statement – Shine & Starfire

Diaboli Kill

January 7, 2018January 7, 2018 shineandstarfireLeave a comment

New year, new post right? Right?

Anyways, I have been waiting to post about this particular brand as I only really like one piece and have been patiently waiting for the designer to produce more designs. Needless to say, patience paid off.
Introducing Diaboli Kill, a New York brand founded by New York born Egyptian- Dominican Angie Marei.

Diaboli Kill’s website boasts of designs as a ‘tie between sinister and sexy’, and this could not be closer to the truth.
I first fell in love the Damian Horn collection and lusted after their Damian Brevis Horn Ring in gold vermeil. Alas, my tiny hands would not do this baby justice as statement jewelry is designed for larger longer fingered statement hands… (that I do not possess~ tiny short baby hands is what I have).

Newer lines like the Isadora have also caught my eye; colorful stones cohesively aggregated together with precious gold metals to adorn the ears are my new eye-candy.

Luxurious jewelry for the rich and famous. Like most my posts, way too expensive for a mere working girl like me to afford. Best to stare with awe and wonder in my eyes from afar… like way way far. Their Garnet Isadora ear cuff in 18k will set you back $6.6k. The infamous Damien Onyx Horn Ring in various vermeil/ silver / gold ranges from $395- $7,500 USD.

Pricey.

Lionette by Noa Sade

February 17, 2016February 17, 2016 shineandstarfireLeave a comment

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.

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?).

MNGRM

February 5, 2016February 7, 2016 shineandstarfireLeave a comment

Let’s take a dip on the really uber cool very unique customizable side and talk about MNGRM. Whilst 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?