Designers By The Bay

I belong to the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) and they recently put on their yearly event, Designers By The Bay. It is basically a showcase of all women Northern California designers open to the trade only. It was great to see old friends and meet new designers that I have long admired. Shreve & Co. hosted the event that was full of schmoozing, industry insiders, champagne and delicious treats.

On a serious note, I really began thinking about how far women have come in the jewelry industry. Really, 20-30 years ago women jewelers were virtually non-existent. It was a trade for the boys club. And, certainly no women owned and operated their own jewelry design businesses. It feels rewarding to be part of a changing industry and proud to know so many women designers that, like myself, struggle to succeed in an over saturated and predominately mass produced market. That night I felt proud for each and every one of us and realized the importance of what I'm doing. It's just jewelry, and it's not just jewelry all at the same time.

my talented neighbor, jeweler Alice Roche

1848

Running a business is fun, but also really really stressful. Last week my hubby and I took an impromptu road trip to unwind. We headed due east to the wilds of California gold country. It was here, in 1848, that gold was first discovered. We spent two days meandering old mining and ghost towns without a care in the world. It was magic.

starry night...

This recent commissioned piece was inspired by Van Gogh's classic Starry Night painting. I used various sizes of diamonds and Australian Sapphires in this totally unique cigar band. It was so much fun carving the swirls and striations into the metal. I really just let myself go and be creative with this one, and i'm so glad I did.

no particular place to go...

This video is absolutely lovely! It's a behind the scenes montage of the recent shoot for Rue Magazine, which featured my jewelry. Look carefully and you'll spot my fossilized walrus tooth necklace (outfit with red top) and my crystal bullet charm necklace (outfit with neutral top).

Enjoy!

No Particular Place To Go from Oskari Polho on Vimeo.

backstage pass

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to outfit models for Kajan Padraig with my jewels for a charity fashion show. The production, organized by GO, raised money to fund the construction of a sustainable clean water well to serve more than 4,00 people in Tanzania.

GO (Groundwork Opportunities) has projects all over the world. In fact, my fiancé and I are considering volunteering abroad in Africa or Southeast Asia as an extension to our honeymoon next year. What, did you think we'd sit on the beach in Hawaii for 10 days? Nah....not us!

This was the first time I have ever helped out backstage at a fashion show, and it was pretty intense! All I could think about was how nervous I would be if I had to walk the runway and then rush back stage and change in about a minute flat.

I'm very excited to see the images form the actually runway show and will be sure to share them.

Cake & Patrick (from Kajan Padraig) and myself

Lovelies in my jewels backstage
killer outfit!
....and go!