It's All in the Family

Who: Madelynn Cassin
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Westmoreland, NH
Web: http://madelynncassin.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/onegarnetgirl
Why: Pop quiz...what family of gems includes Emerald, Aquamarine and Morganite? Ticktock, ticktock, time's up! And the answer is Beryl! Yep, Beryl ranges a wide spectrum from the deeply hued Red Beryl (super super rare!) and velvety green Emerald to the pastel pale rose of Morganite, icy blue Aquamarine and sophisticated Golden Beryl. Madelynn frames these lovely gems, along with Blue and White Topaz, Aquamarine, Peridot, Amethyst and Rose-cut Diamonds in recycled 14K gold and sterling silver. All of her gems are naturally-sourced and conflict-free. I love the simplicity of her style...the settings are beautifully and skillfully finished, and the look is classic and uncomplicated.
Just how life should be.  :)

A Tip of Your Hat to These Noble Birds

Who: Alice Tams of Birds in Hats
What: Cheeky Illustrations, Cards, Buttons, Magnets and Sundry Things
Where: London, England, UK
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/birdsinhats
http://birdsinhats.blogspot.com/
Why: Oh come on, if these sweet tweeters don't get you all twitterpated, then you're a shoe-in for this year's Grinch!  ;)

Strolling Down Gallery Lane

After a superfun week enjoying the holiday, reconnecting with old gallery friends and discovering some marvelous new ones, I thought I'd share with you some links to my favorite galleries and shops for extraordinary fine art jewelry and crafts. The list of them is longer than Route 66, so here are just a few of the most fun, feisty, fierce and fabulous!
Yes, there's etsy, which I love, but there's nothing like visiting real galleries, handling the work and speaking with the gallery staff or the artists themselves to learn more about the pieces and the process. So get off your seat, explore, connect, play and carry on the spirit of Small Business Saturday all year long!
And share your own favorite galleries and shops if you have them...Cheers!

3rd Ward Jewelry
241 North Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202   
414.289.0886   
http://www.3rdwardjewelry.com/Home.html

Aaron Faber Gallery
666 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10103
212.586.8411
http://www.aaronfaber.com/

abacus gallery
44 Exchange Street
Portland, ME 04101
2 Ocean Avenue
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
800.206.2166
http://www.abacusgallery.com/home

AKAR Gallery
257 E Iowa Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.351.1227
AKAR Architecture Design
1027 Rochester Ave
Iowa City, IA 52245
319.351.4111
http://www.akardesign.com/index.asp

Altered Space Gallery
1221 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
310.452.8121
http://www.alteredspacegallery.com/

Alternatives Gallery
Via d'Ascanio, 19
00186 Rome, Italy
+39 066 8308233
http://www.alternatives.it/index.html

Art Star Gallery & Boutique
623 North 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215.238.1557
http://www.artstarphilly.com/

Atypic Gallery
Audubon Court
333 W. Brown Deer Rd
Fox Point, WI 53217
414.351.0333
http://foxpoint.patch.com/listings/atypic-gallery
http://www.atypicgallery.com/

Bellagio Art To Wear
5 Biltmore Plaza
Asheville, NC 28803
800.933.4438
http://www.bellagioarttowear.com/index.html

Blue Rain Gallery
130 Lincoln Avenue, Suite C
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.954.9902
4164 N Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480.874.8110
http://www.blueraingallery.com/home/

Broken English Fine Jewelry
225 26th St #17
Santa Monica, CA 90402
310.458.2724
http://www.brokenenglishjewelry.com/

Catching Fireflies
3117 West 12 Mile Rd
Berkley, MI 48072
248.336.2030
203 E University Dr
Rochester, MI 48307
248.650.3318
http://www.catchingfireflies.com/

Charon Kransen Arts
817 West End Ave, Apt. 11C
New York, NY 10025
212.627.5073
http://www.charonkransenarts.com/

