evolved his collections to include women’s jewelry. Love his simple designs.

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Absolutely adore some of his most recent pieces made for women. I’ve been recently very interested in mixed metals, diamonds, and pearls with modern shapes and designs. Something about the translucency and timelessness of pearls just makes we stop and stare. And while I don’t quite put myself at an age appropriate enough to dare are wear white pearl jewelry, one of Mateo pieces just might make me break that rule…
Most worth mentioning is the fact that some pieces are still pretty affordable as diamond/ gold goes… for now…
Get em while they’re hot! As any new upcoming jeweler is bound to sky rocket in fame, so are the prices!

Tasaki Intl.

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Tasaki Logo

Back tracking to a few of my recent favorites. Always a love for Japanese brands, this is no exception. I’ve been meaning to write this post for quite sometime but wanted to gather a bit more research on company background.
Introducing Tasaki Intl. a subsidiary of the infamous DeBeers company head quartered in Japan. Tasaki Intl. is a luxury Japanese brand with new and innovative designs adhering to old school materials such as the classic pearl.

With pearls making a bold resurgence; design head Thakoon Panichgul creates fresh new ideas to showcase the elegance of pearls. And quite frankly, I’m a fan.

Small background on Thakoon Panichgul: he is Thailand born, Omaha Nebraska raised, and currently NYC based designer. Truly brilliant designer who brings new ideas to his creations. I have nothing but respect for him. Panichgul’s work like many but few have graces the presence of many a famous celebrity (including the Obamas!).

As always I digress.

With a flare for elegance, modernity, the Tasaki branded jewelry never feels clunky or too much. Feast for the eyes to follow. Each line of jewelry is distinct in design (and designer) as each line is created in collaboration with different jewelry designers such as Melanie Georgacopoulous, Mare-Helene de Taillac etc. Collaborations with these designers generate new styles while keeping the beauty and elegance of the materials quality still at 100%.

SIDE BAR // I’ve recently found myself gravitating to pearls. A personal favorite brand, Vita Fede has been showcasing pearls in a classic yet modern and elegant way. In general I’ve found more and more jewelry companies designing pieces in pearl or with pearl accents. I’ve also seen younger girls accessorize with pearly pieces (real or otherwise). To be honest, I’ve always believed pearls would be for… lets say… mature women (ok fine, old people). But seeing trends and I, myself owning a pair of black pearls; they’re not that bad at all; I do not think pearls age me as much as I feared they would. But then again… does that make me more mature/ old now?

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.