jewelry crush: Tiger Glyn

As a designer, of course I admire other designers. Currently crushing on the rings stocked by London based Tiger Glyn Jewellery. The gallery carries the work of many designers, although unfortunately they are not listed next to their pieces of art. So, I'm afraid I'll have to share these beauties sans creator. Whomever you are, you're amazing.

O-A-K all the way

It's no secret I love my city. Last weekend I came out to sell my jewelry and celebrate local businesses and do-gooders at the Oakland Indie Awards. Like any public Oakland event, there was great music, insane food and the most amazing people. The kind you didn't even know existed (example: woman, dressed to the nines, welder by trade, urban gardening pioneer & food blogger in spare time, and totally beautiful and sweet). I mean, where do these people come from? The answer? Everywhere, and they end up here, and I love it.

Oh! And I got to meet our new Mayor and she agreed to take a pic with me. EEEEE! Geek moment! See third image down.

jewelry crush: Tom Binns

Perhaps the master and creme de la creme of costume jewelry designers, Tom Binns. I think I love it so much because it's completely different than my jewelry, but so amazingly awesome.

easy, lucky, free

If my boyfriend had it his way, I think we'd up and travel the world like nomads until we were old and gray. While I share this sentiment, I also desire to grow my business which I think would be nearly impossible without a studio and an address.
Lately he's been obsessing over getting a vintage VW camper bus and traveling our great nation instead. While I poo-pooed the idea at first (like I do most, it is my job as the female to crush all his boyhood dreams.) I came around as usual (king size bed, puppy, mulch in the backyard are other examples). Well, I guess I more than came around. All I've been thinking of lately is packing up and heading to the desert, or the beach or the mountains. Exploring all of California that I still haven't gotten the chance to. Craigslist and Ebay: prepared to be stalked by me until said 1968-1974 VW fixer is located.

Sarah Swell jewelry-spotted!

A stylist for Benefit Cosmetics borrowed some of my jewelry a while back to use for a photo shoot for their website. I recently spied my giant treasure coin necklace and my gothic revival necklace on two lovely models in a cute feature called "the F word." No, not the F word...it's a guide to flirting :)

I love Benefit's cheeky vibe and the fact that they produce an amazing product, but don't take themselves too seriously. I also love the classic entrepreneurial story about the two sisters that started the business. It's women like them that inspire me to keep pushing forward.

Inner Earth Collection

I'm very excited to finally unveil my new collection! Inner Earth is inspired by formations that occur inside the earth and includes crystals and geodes as well as hand carved metal pieces in silver and bronze with diamonds. The F/W 2011 collection is available for pre-order. I love the idea of having so many metal finish choices, so most designs are available in sterling silver, oxidized sterling, natural bronze, or patina bronze. Mixing metals is more than encouraged and really adds another level to jewelry styling.

Also debuting my brand new logo-I'm in love with it!

Make sure you check out the online lookbook and please feel free to share it. It is also accessible from my website.

The Alchemists

It feels so good getting press. Its like all the hard work I've bee doing is validated in some small way.

This feature in 7x7 Magazine, a really amazing lifestyle publication in San Francisco, is especially sweet. I have my own little write up and am quoted in the main text. See #2.

Check out my featured Ridgeback rings at sarahswell.com