Behind the Baubles

Behind the Baubles: Emma McKinstry

March 25, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

After an opportunity to win a pair of Emma McKinstry double rectangle earrings on Sunday and then seeing her pendant necklace in an outfit post yesterday, you’re getting to know a lot about Emma and her colorful line of jewelry this week! And, as you’ll see in her interview below, Emma’s personality is just as vibrant as the jewelry she designs.

Shop It: Round-About Necklace, $90 // Diamond Cut-Out Earrings, $68 // Life’s a Picnic Pendant, $88 // Double Rectangle Earrings, $70 (enter to win a pair here) // Christine Necklace, $95 // Don’t Be a Square Earrings, $39

Follow Emma McKinstry: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest

Behind the Baubles: Rue Gembon

March 18, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

Chain-store jewelry can be lackluster (especially when everyone owns the same thing) and great costume jewelry can come with a high price tag, which is why Joyce Lam (left) and Niki Allworth sought to create an online destination with affordable, eye-catching statement gems: Rue Gembon. Before launching the site, Joyce had plenty of experience in the fashion arena (3.1 Phillip Lim, Women’s Wear Daily, Elle), then ventured into styling under Kate Lanphear’s wing. Niki left behind the accounting industry to pursue her passion for fashion graphic design and began freelancing.

Shop It: Andreia Earrings, $27 (my favorite!) // Celeste Bracelet, $90 // Liana Necklace, $71 // Jacquelyn Earrings, $27 // Carissa Gun Necklace, $62 // Darla Topaz Ring, $60 // Alea Bronze Ring, $35

Follow Rue Gembon: Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest

Behind the Baubles: Lillot

March 11, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

You know how I’ve been obsessed with this season’s classic-meets-modern pearl jewelry? Designer Liliam Higa has it mastered. And it seems a penchant for jewels runs in her family. Liliam grew up surrounded by gemstones at her father’s wholesale store in São Paulo, Brazil. After studying fashion design at Faculdade Santa Marcelina, Liliam moved to New York City to launch her career. She began by styling for photographers and creating accessories to use at shoots, then worked for Lulu Frost before immersing herself in the jewelry industry to launch Lillot. All of her pieces are made in NYC and they’re actually quite affordable. My favorite item, the Brasilia ring is only $60.

Shop It: Brasilia Ring (my favorite!), $60 // Brasilia Bracelet, $135 // Niteroi Bracelet, $159 // Long Trasso Necklace, $175 // Arco Ring, $60 // Planalto Earrings, $63 // Eyes Cuff Bracelet, $285

Follow Lillot: Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest

Behind the Baubles: Meghna Designs

March 5, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe Meghna Patel’s East-meets-West jewelry collection. Drawing inspiration from her native India, the vibrant, intricate designs have been featured in the pages of top publications like Vogue and earned a starring role on the small screen on Gossip Girl. Each piece is handcrafted by Indian artisans who bring Meghna’s designs to life. The ornate pieces in the Taj Mahal collection are my personal favorite with the Mawi earrings topping my list.

Shop It: Trisha Earrings, $250 // Asin Earrings, $200 // Textured Druzy Pendant, $140 // Textured Square Druzy Ring, $110 // Mirror Rings, $110 // Jai Ho Earrings, $260 // Mawi Earrings, $308 (my favorite!)

Follow Meghna Designs: Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram

Behind the Baubles: Holst + Lee

February 26, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

Let’s just start by saying that any brand citing Carmen Miranda as the inspiration for its newest collection earns a place in my heart. It’s just a bonus that the design duo behind Holst + Lee creates irresistible pieces of jewelry and, as you’ll see below, have incredible personalities. Natalie Holst and Rochelle Lee discovered their shared passion for design while working at New York’s upscale restaurants and nightclubs. They began creating pieces to complete their own edgy looks for work and soon realized other women wanted to wear their designs.