The Clay Pot
162 - 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
800.989.3579
http://www.clay-pot.com/home.php

Crosby Collection
419  Main Street
Park City, UT 84060
800.960.8839
http://www.crosbycollection.com/

Dazzle
National Theatre Exhibition
South Bank
London SE1 9PX, UK
0207 452 3003
The Royal Exchange Theatre Exhibition
Saint Ann's Square
Manchester, Greater Manchester M2 7DH, UK
0161 833 9833
http://www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk/
http://www.lovedazzle.com/default.aspx

deNovo
250 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650.327.1256
http://www.denovo.com/

designs gallery & café
179 King Street
Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, DG7 1DZ
01556 504552
http://www.designsgallery.co.uk/index.htm

Distinction Gallery and Artist Studios
317 E Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92025
760.781.5779
http://www.distinctionart.com/index.html

Egan Day
260 South 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
267.773.8833
http://www.eganday.com/

Electrum at CAA
2 Percy Street
London, England, UK W1T 1DD
+44 (0) 20 7436 2344
http://www.electrumgallery.co.uk/

Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers
101 S Hanley Rd
Clayton, MO 63105
800.292.8820
http://www.heffern.com/index.html

Etc. East
Vinings Jubilee
4300 Paces Ferry Rd, Suite 232
Atlanta, GA 30339
770.434.6360
http://www.etc-east.com/

Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery
City Centre
1420 Fifth Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
206.624.6768
http://www.facerejewelryart.com/index.php

Ferrin Gallery
437 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413.442.1622
http://www.ferringallery.com/default.asp

Fibula West
By Appointment
Montecito, CA
805.962.8851
Fibula East
Deer Isle
7 Main Street
Deer Isle, ME 04627
207.348.5667
http://www.fibulajewelry.com/index.html

Fingers Contemporary Jewellery
2 Kitchener Street
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
(09) 373 3974
http://www.fingers.co.nz/index.html

Flow Contemporay Art Gallery
1-5 Needham Road   
London, England W11 2RP, UK
+44 (0)20 7243 0782
http://www.flowgallery.co.uk/

Freehand
8413 West Third St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323.655.2607
http://www.freehand.com/index.html

French Designer Jeweler
7148 Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
877.280.0542
http://www.frenchonmain.com/index.aspx

Friends of Carlotta
Bruna Hauert, Neumarkt 22
8001 Zürich, Switzerland
+41 44 261 87 07
http://www.foc.ch/index.php

Gallery Fifty
800 Cottageview Dr, Suite 50
Traverse City, MI 49684
231.932.0775
http://www.galleryfifty.com

Greene and Greene Gallery
32 Bridge St
Lambertville, NJ 08530
609.397.7774
http://www.greeneandgreenegallery.com/index.php

Habatat Galleries
539 Clematis Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561.832.8787
http://www.habatatgalleries.com/index.php

Hamilton Hill Jewelry
Brightleaf Square
905 W Main St
Durham, NC 27701
888.444.3511
http://www.hamiltonhilljewelry.com/

Hanson Galleries
746 Memorial City Mall
Houston, TX 77024
5000 Westheimer #106
Houston, TX 77056
888.992.7238
http://www.hansongalleries.com/default.asp

Harold Stevens Jewelers
525 B Street, Suite #150
San Diego, CA 92101
619.231.0520
http://www.haroldstevens.com/

Helen Drutt Gallery
2220 Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103       
215.735.1625
http://www.helendrutt.com/

Hummingbird Jewelers
23A E Market St
Rhinebeck, NY 12571
845.876.4585
http://www.hummingbirdjewelers.com/Welcome.html

I Gorman Jewelers
1133 20th Street NW 
Washington, DC 20036
202.775.8544
http://www.igorman.com/

J Cotter Gallery
234 E Wall Street
Vail, CO 81657
970.476.3131
http://www.jcottergallery.com/index.html

