it's not easy...

Custom design, that is. But, it in the end it is so worth it. I had the chance to work with an amazing couple recently that I was very excited to design for.

The process of custom work generally begins with a lot of back and forth and sketches and quotes and decisions. I'm always really nervous when I actually start creating the piece(s). I sort of dread that time between starting to make something and actually seeing it take shape-the unknown, I guess.

In the end I'm usually very pleased with what I've created, but the nerves seep in again when it is time to present to a client. Wedding jewelry is so important. Will they like it? Will they love it? Will the size be just perfect?

This client was ecstatic when I presented her with her reworked engagement ring, and nothing makes me happier.

Her ring and band were inspired by one of the couple's favorite places, a river in the wilderness that they hold dear to their heart. Her rings in white gold capture the movement of water in the subtlest of ways.

His band is a good solid men's hammered ring in yellow gold.

I'm in love.

Chloe Makes Music...

Or, I should say Chloe makes really, really good music. We headed out to the historic Great American Music Hall Wednesday night to see the songbird perform, bedecked in my jewels nonetheless. She wore my oxidized fishbone necklace and bracelet and the crystal bullet charm necklace. Lookin' good, Chloe!

Chloe is super sweet and amazingly talented. Her album has been on repeat in the studio as of late. Chloe's dreamy voice and lyrics whisk me away to another time and place (one where I'm not meticulously polishing, grinding and soldering tiny things) and I don't ever what to come back.

Like her on Facebook, Twitter too!

Download her album, kids! This is one of those treasures that keeps getting better with every listen.

love this one..

and this one even more...

San Francisco Chronicle

I'm very excited to have several pieces featured in the style section of the Sunday's SF chronicle. Of course it's much better in print, but you can view the online version here.

My mini crystal bullet pendants, weathered locket, and treasure coin necklaces in gold and silver are showcased.

Thanks for the love SF!

will you, you will, will you...

So, I've been adamant about not "getting into" the whole wedding/bride thing for some strange reason. I guess because I'm a far cry from your traditional lady. Then I realized that I love parties, I love food, I love design, I love decorating, I love plotting and planning, I love jewelry (duh), and I love clothes. So...aren't these the most import parts of a wedding? Oh, well there's love too-but we've got that part down pat.

Anyway, this is my one and only general warning that there may be some wedding posts popping up over the next year. Warning, warning, warning!

This whole revelation was spawned by the Marchesa S/S '12 collection revealed recently at NYFW.

It had me dreaming of running around like an art deco forest nymph in an ethereal dress on my big day with a messy up do, stained red lips, wide eyes and dewy skin.
photos courtesy of vogue.com

7x7 Fall fashion, baby

I'm so honored to be named one of 7 x 7 Magazine's top 10 local designers for Fall. I get to share the 2 page September issue spread with the amazingly talented footwear designer Martha Davis, awesome independent eyewear designer Mayfourteenth, and perennial favorite 49 Square Miles.

Thanks 7 x 7! Love you!

lovely little gifts

Being in a wedding party can be stressful/amazing/overwhelming/exciting/expensive/and everything in between. It's all worth it the minute you see your best friend/sister/soon-to-be sister in-law bathed in white and looking all ethereal.

I have been immersed in wedding projects lately. Below are just a few examples of recent bridesmaid gift projects.