Veritably Loving Verameat

Ibsens Buck ring by Verameat

To be perfectly honest, I have never been much of a ring person. Partly, it's that I have very sensitive hands and they get easily inflamed and agitated by jewelry and other abrasive materials. Usually, I'm not too bothered by this fact. Although I would certainly prefer to have the model hands of the woman below, I long ago made peace with my irritable digits. This past weekend, however, while wandering the streets of Williamsburg, I started wondering if I shouldn't be fighting the good fight after all- trying to repair my hands enough to decorate them. Having found my way into the beautiful new world of Verameat metalwork I became transfixed with her shiny pieces. Maybe there's a ring person in me after all...

Verameat is a line of jewelry created by Vera Balyura, an artist based in the East Village.  Evidently she's had a shop there for some time, but last weekend she opened a new Brooklyn shop in the Williamsburg Mini Mall on N. 5th Street, right next to the lovely Brooklyn Fox lingerie shop- a dangerous combination for the wallet! (Incidentally, Brooklyn Fox recently opened a sister shop as well. It's around the corner on Bedford and is focused on Women's clothing and accessories. But more on that another time.)

Skeleton Thumbs Up Ring by Verameat

Verameat uses fine materials like real ecologically sound recycled silver and 16k gold in her collections- a plus for sensitive skin-folk like me. Stylistically, her pieces range from whimsical things to hang around your ears and neck to fun ornaments for your wrists and fingers. Some pieces are light and airy like the Ibsens Buck ring up top, but many have a tough-chick sense of humor such as her Skeleton Thumbs Up Ring- one of my personal favorites! If the latter is more your sensibility, then you'll love some of these categories on her website: Vampire, Manly, Monster and Spine. Of course, if you prefer a daintier aesthetic like that of this sweet Lucky Lift Ring, never fear. There's plenty of that to go around too.

Lucky Lift Ring- Verameat

There were loads of necklaces hanging in cool little clusters all around the shop- kinda made me feel like was in my own incredibly-stocked jewelry closet or something. I wish! But as much as I found those intriguing and not horribly expensive (they cost as low as $50 depending on the size and material), I found that it was the rings that were really screaming my name. I tried on this Leaf Wrap Ring probably three different times wondering if this was the piece that would shuttle me into ringdom. Alas, though it was an affordable $40 I ultimately decided that I shouldn't impulse purchase. I just moved into a new apartment after all! I figured if I was still thinking about it later in the week, then perhaps it should be mine. The thing is... I'm still thinking about it...

Leaf Wrap Ring- Verameat

Sucked into the Verameat Ring vortex, I kept gravitating to the simpler, botanic/nature-inspired pieces. I saw this Feather Ring below in gold and also tried it several times wondering if it suited me better than the Leaf Wrap Ring. Of course, trying to choose between gorgeous and gorgeous was utterly impossible, especially since the Feather Ring was equally priced at $40. I suppose the upside is that the rings are affordable enough that I could always get two quality rings for the price of what one would cost most everywhere else. How is that for a rationalization?

Feather Ring- Verameat

Rose Studs- Verameat

If you find yourself in Williamsburg this weekend definitely steer yourself into Verameat. The way I see it, once in awhile it's nice to treat yourself after a long week of work, and the perfect, shiny little something-something might just be sitting in her showroom waiting for you. Maybe even for me!

Peace Hand Necklace- Verameat

Have any great weekend plans or a little something you've had your eye on?  Do share!

Spring for Mimosa By m.e.

Milky Coral Necklace ~ Madeline Ellis

As a girl on a budget, I always get a burst of excitement when I find an artist that not only makes charming pieces, but also offers them at an affordable price. Madeline Ellis, the creator behind the winsome jewelry collection, Mimosa By m.e., embodies exactly those qualities to great success. Mimosa By m.e. produces delightfully sunny, ceramic jewelry that is hand-carved, hand painted, and kiln-fired by Madeline. The pieces are so chipper they exude springtime even on the frostiest day. Plus, buying them won't burn a hole in your pocket! 

Vintage Bunting Flag Necklace

 Dandy Dandelions Stud Earrings

Madeline's entire shop is one that I would love to fill my jewelry box.  The Milky Coral Necklace up top is a fun nod to summers on the beach without harming any actual wildlife. Plus, if you spend the warmer months among cement and skyscrapers (as I do), then it's a small investment that will bring the ocean waters to you. Think of how beautiful it would look paired with a strapless summer dress! Similarly, the cheerful Dandy Dandelions Stud Earrings above will give even the most serious office attire a dose of a warmth.

Turquoise Faceted Dangle Earrings

 Gold Faceted Stud Earrings

Creating stud-sized earrings that provide interest and allure is a tough thing. However, Mimosa By m.e.'s are so brilliant their personality outshines their size. Madeline has a number of faceted earrings that are simple enough to be easily coordinated, but spirited enough to catch the eye. The Gold Faceted Stud Earrings above are actually glazed in 24k gold giving them a glamourous shine. However, if you desire a slightly different flair, then one of Madeline's many, brightly colored faceted studs below might do trick. She captures color so stunningly!

Green Faceted Earrings

Cobalt Facets

Orange Faceted Stud Earrings

Moss Green Facets

If dangly earrings are more your speed, then you might find yourself drawn to Madeline's lengthier pieces. I love the 60's mod look of her Lime Time Dangle Earrings. I can just picture them: swept up hair, charcoal eyes, A-line dress. Brigitte Bardot herself would have snatched them up. Of course, there's plenty more to choose from as you can see below.

