bracelet

Designs Inc Jewelry

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0000

For all the traveling I’ve done in India, I haven’t yet managed to make it to Goa. The Southeast coast of the country was colonized by the Portuguese (and the Dutch and the French), and—from the architecture of massive churches to the spice blends in the cuisine—that influence is still felt in South India today. Goa is a hotspot for travelers who want a reprieve from ‘traditional India’. When brown skin, masala cha, and conservative dress begin to lose their exotic appeal, folks inevitably find their way to the tourist-laden beaches where one can strut in a bathing suit while sipping an iced latte in the familiar company of other pastey foreigners. Once the sun goes down, the debauchery goes up, as sex, drugs, dancing, and sci-trance make their way out from the sand. The blendedness of this space also makes Goa a comfortable place for entrepreneurial folks to settle and set up shop, which is what Karen-Ann Lobo has done.

Despite its location, the aesthetic of Designs Inc reminds me more of a doll collection than a bundle of incense sticks. In the States, I imagine Designs Inc’s offerings would fit in quite well at a Claire’s Boutique and make many a middle school girl giddy. The styles incorporate a sensibility akin to a little girl playing dress up with her mother’s costume jewelry; the flash and craftwork is more casual than high end.

The Tahiti Nights necklace captures this hodgepodge wonderfully; a single Tahitian grey mother of pearl flower hangs at the center of a silver toned, chunky, linked chain. Attached to the bottom of the flower are two inches of blingy mishmash (Swarovski crystal pearls, blue crystals of various shapes and sizes, and circular rhinestone rungs) that settle just above the bosoms. The necklace comes with a perfectly matching, simple set of silver-toned pearl earrings that can also be worn on their own.

Similarly chockablock is the girly Eros bracelet. The silver plated chain holds a glut of weighty feminine charms in perfectly sculpted order: roundish white quartz; teardrop-shaped, pink, Czech briolettes; fire polished, translucent, Swarovski crystal cubes; and tiny, mauve Swarovski crystals. Someone with small ankles could even wear it closer to the ground, harkening back to the company’s locale.

A hint of India can also be seen in the Summer Wine and Juno earrings. The former made of sterling silver and the latter of gold (12K plate and 14K fill), both have lovely, dangling components. Juno is a cluster of Swarovski crystal pearls that hover just above a Carnelian bead while Summer Wine has small, round pearls and blue goldstone (which give off a fascinating twinkle) hanging from two interlocking circles that also holds a medium-sized, mauve trumpet crystal. Throw on some taffeta, and you’re off to the ball.

The piece that suits this aesthetic the least, and therefore, stands out the most is the French knitted Jet bracelet. The woven wire mesh is lightly sprinkled with polished chips of Black onyx, and a half-dozen extra pieces are situated on either side of the clasp. The bracelet is unique in that it gives a sense of artistry and offsets the other designs’ kitsch appeal. It also suggests that Lobo has something more up her sleeve. I guess I’ll have to go to Goa to find out.

Juno and Eros pictured here

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, March 3rd 2010

Red Bracelet

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:07:00 +0000

By Luckxurys

Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Luckxurys was started by designer Tali Rosen out of a personal frustration: she was unable to find a traditionally turquoise hamsa, palm-shaped amulet used in jewelery that is thought to protect a person from the evil eye. The tradition of using a hamsa (the Arabic word for the number five, hence the symbolism of a hand) to ward off evil began in the Middle East as a practice of Islam, and is now a part of Jewish mysticism. After searching unsuccessfully for her prized stone, Rosen decided to simply make one herself. When she received positive feedback from others, she followed her desire to make "fashion that welcomes good energies," and incorporated her own good energies into a proper self-run jewelry business.

Using self-styled hand knitting, hand sculpturing, and silvercrafting techniques that Rosen gained through more than a decade of study, Luckxurys sells creative pieces (mostly bracelets and necklaces) that are stylistically unique. The Red Bracelet uses a simple wax wire knit string, handmade lucky charms, made from a mixture of calcium and polymer clay, and an easy loop clasp to fasten the string after you wrap it around your wrist a few times. The meaning of the color is taken from the Kabbalah. Red symbolizes danger, passion, and love, which makes it the strongest protector against evil. However, other colors are available.

Innovation in jewelry is difficult to come by these days, yet Luckxurys managed to develop something contemporary using an ancient concept. Made to be durable, the Red Bracelet can be worn daily without removal, which might not be such a bad thing for those plagued with bad ju-ju.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, January 9th 2010

BooBoo Unisex Wrist Bracelet, Orange

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:35:00 +0000

By Truth

Functional. Fashionable. Fun. The BooBoo wrist cuff from Truth is oh-so-cool—according to me, anyway. It’s a deep orange—a colour that has grown on me over time—and has an almost faded look. Created from distressed acrylic and cotton webbing, this BooBoo is size small, fitting me with ideal precision.