Jerry Szor Contemporary Jewelry
Preston Center
6131 Luther Lane #210
Dallas, TX 75225
214.691.5400
http://www.jerryszor.com/index.php/

Jett Gallery
110 Old Sante Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.988.1414
http://www.jettgallery.com/

Jewelers'werk Galerie
3319 Cady's Alley NW,
Washington, DC 20007
202.337.3319
http://www.jewelerswerk.com/index.html

Karats Jewelry Gallery
122 E Meadow Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970.476.4760
http://www.karatsvail.com/index.html

Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery
Salts Mill
Victoria Road
Saltaire, Bradford BD18 3LA, UK
01274 599790
http://www.kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk/index.htm

Ladyfingers Jewelry
Dolores near Ocean Ave
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
831.624.2327
http://www.ladyfingersjewelry.com/index.html

Llyn Strong Gallery
119 N Main St
Greenville, SC 29601
864.233.5900
http://www.llynstrong.com/

MADE
Gaslight Alley
125 North Cache
Jackson Hole, WY 83001
307.690.7957
http://www.madejacksonhole.com/

Marten Arts Gallery
17a Main St N
Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0, Canada
888.565.2222
http://www.martenarts.com/Core.aspx

Martha Hopkins Struever
By Appointment 
Santa Fe, NM
505.983.9515
http://www.marthastruever.com/index.php

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery
335 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503.581.3229
http://www.zeekgallery.com/

Max’s
3826 Grand Way
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952.922.8364
http://www.stylebymax.com/

Mobilia Gallery
358 Huron Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.876.2109
http://www.mobilia-gallery.com/

Naifeh Fine Jewelry
9203 N Pennsylvania Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405.607.4323
http://www.naifehfinejewelry.com/home

Northern Clay Center
2424 Franklin Avenue East 
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612.339.8007
http://www.northernclaycenter.org/index.php

Obsidian Gallery
410 N Toole Avenue, #130
Tucson, AZ  85701
520.577.3598
www.obsidian-gallery.com/home.php

ORRO Contemporary Jewellery
Merchant City
12 Wilson Street
Glasgow G1 1SS Scotland
+44 (0)141 552 7888
http://www.orro.co.uk/index

Patina Gallery
131 W Palace Ave
Santa Fe, NM  87501
505.986.3432
http://www.patina-gallery.com/

Perlow-Stevens Gallery
1025 E Walnut St
Columbia, MO 65201
573.442.4831
http://www.perlow-stevensgallery.com/index.php

Pieces of Eight Gallery
28 Russell Place
Melbourne, Australia 3000
+61 03 9663 3641
http://www.piecesofeight.com.au/

Pistachios
55 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
312.595.9437
http://www.pistachiosonline.com/default.asp

Poppy Arts
920 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65201
866.927.6779
http://www.poppyarts.com/

Primavera Gallery
214 East Ojai Ave
Ojai, CA 93023
905 Country Club Road
Ojai, CA 93023
805.646.7133
http://www.primaverafineart.com/

The Purple Pomegranate
222 Central Ave
Whitefish, MT 59937
866.406.7227
http://www.purplepomegranate.com/

R Grey Gallery
415 S 8th Street
Boise ID 83702
208.385.9337
http://www.rgreygallery.com/

RW Wise Goldsmiths
81 Church St
Lenox, MA 01240
413.637.1589
http://www.rwwise.com/index.html

Ragazzi's Flying Shuttle
607 First Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
206.343.9762
http://www.ragazzisflyingshuttle.com/index.html

The Real Mother Goose
901 SW Yamhill St
Portland, OR 97205
800.968.1070
http://www.therealmothergoose.com/index.htm

Regina Jewelry & Treasures
225 Summit Blvd, Suite 700
Birmingham, AL 35243
205.870.9477
http://www.regina-jewelry.com/

Reinhold Jewelers
Plaza Las Américas
525 FD Roosevelt Ave
San Juan PR 00918
787.754.0528
http://www.reinholdjewelers.com/index.php

