Insta-Jewels: Journey so Far

Holts London first AW14 collection featuring Vivienne and Vicious cocktail rings in 18ct rose and yellow gold studded with spinels, green and blue diamonds with milky green moonstones as centrepieces.

Popping with these Jennifer Loiselle fun cherry drop earrings (left) and taking my Jenny Sweetnam's silver Rose Thorn studs to the natural surroundings of Lake District. 

Goldsmiths Fair showcasing one of my favourites Shimmel and Madden's geometric Cuboid pendants (view my first blog post here). Hee Young Kim exploration of hidden spaces in these minuscule floor-plan inspired rings (top right and bottom left). Abigail Brown's stunning sweeping Folds neckpiece spotted on the designer herself.

Visited Harrods Biennale Des Antiquaires viewing one of a kind jewellery collection featuring Archi Dior's jaw dropping diamond ring and bracelet (top left and bottom right) inspired by draped fabrics, ribbons and pleats. The art deco inspired Chanel neckpiece that left me speechless (top right) and separately, trying on Harry Winston cushion cut micropavé diamond ring (bottom left). 

One off geometric clear quartz ring by Holts London from AW collection preview launch.

Brilliant contemporary jewellery designer Gina Melosi's Broken//PROMISES pointer ring cast from a broken bottle fragment. Destructive yet wearable (top left). Rocking Bjorg's grey horsehair ear cuff at Shoreditch's contemporary jewellery Boutique Parla in Boxpark. Wearing By Boe's minimalist wire arc earrings during an evening out (bottom left). Ellie Air's angular drop earrings in oxidised silver and gold(bottom right).  

Jenny Sweetnam's dainty Rose Thorn necklace (top left). Matching my Monica Vinader labradorite ring with thick navy jumper (similar here) (right). 

The stuff of my dreams...Mirta Jewelry for Marios minimalist black geometric bangle (top left). Purchased this oxidised wire earrings by GN Jewellery to go with my beloved Osnat Harnoy's geometric black ring (top right). Jennifer Saker's architectural 'Chipperfield' gold ring selected by Zaha Hadid as one of her favourite pieces at the Goldsmiths Fair.

Conquer open rings by by Eaburns during a visit at Parla in Shoreditch (left). My favourite Icon ring by Ruifier (right). 

 The stunning Kinetic Crux necklace by Ruifier (left). Played with geometric stacking rings at East Street eatery in Central London (top right). Timeless double winding wheel ring in gold and white sapphire from the Time collection by Cpt Jewellery(bottom right). 

To follow my insta-jewellery adventure visit here instagram.com/rockinthatgem

This Week I Love... Elizabeth Jean Laurel Ring

 elizabethjean.com.au

Images: instagram.com/_elizabethjean_ 

This Week I Love... Ryan Storer Broken Ring with Pearl

www.ryanstorer.com

Image instagram.com/ryanstorer

Deliberate Layers By Aes Ornamentum

These Aes Ornamentum necklaces were worn with favoured regularity during my sunny trip abroad last September, particularly on the beach and during evening dinners. I love the casually structural repetitiveness to create these layering effect without appearing too overburden or overcompensated. Light as air and strung together with waxed cotton cord; these hollow brass tube necklaces can be continually layered until, well, there's no space on your neck left. The geometric tubes scatters in random fashion that makes it so versatile and enjoyable to wear.

The geometric layers overlaps each other with deliberate carelessness and in a tangled-like manner. Layering shouldn't be neat and precised, it should be worn to create your own care-free individuality.

 Visit her website www.etsy.com/shop/AesOrnamentum

Images: My own

About the designer

Jackie LeTarte first founded Aes Ornamentum after attempting to create necklaces for herself that isn't overly bling and attention-seeking as she wears very little jewellery. Once she started playing around with shapes and materials the possibilities are endless. She realized how many women out there are desiring unique, affordable, everyday jewelry that is neither precious or flashy.