These genuine non-leather bands, amusingly named “BooBoos,” are manufactured in Canada by a company called Truth. Appealing to the vegan audience, designer Renia Pruchnicki takes an environmentally friendly approach to her many products, which include t-shirts, belts, and necklaces in addition to these trendy wristlets. All come in a variety of colours, textures, and looks—woven, mess, faded, and shiny prints—and can be fastened with a simple click of two adjacent buttons.

The BooBoo gives the wearer a definite punk rock air, and the great part is that it’s unisex! There have been times when I’ve disliked that tag because I’ve found, especially when shopping for t-shirts, that the unisex label really means "made for men," as these products tend to cater to a larger, male-shaped body. Whilst most of my friends loved the orange band around my wrist and the way the shade contrasted well with my turquoise outfit, one comment went like this: “That looks like a guy’s band! It’s manly, and it doesn’t look like it should be on you.”

But so what? It’s interesting how we assign things to that “masculine” or “feminine” construct, the implication of that comment being that a female should stick to “feminine” products. Don’t you just get frustrated when people absentmindedly think like that? I do! Especially since men seem to get the best commodities sometimes. On this occasion, I don’t feel the BooBoo is “manly”; it looks equally stylish on a girl!

Truth values vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. The company’s website reads, “Live your truth, and respect others”—a simple yet powerful philosophy.

Written by: Payal Patel, December 7th 2009

BooBoo Unisex Wrist Bracelet, Woven

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:48:00 +0000

By Truth

The story behind a company and its products really makes or breaks my decision to purchase. Yes, aesthetics are a key determining factor, but my criteria goes beyond this alone. I want to know the who, what, where, when, and how behind it so that my money supports my values. Truth, as it turns out, is a company with a great product and a great story.

I’d heard a bit about this Canadian company, but didn’t know what they were all about, so I was especially excited to review Truth’s Woven Wrist BooBoo. Given the unisex cuff style and my extra-dinky wrists, I hoped I’d be getting the S versus the other size, L. Indeed I got the S woven style Booboo in the “brown/pink” combo and instantly loved the contrast between the serious snaps set in a pewter-colored faux leather and the soft baby pink, raspberry pink, and ivory threads tightly woven with burgundy, brown and taupe threads.

I like that it’s not woven into a perfect checkerboard-like basket weave. It’s totally cute, but has an edge. Browsing their website I could see a range of tastes going through their wares, from preppy to punk. The materials are all vegan and their line includes several style of wrist cuffs, belts, bamboo fabric t-shirts, and clean, simple necklaces.

The story behind Truth is especially interesting. When owner and designer Renia Pruchnicki started the company in 2001, she was used to working with technical fabrics as an outerwear clothing designer and naturally gravitated toward a “technical” faux leather fabric. Truth's "leather looking" belts became very popular within the vegan community and their website reads: “When I started this company, I was not a vegetarian and was not even thinking of pursuing anything along those lines in terms of a market. But the path that I took opened my eyes to many things and over the years and my diet slowly became mostly vegetarian.”

As an activist-minded consumer it’s heartening to find such a great example of the power consumer demand has to actually change the marketplace. In this instance not only did demand directly influence the company’s products, the personal values of the company owner were also affected. And for this I love wearing my stylish, comfy, cruelty-free Woven Wrist BooBoo even more!

Written by: Matsya Siosal, November 2nd 2009

Smoove Lines: A Birthstone Bangle in Sterling Silver

admin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:03:00 +0000

By The Pretty Peacock

For those who can’t seem to find unique (and affordable!) jewelry that isn’t of the sort sold in droves at retail chains, The Pretty Peacock is your answer. Self-proclaimed “Head Bird” Ana Talukder Simpson says The Pretty Peacock believes jewelry should evoke emotion, capture a memory, or tell a story; it’s not just about what matches with your outfit.

Smoove Lines is a perfect example of this mantra. Not only does it commemorate the month of your birth, but its simple elegance also captures a sense of ambition and determination—a bright stone in the middle of it all, both literally and figuratively. Featuring a smooth finish and a glimmering birthstone, the bangle stands alone perfectly or can be layered with other pieces. Mine is emerald and the stone really pops against the satin finish of the silver. Plus, the stone is set in between the two ends of the bracelet so it has an elegant wave-like design. It is handmade of hefty gauge sterling silver and the birthstone is handset, making it very durable.

What struck me even more than the bracelet, however, was the care and sophistication used in the packaging process. The bracelet came in a beautiful box embellished with The Pretty Peacock logo. Inside, the bracelet was contained within a velvet brown bag. With this level of care in presentation, you can see how delicately The Pretty Peacock treats its products. If you’re looking to wow someone with a gift, this is it.