Royal Jewellery Studio
486 New North Road
Kingsland, Auckland, New Zealand
0064 9 846 0200
http://www.royaljewellerystudio.com/index.htm

Shaw Contemporary Jewelry
126 Main St
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
877.276.5001
http://www.shawjewelry.com/index.html

Sienna Gallery
80 Main St
Lenox, MA 01240
413.637.8386
http://www.siennagallery.com/index.php

Skyline Gallery
6360 N Campbell Ave, Suite 150
Tucson, AZ 85718
520.615.3800
http://www.skylinegallerytucson.com/

SmithKlein Art Gallery
1116 Pearl Street Mall
Boulder, CO 80302
303.444.7200  
http://www.smithklein.com/index.php

Stephan-Hill Jewelry Designers
1226 Fourth Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.459.5808
http://www.stephanhill.com

Sticks and Steel
401 E 8th Street, Suite 118
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
605.335.7349
http://www.sticksandsteel.com/

Taboo Studio
1615½ W Lewis St
San Diego, CA 92103
619.692.0099
http://www.taboostudio.com/

Telluride Gallery of Fine Art
130 E Colorado Ave
Telluride, Colorado 81435
970.728.3300
http://www.telluridegallery.com/html/home.asp

The Vault Gallery
1339 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
800.433.9339
http://www.thevaultgallery.com/index.html

Thomas Mann Gallery I/O
1812 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70130
800.875.2113   
http://www.thomasmann.com/galleryio.php?pg1-cid34.html

TWIST: Northwest Portland
30 NW 23rd Place
Portland, OR 97210
503.224.0334
TWIST: Seattle
600 Pine St, Suite 130
Seattle, WA 98101
206.315.8080
http://www.twistonline.com/index.cfm

Velvet da Vinci
2015 Polk St
San Francisco, CA  94109
415.441.0109
http://www.velvetdavinci.com/index.php

Viceversa
Place Saint-François 2, 2ème étage
1002 Lausanne, Switzerland
+41 21 323 96 34
http://www.viceversa.ch/

Wexler Gallery
201 North Third St
Philadelphia, PA  19106
215.923.7030
http://www.wexlergallery.com/index.php

Widney Moore Gallery
202 NW 13th Avenue
Portland, OR  97209
503.223.4278   
http://www.widneymoore.com/

Z Folio Gallery
At the Intercontinental the Clement Monterey
750 Cannery Row, #112
Monterey, CA 93940
831.655.9891
1685 Copenhagen Drive
Solvang, CA
805.693.8480
http://www.zfolio.com/default.aspx

Zilberschmuck
910 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON, M4E 1S5, Canada
416.699.6000
http://www.zilberschmuck.com/index.php

Don't forget to check out the gift shops when you visit art centers and art museums (some of these little "shops" feature some of the best work by established and emerging artists), and keep an eye out for art fairs and festivals, and holiday art and craft shows!

It Takes a Tiny Neighborhood

Who: Jill Davis
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Brooklyn, NY
Web: http://www.jillkdavisjewelry.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JillKDavisJewelry
Why: A tiny home is where the biggest heart lives.  :)

The Harmonious Way

November is Native American Heritage Month...celebrate by honoring our country's extraordinary Native American artists!

Who: Darryl Dean and Rebecca Tonabah Begay
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Gallup, NM
Web: http://www.darrylandrebeccabegay.com/
Why: I was lucky enough to have parents that introduced us to all sorts of world cultures early on, including those indigenous to the US. We've attended powwows and volunteered with the tribes, and have always been fascinated by the supertalented artists and their designs, materials and methods.
Tufa casting is one of those methods, used for ages by Navajo metalsmiths. A form of compressed volcanic ash, tufa is used to carve molds into which molten metal is poured...the resulting castings are finely detailed and retain a wonderfully pebbly texture that adds to the character of a piece. The molds cannot be reused so each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. The Begays use the tufa method and you can watch Darryl explain a bit of the process here...I love watching a jeweler do a casting so I've watched it more than a few times!
Darryl and Rebecca's gorgeous jewels, inlaid with a variety of rare and unusual gems including Bisbee, Morenci and Lone Mountain Turquoise, are unlike any other I've seen and they are among my favorites. The couple has a deep spiritual spirit that just radiates throughout their work. Go see it if you can, pick it up, run your fingers over those stones and that pebbly texture and you'll feel that spirit too!