  More about this etsy feature

Aes Ornamentum is the fourth of my new exciting collaborative project based on etsy boutique owners concentrating solely on independent jewellery designers. The designers I've have chosen are all unique in their own way and everything is completely made by hand.

The Curve: Karen Hsiang Jewellery Interview

Upon discovering Karen Hsiang's stunning array of elegantly feminine and delicately precious jewellery I immediately knew I wanted to find out more about the person behind the brand. The effortless ability to abundantly layer her jewellery without looking too overdone when in fact, it's still not enough, is the fundamental beauty of the jewellery concept. Her curvature rings are her most defining pieces from the entire collection; inspired by the dancer's lithe body and the sensuous shapes and movements the body creates. Her curve ring and lariat necklace are my absolute personal favourites. Without much further ado Karen let us in behind the making of Karen Hsiang jewellery and her insights of the illustrious world of jewellery.

1. What made you realise you wanted to become a jewellery designer?

I've always had a knack for jewelry ever since I was little. I would play in my grandmother's jewelry box for hours on end. In high school I would make statement necklaces out of mini toys and legos and sketch out pages of jewelry in my free time. I never in my wildest dreams thought I could be a jewelry designer! It was always something I thought was unattainable, so even now I'm pinching myself all the time! 

2. How did you start off in the jewellery industry? 

I kind of fell into it actually. My job at the time was not fulfilling me creatively so I started an e-commerce website that sold and handmade jewelry on the side. It was doing well, but I wanted a space that I could interact with customers on a personal basis. A year later I opened an actual brick and mortar shop and the rest is history! 

3. Congratulations on setting up The Shangri-la boutique in Los Angeles, it is quite unique! Tell us a little about it. 

Thank you! It's been the most amazing experience! I opened the space so customers can try on jewelry and feel the tangible product and see the actual fit and drape on the body. I love the personal aspect of an actual store. The best part is seeing all the amazing jewelry my customers come in with! The boutique is nestled in a quaint airstream trailer, and I've been in that location for two years. I'm moving locations in a few months into a bigger space so I'm very excited about what's to come! The jewelry I curate are pieces that are handmade by local and international artisans and are pieces that can fit into your already existing plethora of jewels, or great starter pieces for women who want to start a great collection. 

4. You also represent fellow independent jewellery designers by stocking their pieces in your boutique. How important is it to support fellow independents alike?

I think independent designers are the most creative and the most passionate about that they do. The blood, sweat, and tears us small designers go through need spaces like my boutique to showcase their amazing creations. It's hard to get your foot in the door in the beginning stages, and I love helping designers get their names out there. 

5. You've created a signature piece with curvatures in your collections, what inspired you this idea?

A long long time ago, in a land far away, I was a dancer. Dance has always inspired me in all my creative outlets and I think the body is such a powerful vessel for movement. The curvatures of the body and the sensual shapes the body can create is a big inspiration for my line. 

6. How would you describe your customer base?

My customer is a woman who loves well made and contemporary jewelry. She loves unconventional but timeless pieces that will carry with her for generations. 

7. Do you have a favourite piece from your collection? What do you always wear?

My Curve ring in 14kt gold has not left my hand since it was made! It sits perfectly in the crevice and curve of my hand, and it stacks amazingly with other pieces I have in the collection and other designers as well. 

8. What are your future aspirations?

I would love to be designing jewelry for the rest of my time here on earth. Even though it's amazing to see your jewelry in magazines and in print, the best feeling in the world is seeing your creations on a customer walking down the street. My goal is to see many women in day to day situations wearing Karen Hsiang Jewelry.

 9. What advise could you provide for budding jewellery designers trying to set up their own brand?

I think the best advice someone told me was to stay grounded and keep trying. It's hard to break through the walls of the jewelry industry, but it takes time and effort on your part. Don't give up! 

10. Three words to describe your jewellery.

Personal contemporary alchemy. 

Images: www.karenhsiang.com