Stark Ring

admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:15:00 +0000

I love simple. - Stacy Christopher

The Seattle-based jewelry maker of Stacy Christopher Jewelry does indeed. The beautifully elegant and thoughtfully minimalist Stark Ring arrived in a simple brown, tuck-top box with the image of a crow hand-stamped on its face. I felt like I was opening a birthday present and was delighted at the gift inside.

Stark is industrial in its look and feel, but has smooth edges that are comfortable and elegant. It is just under a third of an inch wide, which is rather thick compared to most of my other silver jewelry, but this ring is anything but heavy. I can tell by the design that it is meant as a men’s band; however, I wanted to wear the ring myself so I’m enjoying it on the thumb of my left hand. (It would look just as stunning on a black rope chain around your neck as on any finger.) This special piece of art has an ability to make me feel girly even though it is quite masculine. I like the occasional pretty thing, but I am most often drawn to clean lines and pieces I can purchase knowing I will still love them in ten years.

The Stark ring joined me on my first day of work at a new job. It won a couple oohs and aahs from my new coworkers, who were immediately sent to the artist’s site for details. Christopher's other work is just as beautiful and keep with her "I love simple" style, but I was still draw to the Stark. Its unique appeal is its amazing handiwork, which is visible to the naked eye. It looks like I'm wearing a piece of an airplane.

Artist Stacy Christopher works as an engineer during the day and designs jewelry as her passion. It's not often (or ever) that the simple addition of a silver band on my thumb has invoked such feelings of grace and strength at the same time. I can tell there is a little additional shopping from her collection in my future.

Written by: Rachel Petzold, September 5th 2009

Imperia Necklace

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:01:00 +0000

By Stacy Christopher Jewelry

Have you ever heard a peacock scream? While I was visiting Kolkata's Marble Palace during last summer's monsoon, I happened across the mansion's hodgepodge collection of animals, which I am hesitant to call a "zoo" despite that being what it is. My friends and I were buying time since our trek across town to the museum was through knee-deep water, and we wanted the level to fall a bit before heading back on to the street. After being licked by a barking deer, I was feeling giddy when I saw the male peacock dancing around its cage; that is, until he let out a mating cry.

I'm telling you it was the most godawful noise I have ever heard. It was loud, piercing, and made me wince in pain whist throwing my hands to the sides of my head to protect my precious eardrums from harm. It's amazing, really, that such a majestic and beautiful creature can emit such an abrasive and foul sound. (Bad pun intended!) Oh, if something could capture the beauty without that horrific wail...

Stacy Christopher's Imperia Necklace embodies all that is elegant about the regal bird without the traits that are not. The teardrop cabochon pendant hangs from an 18" gold-colored brass chain, which lands the painted bird in the middle of one's chest. Its vintage style makes the piece versatile for wear; it can be a nice accent piece for a more formal occasion, but works well with everyday outfits too.

Named after a coastal city in Italy that was settled in the thirteenth century, the Imperia Necklace gives the impression of strolling through the seaside town, which is on but slightly removed from the country's tourist circuit. Imperia (the city) is known for its food—though what Italian city isn't? Visitors can indulge in pastas with homegrown olives and, therefore, fresh olive oil before taking a stroll on the beach. If you come across any peacocks while you're walking, go the other way. The painted one around your neck should suit you just fine.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, July 9th 2009