The Courage of Peace

Today is International Day for Tolerance, established in 1995 by the United Nations, to "encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples". 

I'd say we could use a little of this everyday.  :)

Column 1:
Who: BirdznBeez
What: "One World" Locket Necklace
Where: Beautiful Midwest
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86151107/silver-locket-necklace-silver-globe-one

Who: Michelle Caron of Caron Art Glass
What: "One World" Fused Glass Cabochon Key Ring
Where: Kaneohe Station, HI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97614449/key-ring-one-world-fused-glass-cabochon

Who: Kathie McCurdy
What: "One World Under The Stars" Print
Where: Akron, OH
Web: http://kathie-mccurdy.artistwebsites.com/featured/2-one-world-under-the-stars-kathie-mccurdy.html

Who: Liz Soll of Beading Nutritionist Jewelry
What: "One World" Cluster Station Bracelet
Where: San Francisco, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/44984284/one-world-cluster-station-bracelet-b156

Column 2:
Who: emmevielle
What: "One World" Denim Cuff Bracelet
Where: Downers Grove, IL
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/102199040/denim-cuff-bracelet-upcycled-blue-jean

Who: Tony Motto
What: "One Heart, One World" Wood Slat Flag
Where: The Woodlands
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/111208303/one-heart-one-world-wood-slat-flag

Who: Valerie of SunDrop Clips
What: "One World" Turquoise Ribbon Hair Clip Set
Where: San Diego, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/102733530/one-world-turquoise-set-ribbon-hair

Who: Nancy Tobin
What: "One World" Folk Art Quilt Print
Where: Maplewood, NJ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/36860633/large-quilt-print-folk-art-tribal-floral

Column 3:
Who: Lisa of Under Her Charm
What: "One World" Sterling Silver and Amethyst Hand-stamped Necklace
Where: Berkeley, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74435420/one-worldsterling-silver-hand-stamped

Who: Rachel Badeau of Moosup Valley Designs
What: "One World" Chief Seattle Giclee Print
Where: Warwick, RI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80530664/one-world-giglee-reproduction-print

Who: Coffee Shop
What: "One Mic One World" Vintage Microphone Print
Where: Near NYC
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61936257/one-mic-one-world-vintage-microphone

Delicate Blooms

Who: Jenny Sueyoun Kim
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: San Francisco / San Mateo, CA
Web: http://www.jennykim.org/home.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jennykim
Why: Each piece is hand-sculpted by Jenny with the finest craftsmanship in warmly-hued precious metals such as 14K peach gold, 18K yellow gold and sterling silver. Freesia, poppies and the most delicate of roses are just extraordinary in their detail. I love the grace and composition of each little bloom...Jenny's delicate working and finishing of the metal is serenely stunning! A fabulous talent!

Child of the Mississippi

Who: Kiki Huston
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: New Orleans, LA
Web: http://www.kikihuston.com/index.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kikihuston
Why: Kiki first discovered silversmithing as a child, watching her father make pieces as a hobby. She was enchanted by it and is now a professional silversmith, using the tools and talents she inherited from her father. Her work reflects her love of Louisiana, its nature, culture and traditions...flowers, fleur de lis, sacred hearts. Just the right touch of color spices up her sweet, easy design sense. C'est tres jolie!

