Style Post: Chic Summer Whites

It's a rarity that you'll see me sporting any summer whites (I almost always prefer black) but once in awhile the perfect dress comes along, convincing me that it's just my style. This Ava & Aiden v-neck sheath dress was something I just couldn't pass up, especially at a Gilt City Warehouse Sale for $35 (originally $119). It is super fitted, with a zip up back, and its always a plus when no tailoring is required. 

Dr. Scholl's Original Collection Warner Wedge (Nordstrom carries a size 5) has been my go-to pair of shoes this summer, providing me with style, comfort and height. The first time I had actually worn these wedges were during High Point Market in April. To my surprise I found myself comfortably standing and walking around in them for 12 hours! I've gotten many compliments on them, and many found it shocking that these were Dr. Scholl's!

My new Jared The Gallery of Jewelry Miracle Links necklace was the perfect piece to finish my look, with two 14K white gold circles, each decorated in round diamonds (1/3 carat).

Dress: Ava & Aiden V-Neck Sheath

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's Original Collection Warner Wedge Sandal

Necklace: Jared the Galleria of Jewelry Miracle Links Necklace

Sunglasses: Roberto Cavalli

Lip lacquer: Ciate London Patent Pout in Abracadabra

Photos by Krystal Pratt

Krystal Pratt Photography

- Kim Weling

Jared The Galleria of Jewelry and Kerri Strug Introduce the Miracle Links Collection

On Tuesday, May 3, Jared The Galleria of Jewelry and gold medal Olympian Kerri Strug hosted a preview for the Miracle Links™ collection at Locanda Verde.

The Miracle Links™ collection is designed around the circle shape, as it is a well-recognized symbol of unity and harmony - sentiments commonly associated with family and the unbreakable bond  it represents - while reflecting a mother's love that never ends. The circle charms are interlinking - a large circle represents the mother and smaller circles, which attach to each other, represent each of her children, allowing a mother to add links each time her family grows. 

The Miracle Links™ collection is available in a variety of styles, in white, yellow and rose gold, in both 10K and 14K as well as sterling silver. The collection also includes select designs accented with diamonds. My favorite from the collection is the Miracle Links™ necklace with 1/3 ct tw diamonds in 14K white gold. I couldn't believe it, but I was lucky enough to have won it during the preview! 

Check out my interview with Kerri Strug, as she talks about the Miracle Links collection, being petite and her favorite Mother's Day memory, along with advice for aspiring gymnasts. 

- Kim Weling

Fine Jewelry School Workshop at the Kristin Hanson Diamond Atelier

Kristin Hanson

On May 9th, I had attended a special cocktail reception and press preview at the Kristin Hanson Diamond Atelier and Fine Jewelry School at 60 Reade Street.

During the preview I had a chance to work on my own metalsmithing skills by designing and creating my own piece of jewelry. All I have to say is making your own piece of jewelry takes a lot of time and patience, and since I had another event I had to run off to, I wasn't able to complete my piece. I had attempted something simple - an upside down triangle, but I ended up breaking the blade three times while trying to saw out the triangle. I learned how to put the saw blade in, but it is very delicate and not easy to cut through the metal with it. Of course after you saw out the design you have to smooth it out and work on the finish, which I didn't get to. So I have a new found respect for jewelry designers out there that handcraft each of their pieces. It was a great experience though, one I would love to try again.

The Fine Jewelry School workshop is equipped with all the state-of-the-art machines and tools you would need, including jewelry benches with flex shafts, milling and polishing machines, soldering stations, ultrasonic cleaner, engraving tools and more.

The loft space can be used for private events, photo shoots as a gallery to showcase your work.

Here are pieces from Kristin Hanson's preview:

Left: KIKI Gold Bone necklace
Right: KIKI Raw Diamond Starfish ring


Left: Kaori Ring
Right: Lauren Ring


Sapphire Urchin Necklace

- Kim Weling

Jewelry from Sabido & Basteris, Including the Fashionable Eco-Friendly Friendship Bracelet

Photos courtesy of Vital Public Relations

Italian-Mexican fine jewelry designer Victor Sabido Basteris has updated the classic friendship bracelet using eco-friendly, recycled silver filigree thread. The bracelets are available in a multitude of colors including rust, mocha, pale pink, ocean blue, mauve, copper and moss.

The inspiration for the collection stems from the beauty and vivid colors seen on the murals within the Mayan temples of Mexico.

Sabido & Basteris apply the latest technology to their innovative designs, while incorporating gold, gemstones, crystal and mother-of-pearl to the silver threaded necklaces. Each design is an exquisite work of art, and is even more stunning when layered together to create a new piece.

With Sabido & Basteris just launching in the US market this spring, I'm sure we will be seeing more of their colorful collection very soon. Learn more at sabidobasteris.com.