The only thing to remember about this bracelet is that it has a standard inner diameter of two and a half inches. Due to the sturdy material used on the Birthstone Bangle you cannot adjust the size. However, since every item is created when you order it, you can ask for a smaller or larger size. Just keep in mind that there is no adjusting afterward.

Written by: Michelle Tooker, October 24th 2009

BooBoo Unisex Wrist Bracelet, Faded Prints, Burgundy Flower

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:22:00 +0000

By Truth belts

Fashion designer Renia Pruchnicki began making Truth belts a bit by chance. Previously working as an outdoor gear designer, her employer closed their doors in 2001. From her small studio in Toronto, with a bit of savings, a small loan, and her vault of skills, Truth was born. Renia had no experience working with leather, so she began making vegan belts with faux leather textiles. The better part of a decade later, she’s still going strong, making affordable, durable wearables for men and women.

I type with a Truth tag protruding from my wrist. Attached to a stylish but functional arm cuff, a small tag reads TRUTH; on the back, it explains that it was “Made In/Fabrique Au Canada.” I took three years of French lessons, but could barely order breakfast when in Paris a few years ago. That doesn’t mean I don’t love bilingual garment tags.

My bracelet, a “faded print” called BooBoo, comes in several patterns. My “burgundy flower” wristlet is an inoffensive floral pattern in faded burgundy and hazel, though it can be worn reversibly, only showing the gray side. Two large snaps hold the cloth band in place. While I did not specify length, the small size fits my tiny wrist perfectly. Usually, only such precision is achieved with elastic.

Say what you will about PETA’s sexism; their ad campaigns may disgust you, but they honored Renia’s work in 2003 with a Proggy Award for “Best Leather Replacement Clothing Company in North America.”

Part polyester, part polypropylene, my bracelet has already gotten a compliment—and I haven’t even left the house. When my partner came home, he immediately noted my new accessory. We may occasionally swap t-shirts, but I’m lucky his wrists are larger than mine. I love unisex fashion, but this bracelet is all mine.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, October 22nd 2009

Brass Angel Bracelet

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:49:00 +0000

By Belle Style

Full disclosure: I borrowed three bracelets from Belle Style to review, and subsequently requested two of them as gifts. This one, while definitely an interesting and well-made piece, was not one of them.

Of the three bracelets, this was the most masculine and different from many of the other pieces on the company's website. Big (but not clunky) and heavy, were it not for the small, sterling silver angel charm that makes appearances in many of Belle Style's other pieces, I'd have taken this for a man's bracelet at first glance.

After figuring out the unusual, almost hidden clasp (which almost necessitated calling in my partner, who is a mechanical engineer), the bracelet literally slid off my hand. At 8" long, it's a good inch longer than most of the boutique's bracelets; measuring 7.25 millimeters across, it's also a good deal wider. Several other variations of the brass bracelet are offered as well: the Brass Jet, Brass Crown, Brass Lock, and Brass Heart. Prices range from $79—which is the price of the Brass Angel—to $99.

This bracelet in particular is very versatile, and would work with a variety of looks. You wouldn't look out of place wearing it to the office with a suit, or on a weekend outing in jeans. Chances are, like many Belle Style items, it has made its way onto the set of a movie, TV show, or magazine photo shoot.

While it's not my style, you can distinguish it—much like the other Belle Style pieces I have seen—as a high-quality and original piece of jewelry. All of the company's items are handmade, and it's obvious designer Heather Christine takes great pride in her work. While nothing on the site is cheap, Christine's work is a refreshing change from mass-produced bling made in nameless foreign factories.

Written by: M.L. Madison, August 27th 2009

Ballchain Ruby Bracelet

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:30:00 +0000

By Belle Style

This lightweight, 7.5" bracelet features an Italian sterling silver ball chain and three charms. The trio starts with a sterling silver heart that's anything but girly—it has a raised, medieval-looking cross in the center. In the middle, a rough-cut ruby-colored Swarovski crystal looks like a bit of pirate's booty. Rounding out these funky charms is as small, round silver charm features a picture from Rafael's "Angels" painting.

The effect is a cross of punk and dainty (e.g., I am feminine, hear me roar). It's pretty enough to wear with a dress or suit on an evening out, but versatile enough to wear to work or on more casual outings.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty hard on the stuff I wear. If a bracelet or necklace is fragile enough that a catch or a snag is going to send it to the floor in pieces, I won't wear it. While I wouldn't recommend you wear this to the gym, this bracelet makes the grade for day-to-day activities. While it's not at all clunky, the chain and charms are sturdily made.