One-of-a-Kind Wonders

Who: Elaine Rader
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Blue Ridge, GA
Web: http://www.elaineraderjewelry.com/index.html
Why: Another shining star at the Three Rivers Art Festival, Elaine is one of my favorites! She's as much of a stone fiend as I am, especially when it comes to unusual Boulder Opals, Turquoises, Jaspers, etc. Just look at those Purple Turquoise earrings in sterling and 22K and the deep blue sea of color in that Boulder Opal and Diamond ring...definitively one-of-a-kind and so squealingly cool!  :)

The Architect of His Own Fortune

Who: Jay Nielsen
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Minneapolis, MN
Web: http://www.jaynielsenjewelry.com/
Why: Just one of the many marvelous artists at this weekend's Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington, LA, Jay Nielsen displays a thorough love and talent for working hands-on at his craft. He has transformed his background in architecture and engineering into highly acclaimed sophisticated designs using high karat golds, sterling silver and beautifully carved gems. So happy he chose jewelry over building design...who needs more hotels anyway?  ;)

Sticktoitiveness

Who: Virginia Widen and Edward Strawiak of Stick Man Jewelry
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Montreal, QC, Canada
Web: http://www.stickmancreations.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StickManJewelry
Why: I must confess I adore every single piece in the Stick Man shop, and I enthusiastically cheer for Virginia and Edward every chance I get! They started out 20 years ago, selling their designs on a downtown street corner. They worked hard and have stuck to their vision of creating sweet, simple sterling charmers that reflect their love of animals and nature. I love that kind of tenacious passion...never give up on what you love!

Two on Tuesdays...Red or Blue?

Red ~ Row 1
Who: Garrett Keisling of Keisling Glasswürks
What: "Cherry Perfume Bottles" in Glass
Where: Nevada City, CA
Web: http://www.keislingglasswurks.com/Keisling_Glasswurks/Flameworked_Glass_Designs.html

Who: Gary Schott
What: "Strawberry Cheesecake - 310 Calories" Brooch
Where: San Antonio, TX
Web: http://www.garyschott.com/

Red ~ Row 2
Who: Joel Hunnicutt
What: "Open Segment Hollowform" Woodturned Vessel
Where: Siler City, NC
Web: http://www.joelhunnicutt.com/

Who: Donna Veverka
What: "Esther's Window" Garnet and Sterling Silver Pendant
Where: Boston, MA
Web: http://www.donnavjewelry.com/

Red ~ Row 3
Who: Tristyn Albright
What: "Some Like It Red Hot" Beaded Vessel
Where: York, PA
Web: http://www.tristynalbright.com/

Who: Amy Faust
What: "Lorelei Ring" in Sterling and Glass
Where: Oakland, CA
Web: http://www.amyfaust.com/

Blue ~ Row 1
Who: Tim Harding
What: "Sapphire Reflections" Fiber Wall Art
Where: Stillwater, MN
Web: http://www.timharding.com/th/index.html

Who: Daniel Slack of Cache La Pottery
What: Carved Spiral Bowl
Where: Livermore, CO
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CacheLaPottery

Blue ~ Row 2
Who: Andrea Anderson
What: Handwoven Wrap
Where: Farmington Hills, MI
Web: http://www.aahandwovens.com/

Who: Jess Wainer
What: "Lapis Teardrop Vase" in Glass
Where: Oakland, CA
Web: http://www.jesswainer.com/

Blue ~ Row 3
Who: Catherine Iskiw
What: "Oblique Ring" in Platinum with Blue Sapphire and Diamonds
Where: Brooklyn, NY
Web: http://www.catherineiskiw.com/index.html

Who: Nina Mann
What: "Loved and Treasured" Lapis Necklace
Where: Traverse City, MI
Web: http://www.ninamann.com/

Red or Blue...what would you choose?  :)

Rising Hope

Who: Gertrude Graham (Gay) Smith
What: Handcrafted Pottery
Where: Erwin, TN
Web: http://www.gertrudegrahamsmith.com/GertrudeGrahamSmithPottery/GaySmith,_Gertrude_Graham_Smith.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GertrudeGrahamSmith
Why: Gay's soda-fired porcelain is gentle and sensuous and buoyantly colorful! Her philosophy of life and creativity is so generous and joyful, as she seeks to give in spirit as much as she does in solid form. She hopes to inspire as much in those whom she reaches through her pieces, believing that art can truly transform.

