Fresh Gems
The Mother’s Key
April 28, 2009
In 1995, truck driver Fred Stowman couldn’t afford to give his wife a Christmas present. As he was driving down the Pennsylvania Turnpike, thinking about how he could make it up to her, the image of a gold and gemstone key popped into his mind—perfect for Mother’s Day. Over the next few months, Fred squirreled away a little money from every paycheck to surprise his wife. Not, however, without making her suspicious. Between the missing money and the trips to the jeweler, Cherie Stowman thought Fred had a girlfriend. When he finally presented her with a beautiful key with gemstones representing her whole family, Cherie burst into happy tears. “Well now, let’s see,” laughs Fred. “I’ve lied, stolen money, snuck around, and made my wife cry. I was so proud of myself!” Fred Stowman’s “Mother’s Key” is available as a pendant or brooch from Stuller Settings.
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Jewels of Passion
April 25, 2009
Sherri Duncan is passionate about vintage costume jewelry. She’s an avid collector and wears stunning pieces from her spectacular collection to work every day—as a veterinarian! She loves to share the beauty, artistry, and history of these pieces with staff and clients, and she recently published a book called Jewels of Passion so even more people can fall in love with these graceful, colorful pieces. The book showcases exquisite vintage costume jewelry masterpieces from over 50 mid-20th century companies. Signed copies of Jewels of Passion are available on Sherri’s website for $39.99.
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Sarah Graham Stack Rings
April 22, 2009
Metalsmith Sarah Graham designs exclusively with an arresting contrast of recycled gold and blackened steel. Her bold, daring pieces highlight her own alloys of white, rose, and yellow gold featuring unique, handmade textures, curls, and twists. Like many jewelers, rings are her best-selling category of jewelry. Sarah couldn’t figure out why until one day one of her collectors told her, “I love my Sarah Graham earrings, and I get compliments on my Sarah Graham necklaces all the time. But it is the ring I adore the most, because I can look down at it and enjoy it, all by myself, anytime I want—I don’t need to look in a mirror to take pleasure in it.” These Bee Stack Rings are just a few of the dozens of styles Sarah offers. Aren’t you just itching to play a little game of mix ‘n match?
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Sustainably Beautiful
April 20, 2009
Jennifer Dawes of Dawes Design recently launched Sustainably Beautiful, a versatile collection that can be mixed and matched to create a playful, completely individual look. Customers can choose from a wide variety of 14K or 18K recycled gold (yellow, rose, green, or white), as well as an array of responsibly mined gemstones: rubies, sapphires, and, of course, diamonds. Each of Jennifer’s pieces is handmade, fabricated, and finished at her studio in the coastal hills of Sonoma County, California. Dawes Design is a “slow business,” where everything is made locally and sourced from businesses operating sustainably. “I try to leave as small a footprint on this planet as possible,” says Dawes. “I want to add something to this world, not take it away.”
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Earth Day Alert
April 16, 2009
Mauri Pioppo designs jewelry that’s not only beautiful, it’s also easy on the earth. All Pioppo’s collections are made using reclaimed metals, including her LiveGreen Collection of personal pendants. “Each of us does our part in contributing in the ways we know how,” says the New York-based designer. “I convey the message through this medium. Creating something beautiful that serves as a reminder to choose to live consciously.” Fifteen percent of the proceeds from Pioppo’s LiveGreen Collection are donated to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
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