At $79, it may seem a bit overpriced, but then, Belle Style's pieces are all a bit on the high end for nonprecious metals. That said, the originality of the designs and the quality of the materials makes it worth the investment. The fact that their jewelry has been featured in movies and on TV series probably ups the demand a bit.

Based in Los Angeles, Belle Style uses semi-precious stones, crystals, pearls, and vintage jewels for their pieces, which are sold in stores in Australia, Japan, South Africa and the U.S. At the right price, one can even become a "private client." Short of that, if you don't live near one of their stores, you can order just about anything online.

Written by: M.L. Madison, August 6th 2009

Chestnut and blue bracelet and matching earrings

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:46:00 +0000

By Exotic Flavour

Amanda Yu—who runs several Etsy shops under her own name and the Exotic Flavour moniker and blogs about her latest creations—has an incredible eye for fun color combinations and visually intricate but simply made jewelry.

All of Yu’s Exotic Flavour accessories have a similar look, but the pieces don’t lack their own special charm. Her hand-woven necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are made from leather or cotton cords, and it’s easy to order the color combination of your choice. Animal ally that I am, I opted for cotton goods, but perhaps due to the nice texture and quality, several people asked if my new goodies were leather. I also told her I’m partial to earth tones but that I like surprises. Several days later, my chestnut and blue earrings and matching bracelet arrived. I couldn’t have been more delighted.

The day after I received my lovely coffee-colored package from Exotic Flavour, I realized that my new accessories perfectly match one of my favorite cardigan/grandma shirt combos—called a “grandma shirt” because it literally belonged to my 90-year-old Norwegian Gram who thinks it’s wildly amusing that I wear her clothes. Sometimes I can get her to yell “Uff da!” on the telephone before she insists that we hang up. “These phone calls must cost you a fortune!” I don’t try to explain that from my home in Copenhagen, I’m ordering jewelry from Stockholm. Globalization eludes her.

Yu sends several double-sided business cards with her parcels, and you’d be well advised to keep them in a pocket if you’ll be wearing her goods. I’ve never had so many compliments on matching accessories my first day out. This is either a reflection on how few people I see on a given day, or it means I should start dressing up a bit more. When someone cries out, “Look how coordinated you are!” you wonder if maybe it’s time to fix up and look sharp.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, June 24th 2009

Vintage Ornament Charm Bracelet

admin — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:31:00 +0000

By Angel Court Jewels

Angel Court Jewels, the self-proclaimed “craftsmen of little saints” creates beautiful products with old age appeal. Their Vintage Ornament Charm Bracelet is truly a capsule piece; it is beautiful today, and it will remain so twenty years from now. The bracelet consists of three deep green beads and three large gold charms, fastened to a sturdy gold-plated chain. This is a piece with substance. It is well-built; I have worn it almost daily for two weeks and did not once worry about the charms falling off or the bracelet becoming unclasped. With the exception of the beads, the entire bracelet is plated in gold and, despite the size of the charms and thickness of the chain, it looks delicate when worn. It is surprisingly versatile; I have paired it with successfully with jeans and with dresses. I would not, however, recommend wearing it to work; the size of the breads and charms make it difficult to write and type. It is a piece that is meant to be on display, and is a perfect companion for a night out on the town. If you like larger than life jewelry, this bracelet is for you. It is fresh, funky, versatile, and guaranteed to grab attention and garner compliments.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, February 2nd 2007

Smoy Photocuffs

admin — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:17:00 +0000

By Spencer Moy (SMOY)

I live in Brooklyn, NY and about a year ago I started seeing these postcards stapled on light posts and the sides of buildings for Photocuffs. Being a lover of most all things crafty, I said the web address twelve times in my head every time I passed one of these cards, but being a crazy busy activisty gal, I consistently forgot to check out the website. Lo and behold, one appeared in the mail, so I finally went to the website to see what the deal is with these things.

A Photocuff is essentially a bracelet with one to four half-inch, square slots for you to put whatever image that you choose: pictures of friends, fun clippings from a magazine, a snarky phrase, or a political slogan. It’s made of vinyl – good for vegetarians/vegans – and has a variety of colors and designs to choose from. With the holidays coming up, you could snag a couple of these and customize them yourself to give a more meaningful gift to the ones you love… or the ones you hang with, at least. Though that might get expensive at $17 to $30 a pop, so choose your gift-receiving friends wisely.

My one beef with the Photocuff is the adjustable snaps part. I found the smaller size is too small and the larger size is too large. I'd like my cuff to be fitted, not loose like a regular bracelet, so for me to fully enjoy the Photocuff, I would need to come up with some solution to fix this issue. I might decide get the more adjustable belt closure Photocuff, instead of one with snaps. These bracelets are a hipster’s delight, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they start making their way to a designer shop near you.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, November 26th 2006