"Perhaps, when a hand grasps a handle, compassion arises in the heart."

I hope so too.  :)

The Powerful and The Pristine

Who: Pamela Froman
What: Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Web: http://www.pamelafroman.com/home.html
Why: Pamela's list of accomplishments and awards is a mile long, and her clientele list reads like a Who's Who out of Forbes which wouldn't impress me unless her designs were truly remarkable...and they are! Powerfully hammered in platinum and 18K golds of many colors, her pieces frame beautiful and rare gems such as Rainbow Moonstone, Rubellite Tourmaline and Opal Yowah Nuts. Each piece bears a strong and classic spirit and will stand the test of time in every sense. It would be a joy to wear any of her eminently impressive collection!

Congratulations to Pamela...2013 Spectrum Awards Competition Winner!
Bridal Wear ~ Gem Diva
Pamela Froman, Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry
Palladium "Ice Princess" cuff featuring
Rainbow Moonstones (15.0 tcw)
accented with Diamonds (3.01 tcw)
Poised and pristine for a soon-to-be-queen.  :)

Olympian Opulence

Who: Annie Fensterstock
What: Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Where: New York
Web: http://www.anniefensterstock.com/
Why: If Roman goddesses were suddenly transplanted into the modern world, this is the jewelry they'd choose to wear. Annie's jewels have an unmistakeable strength, both in construction and design, tempered by graceful lines and balanced composition...just enough metal and just enough sparkling gem. Primarily in platinum and high-karat gold, showered in fancy color Diamonds and Sapphires, her pieces have a neoclassical cosmic opulence that would make Juno and her crew the envy of the Roman realm!

Congratulations to Annie...2013 Spectrum Awards Competition Winner!
Evening Wear ~ Gem Diva:
Annie Fensterstock, Annie Fensterstock Fine Jewelry
Blackened sterling silver and 22K yellow gold cuff
featuring white and fancy-colored Diamonds (11.91 tcw)
and Sapphires (7.30 tcw)
Wild and refined, edgy and elegant, all in one bold masterpiece!

Playing with Fire

Who: Deirdre Featherstone of Featherstone Design
What: Platinum and 18K Gold Jewelry
Where: Tribeca, NYC, NY
Web: http://www.featherstonedesign.com/index.php
Why: Two reasons...her clever designs, featuring seamlessly interchangeable elements, and her generous use of Opals, one of my favorite gemstones! Her Pendants, Pins and Earring Tops can be worn alone or with Bellies and/or Enhancers. Pins converted to pendants, pendants to pins, both to belt buckles...possibilities seem endless! 

Deirdre's spectacular gems are the best...beautifully cut stones of the finest quality. Her designs are lushly soaked in color, so meticulously and exquisitely crafted and elegantly balanced. Okay, I know I'm gushing, but Deirdre is a true talent, and I sincerely admire her creativity and commitment to designing stunningly timeless treasures!

Congratulations to Dierdre...2013 Spectrum Awards Competition Winner!

Best Use of Platinum and Color:
Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design
Platinum “Shangri-La” earrings featuring
Opals (15.86 tcw) and Tanzanite cabochon drops (48.54 tcw)
accented with Purple and Blue Sapphires (2.16 tcw),
Tourmalines (4.53 tcw), Tsavorite Garnets (0.29 tcw),
Diamonds (0.86 tcw) and Turquoise briolettes
I'm speechless at their magnificence.  :)