factory 20...

can easily suck up an hour of my day. Minimum.

This site is like the best virtual antique sale ever. Furniture, decor, art and general oddities are exquisitely staged , photographed, and up for sale. Yes, it's very expensive. And yes, you could probably find many of these items at a deep discount scouring thrift stores, craigslist and yard sales making them good as old/new again with some elbow grease. But, will you actually follow through? If yes, then good for you. If not, then save your pennies darlings, because you never know when you'll just HAVE to have a ready-made vintage light bulb collection or a paint-by-number jesus canvas. Love.

my ideal friday night....

is spent in an art museum! San Francisco's De Young Museum to be exact. Certain Fridays throughout the year, the museum hosts a free party that includes entertainment & a bar. The entire building is open and lends itself to aimless wandering among masterpieces young and old. Pieces and artists recognizable and obscure. You almost feel as if you shouldn't be there, but then, in the distance you hear the sweet song of a live opera singer. In the hall of the Ancient Americas you pass another couple and flash a smile. They too share your secret of a night at the museum nestled deep inside the infamous Golden Gate Park.

me and my partner in crime, the infamous Mr. Plaidmaster.

thursday evening trunk show!

Live in the Bay Area? Then you must come by Collage Gallery this Thursday evening! Collage is hosting a champagne filled double trunk show featuring my jewelry and Apres Collective. When I first moved to San Francisco, I worked for a jewelry designer whom had a studio in a nearby industrial area. On my lunch break I would often wonder up the hill to this cute little neighborhood. On one of these excursions, I found this special gem of a shop, called Collage Gallery, filled with the most exquisite objects and art. Now, years later, I'm so happy to be showing my work here. Come visit.

Collage Gallery 1345 18th St

Thursday December 9th

6-8 pm

i'm pining for....

a faux fur coat. If it's vintage, all the better. It could be spotted, white, grey, black or multi-colored. It must fit well, but appear oversized. Worn with black tights, an ethereal dress and tough worn-in boots, it's love.

I've come oh so close to the perfect find at several thrift stores, but the problem always lies in the fit. It seems that someone petite in stature has always just been through and taken all the versions for us folks slight in frame. Oh, the quest continues.

thread show recap

Here's a little look-see at my display from last Sunday's thread show holiday pop-up shop....

Most people were shopping for themselves (oops!) but everyone was in a great mood and we all deserve a little treat for ourselves now and then, right?

Thank you blog readers for taking time out of your day to see what is happening with Sarah Swell Jewelry, I appreciate it! So......... take 25% off of your purchase at the Sarah Swell online shop through December 1st!!!!! Enter code "jewels" at checkout. If there is a new item you've seen on my blog, but isn't yet listed on my website, email me for details!

store profile...

Sugar Magnolia is an eclectic shop that carries my jewelry in the beautiful town of Larkspur. The store is casually yet deliberately filled with lovely objects ranging from fabulous vintage furs and accessories to mid-century modern furniture. The owner, Leslie, also carries an extensive jewelry collection; some being breathtaking estate pieces, and some from local designers (yours truly). Sugar Magnolia is like going to an amazing estate sale that has already been lovingly curated AND still being able to shop local by featuring wares from great designers!

THREAD:holiday pop-up shop!

If you've ever been to a Thread show, then you know it's epic. 100 plus indie designer from all ends of the spectrum selling quality goods. If you've never been (or if you have for that matter) your chance is this Sunday in SF. Read all about it here. Come visit Sarah Swell Jewelry!

love grows

I've pretty much fallen in love with every engagement ring I have created thus far. This one in particular really stole my heart. There comes a point in the design process where grand ideas must be translated into a piece of jewelry that is wearable. This is most important with an engagement ring because it is worn always and forever. This piece really nails that delicate balance. The ring was created to look as much like a tree branch as possible without being too literal. It is earthy and organic without compromising a modern sophisticated elegance. Not to mention, the diamond-wow! The ring has moved on to its new happy home, but that doesn't mean I'm not still dreaming about it....

new photos!

photo shoot-sneak peek!

Hello all! My life has been very full lately. I've recently started running my business full time, I just purchased my very first home, and, among other things, a new Sarah Swell photo shoot!

Organizing a shoot always makes me crazy. There are so many details to remember and somehow, no matter what, everything is up in the air until the very last moment-this time was no exception. But, in the end everything fell deliciously into place. The photographer and model were amazing, as was the hair and make-up artist. The famous San Francisco fog began to creep in late afternoon to suppress the harsh sun as if on cue. The crowds that were in the city that day for a baseball game began to thin, and then-magic!

Stay tuned to see the finished product!

concrete cuffs

New cuff bracelets! Cuffs are my favorite because they stay put on your wrist and whatever is suppose to be showing (the diamond, in this case) stays visible. The concrete cuff bracelet features clean lines and a slightly rough and rugged surface inspired by city streets. The matte silver and oxidized silver look oh-so-cool when layered. I've been wearing these daily-I cannot get enough! They will be showcased in the Marin Store's November catalog, but if you simply cannot wait until then, contact me and I'll see what I can do :)

another lovely customer...

Annie, an amazingly talented photographer, wears my slice stacking rings as her wedding set-how clever! She's also a fan of my Weathered Locket, which she purchased at the Sarah Swell trunk show held over the summer at Stephen Gallant Jewelers. You look beautiful Annie! Rock on!

You can view Annie's photography on her website

what a pair!

I'm in loooove with this set of custom wedding bands I created! They compliment each other without being too matchy-matchy. Hers features an organic texture and beautiful diamonds all the way around. His is oxidized silver in the center (cast from a piece of fan coral) with textured white gold sides that mimic her band.

Visit her engagement ring here

bejeweled customers

For some time now I've been wanting to photograph and share the amazing variety of lovely customers that wear my jewelry. What better time to start than the present? Up first is the stunning Catie who wears 5 of my worry stone stacking rings all one one slender finger. She's bright like sunshine and wears these delicate rings so well.

Stay tuned to see more real people decked out in Sarah Swell Jewelry.

Find Catie's worry stone stackers here

shackled...

My shackle jewelry is often interpreted in different ways. Some people blush (no, no, they're not that kind of shackles) and some get an equestrian reference. Well, my inspiration for this collection was actually the shipping industry. Shackles are often used in the rigging systems of many types of boats. I loved how the "pin" that goes through the shackle allowed me to come up with creative ways to connect the shackle links.

Below is my newest piece in the collection, the Shackle Long Necklace. It's a bit funky and edgy and totally perfect for a plain white boyfriend tee.

See the other styles here