Lime Time Dangle Earrings

Turquoise Peacock Dangle Earrings

 Spring Pink Earrings

 Grey Elephants Never Forget Earrings

Tiger on the Geaux Dangle Earrings

The best part about Mimosa By m.e. is that in addition to creating lovable jewelry, Madeline donates 10% of all quarterly earnings to Cambodia Children's Sanctuary.  Thus, any purchase you make will not only feel like a sweet gift to yourself, but also a thoughtful donation to someone in need. That's a victory for all! 

You can visit Mimosa By m.e.'s Etsy Shop to see more of Madeline Ellis' artwork and make a conscientious purchase. What are your favorite pieces? Know any other charitable artists you recommend?  As always, feel free to share!

*All photos for this post were taken from Mimosa By m.e.'s Etsy Shop. 

History is Translucent with House of Z

Over the holidays, my younger cousin came to visit from England. I don't get the opportunity to see her very much, so I wanted to give her something really special to hold on to from our visit, something that would be uniquely Brooklyn. When I came upon House of Z sea glass jewelry, I looked no further! House of Z by Amy Burchenal collects sea glass from the shorelines of New York and takes the weathered antiques and turns them into beautiful, wearable art.

Kelly Green Sea Glass Earrings, Oxidized Copper Findings

House of Z sea glass jewelry is lovely and delicate, and best of all, each piece tells it's own story. Sea glass is made from discarded glass that tumbles around the oceans for at least 40-60 years. Fascinatingly, according to HofZ you can approximately date sea glass by its color. Because certain types of glass were only manufactured during certain eras, you can get a sense of time and place. For example, according to HofZ the Rare Purple and Light Green Sea Glass necklace below has to be at least 100 years old, given that manganese (the type of glass that turns a light purple color) was no longer manufactured after 1915. It's literally like wearing a bit of history! 

Rare Purple and Light Green Genuine Sea Glass on a Sterling Silver Chain

It's fun to imagine what the former life of each glass piece might have been, and HofZ does a very good job of passing on everything they know about each piece of glass. This multi-hued necklace below has a number of different glass stories all in one strand. Evidently, the Citron Yellow piece in the middle is only found in 1 of 500 pieces of sea glass and is usually from ink bottles.

Sea Glass Necklace, with Rare Citron Yellow, Blue and Green, 

Two Tier Oxidized Copper Chain

This ring probably started out as a canning jar or medicine bottle around the turn of the century. Now it's a lovely conversation piece that would light up any outfit. Can't you see wearing it with a light, summer dress?

Sea Glass Ring, Soft Blue on Sterling Silver Wire

Get to know House of Z's jewelry at their Etsy Shop! The prices are quite reasonable, and the workmanship is really exquisite. They even have really cool sea glass kaleidoscopes that you don't need to be a kid to enjoy. In fact, I actually bought one back in December that I meant to give as a child's gift, but selfishly I couldn't let it go. I love looking through the finder now and again at the gorgeous dancing glass.

Sea Glass Kaleidoscope

Make sure you also explore the House of Z main site, you'll find lots more interesting art projects by Amy Burchenal: her Black and White photography, her poetry, and then some. She's quite a talented lady!

Photo by Amy Burchenal

Do you have any favorite pieces? Or maybe you have some sea glass stories of your own? Feel free to share!


*All photos were taken from House of Z website, Etsy page, and Amy Burchenal photography website.

Everyone's a Glamourpuss

I'll tell you one thing.  There is no shortage of gorgeous jewelry in this world.  Nevertheless, I can't help, but give a special nod to Lisa O'Neil, the artist behind the fantastic, vintage-made pieces of Glamourpuss Creations.  Over the last couple of years, I've fallen victim many times to the allure of what Lisa calls her line's, "modern fare with vintage flair."  All the jewelry is made from authentic vintage components, which gives many pieces a distinct air of Art Deco, and others a sexy, 70s edge.  All the pieces are tastefully modern and extremely wearable.

A couple of months ago, I was shopping for Christmas gifts at a winter craft fair in Brooklyn, when I ran into Lisa who was down from Massachusetts to sell her wares.  Considering I had been following her on Etsy for some time, I couldn't believe my luck.  It seemed only right to gift myself a pair of bracelets from her traveling collection.  One can't very well buck fate, can she?  One of the bracelets was very similar to the one above.   

Then, it happened again.  After having spent the last couple of months since my fateful run-in"favorite-ing" more Glamourpuss things here and there on Etsy, I once more took the bait.  Earlier this week I went for this Spinning Pendant Necklace pictured above.  I think it's pretty spectacular with its shiny, ginger bauble and contrasting metals.

I'm hard pressed to find anything in Lisa's shop I don't like.  It seems any piece you can shake a finger at is the sort of thing you could throw on and make whatever you were wearing suddenly sparkle.  Part of me wishes I would keep Lisa's work a secret all to myself, but I know she deserves the attention.  Besides, I know that as long as there is Glamourpuss Creations there will always be new things for me to love and admire.  Maybe this Snake Chain Tassel Necklace?!

To keep up with Lisa's constantly expanding jewelry line, check out her Glamourpuss Creations blog here!  

*All the photos from this post are from Glamourpuss Creations' Etsy shop.

Accessories: Valentine's Day Soutache

The fine braiding of Soutache is used in many ornamental ways- to hide seams in clothing, as decoration in tapestries and curtains- but it's not often that you see it in gorgeous jewelry.  With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought these Soutache earrings from soStudio on Etsy would make the perfect addition to any jewelry aficionado's collection!  The subtle hearts and touch of pink hit just the right note for a romantic Valentine's date without being kitschy.  Plus, they offer enough versatility and personality to wear in the workplace year-round.  Good luck getting ahold of this pair, as I might have bought them by the time this post is done.  Still, Jovita's collection offers many other beautiful options, so I'm sure you'll find the perfect dash of Soutache to add to yours!