Thursday, September 17, 2009

New Kathy Bransfield Jewelry

Since we started carrying her work in March, Kathy Bransfield has become one of our most popular artists. Her hand-stamped necklaces with inspirational, funny, or poignant messages are extremely versatile. With over 20 options to choose from on Monsoon and Artfully Elegant, you're bound to find the one that speaks to you. I am the proud owner of the Compass necklace. (Are you sensing a theme? I have a ton of our jewelry!)

Each of Kathy's necklaces features 2 parts: a covering in a unique design that then lies on top of the hand-stamped sterling silver piece. The coverings are either sterling silver with a patina or gold-plated solid bronze. Whichever look you decide on, it's sure to draw many compliments. Check out 2 more examples below. The one on the left is the Gandhi Ivy necklace, a new addition to our collection. On the right is the Love Tree, one of our most popular necklaces.

Handbags!

One of the great things about Artfully Elegant is that it allows us to expand into accessories. If you're shopping for jewelry, then you're also going to want to see some cute handbags. Pictured below are 2 options from Tivi. We first started carrying Tivi as a jewelry designer. Their wood veneer jewelry with silkscreening is super lightweight and wearable. I have these earrings and wear them often.

Their clutches are what first attracted us to them and we're happy to be carrying them now. Made of wood veneer, the clutches have an elegant shape that makes them perfect for a night out. They're able to be dressed up or dressed down, so they're very versatile. Each bag has super-soft hand-sewn leather in a complimentary color. Whether you're choosing a silk-screened version or a plain version, you're bound to get a ton of compliments on these funky clutches!!






Walnut Ivory Sari Clutch











Ebony Clutch with Black Leather

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

New Todd Reed Jewelry!

We have a huge selection of Todd Reed jewelry available currently on Artfully Elegant. With more options than we even have in the gallery, we're bound to have the piece you're searching for. We have a great relationship with everyone over at Todd Reed, so if there's a ring or necklace we don't carry, we'd be happy to get it for you. If you're interested in commissioning a special piece, we can do that too! Check out the last photo below to see a recently commissioned engagement ring. It's gorgeous!

Ring 703 has always been a personal favorite of mine. My favorite rings and jewelry from Todd Reed are the ones that combine the different types of diamonds that Todd uses: raw cubes, rose cuts, colored, etc. Ring 703 features a gorgeous yellow center stone surrounded by white brilliant cuts. The band features Todd's signature raw cubes. When I get my Todd Reed ring someday, it will definitely need to have raw cubes in it. Even though Todd has branched out beyond the raw cube, he never forgets it - it still pops up in the majority of his designs.

Looking for a great pair of earrings from Todd Reed? Try Earrings 631. These delicate hoops hang from 18k yellow gold french wire and have a combination of raw and rosecut diamonds. The hoop itself is sterling silver that has been darkened with patina. If wires aren't your thing, these can also be made with a post. That's one of the best things about Todd's work - changes can be made to your specification. Want the earrings with a post? Done. Want the ring in palladium? Done. Want a different stone? Done. Where else can you find jewelry so versatile?

Here's a great example of custom work created by Todd and his team. Our client came to us with a request - he wanted a non-traditional engagement ring for his girlfriend, soon to be his fiance. Starting with the design for ring 660, he arrived at the ring pictured below. His only specifications were to remove the outer ring of stones and have it entirely in palladium. I think the final product is amazing and the most unique engagement ring I've seen in quite awhile! That's a 10+ carat raw diamond set in palladium. He proposed on a glacier in Montana, so it's the perfect natural ring for such a natural setting.