CITYist

Jenny Bird, a jewelry and handbag designer based in Toronto, is one designer who refuses to believe that the past is no longer a part of our future.

Carla Amorim, a Brazilian born designer, creates pieces of jewelry influenced by the Brazilian nature and architecture in Brasilia with its geometric lines inspired by Oscar Niemeyer. The modernity of her pieces creates a bold and dramatic line of jewelry that any woman with a flair for edgy, yet sophisticated, style will want and appreciate.

Charming stationary, delicately adorned house wares, and clever jewelry form the base of the contemporary home goods brand Bailey Doesn’t Bark. Started in 2008, it uses environmentally friendly materials and boasts an American-made dedication, making the brand as much of a philosophy as it is a store.

Danielle and Jodie Snyder, the creative forces and nominal inspiration behind jewelry brand DANNIJO, are launching an exciting new line today in collaboration with FashionToast.com’s Rumi Neely. The limited edition collection will be sold exclusively on Tobi.com.

I got a sneak peek at the Swarovski Crystallized Spring/Summer 2011 collection at the Crystallized store in Soho. I couldn’t help but immediately falling in love with this Octopus rung that Kenneth Jay Lane designed for the brand.

The latest collection from British jewelry label, Camilla James, is described as “an artfully constructed interpretation of military chic.” I have to say, I couldn’t agree more. Considering the recent direction of trends toward utility and structure, these pieces are perfectly attuned to today’s favored styles.

Los Angeles-based jewelry label TomTom is set to release a collection of futuristic pieces inspired by the world of TRON – a 1982 classic, science fiction film set in a universe of virtual reality. The line will be a collaboration between TomTom and Walt Disney Pictures, as part of a promotional campaign for Disney’s upcoming December 17th release of TRON: Legacy in theaters, the next chapter in the film franchise.

Thakoon keeps it simple with this year’s fall 2010 Tasaki collection. Simple, not prosaic. Playing with the concepts of desire and charm, Thakoon incorporates Tasaki’s staple mineral—the pure pearl—and creates a line of understated, but beautiful, accessories.

It’s good to know that we’re not the only ones who are fans of nOir jewelry—it looks like Gwen Stefani is, too. For the Spring/Summer 2011 L.A.M.B show, Gwen’s models stomped down the runway with necks and wrists donned in the architectural and tribal constructions of nOir’s Fall 2010 collection. Whether the pieces bear sharp, jagged edges, or softer, feather-like drapery, the collection speaks to someone who wants their jewelry to do the same. For more info on the collections, take a look at nOir’s website, and for some of our favorites, take a look after the jump.

Have You Heard? is our weekly roundup of items we may have previously missed (or would like to remind you of again). So as you plan the week ahead, take a look at our cherry-picked selections of what’s hot in art, music, film and fashion right now.

Our favorite Istanbul-based jeweler Gilan saluted the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT during last week’s Fashion’s Night Out at Gilan’s 5th Avenue store. The party was hosted by The Museum at FIT’s Chief Curator & Director Valerie Steele, Somers Farkas, Gillian Hearst Simonds, and couturier Maggie Norris and featured paintings and illustrations of Gilan Jewelry from premiere contemporary artists Anna Kiper, Audrey Schilt and Nelson Shanks, as well as couture designs and jewelry worn by stunning models including Miss Massachusetts 2009 Alison Cronin, actress Sarah Bradford, and Princess Keisha Omilana. The featured artwork will be on display in the Gilan store and 10 percent of the proceeds from all jewelry purchases will be donated to the Couture Council through next week. For more information, go here.

No matter the medium, an artist is an artist. Perhaps this is why company Le Blob, started by Fernando Akasaka as a pusher of interior furniture and home objects, has delved into the jewelry world. The current collection of metal rings, earrings and necklaces are all handmade and exclusive, and feature a certifiable rock ‘n’ roll edge (find them at EVA New York). Made with rough finishes and deep grooves, the line features skulls, bones and a load of reptilian-inspired pieces that aren’t meant for the timid. Then again, if you are timid, this may be your answer. Check out some of our favorites after the jump.

Like we mentioned yesterday, it seems that natural elements are increasingly finding their way onto the fingers and necks of many a jewelry fan. In Sophie Monet’s collection, the earthy substance of choice is wood. The large carved rings and necklaces feature an array of geometric shapes—triangles, squares, half circles and pentagons, to name a few. But what makes this line especially unique are the ethereal crystals and stones that adorn the pieces; each possesses a translucent, mesmerizing quality that is in stark contrast to the darker wood, physically and conceptually. Tribal, environmental influences mixed with luxury living? We love a good juxtaposition.

Jewelry line Crea-tiff Bijoux goes back to the garden with its use of natural materials to create organic, simple pieces. Created by British-Swiss designer Tiffany Rowe, the line’s Bourgeois collection counts seeds, pebbles and shells amongst its list of materials. While some of the metallic resin rings may bring to mind the ancient Bronze Age, others pre-date humans entirely by resembling the natural materials themselves (it’s no coincidence that the look book was partially shot on the beach, as if the grey pebble rings had miraculously washed up there).

To many, Jackie Kennedy is known as the absolute pinnacle of sophistication and grace. If you ever wondered how much that sophistication is worth, we’re guessing somewhere around the tune of £25,000-35,000 (or about $40,000-55,000). At least, that’s how much Sotheby’s is estimating Jackie O’s simulated three-strand pearl and diamond necklace will go for when its auctioned off August 15th at the “Pioneers of Popular Culture” auction in the UK. The necklace comes in its original box along with a photograph of the former First Lady wearing it. Also for sale is a similar single strand necklace and a pair of simulated pearl and diamond ear-clips. If the word “simulated” is catching your eye, you would be right: these aren’t even real jewels. Jackie’s just worth that much.

Is that an oxymoron? Perhaps, but it’s also the name of a real-life brand licensed by Disney, which has produced a Little Mermaid inspired jewelry line. Yes, you read that right. A cause for derision, or a genius plan that could tap into a veritable goldmine of past girlhood fantasies? That’s up to you to decide, but we have to admit that we’re partial to the shark jaw ring. It’s joined by a shark jaw pendant necklace, a charm bracelet and a pair of trident-inspired hoop earrings in gold plating (sea shells, treasure chests and starfish also make an appearance in the line). Regardless of the childish source material, we have a feeling that the mixture of novelty and nostalgia might convert some non-believers.

Fans of larger than life—not to mention low in price—statement jewelry need not look too much further than the designs of Melody Ehsani. Bold, throwback nameplates, two and three finger baubles and chunky earrings are all big reminders that accessories are meant to be fun and playful, and with gems under $100, you can afford to splurge a bit and stack them up.

The blogosphere has been all abuzz when news broke about this pendant in the shape of Karl Lagerfeld’s head. Now, the plot thickens with busts of Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson joining the arsenal of French brand Nous Sommes (see all after the jump). Featuring Gaga in her peroxide blonde hair bow period and Michael in his “Beat It” period (you can make out the collar of his red and gold leather jacket), the pendants join Uncle Karl in a trifecta of pure pop culture goodness. Will you be rocking any of these?

Summertime brings thoughts of summer camp, where the chief concerns were packed lunches, swim tests and, of course, arts and crafts. And by arts and crafts, we mean beaded jewelry. Your not-quite-successful beaded pieces of yesteryear are now honored by British brand Brokenfab, whose seed-bead works sparkle with craftsmanship, color and nostalgia. Tribal influences play a part, of course, as does the cited inspiration of London club culture—but let’s be honest: us Americans have a few similar pieces sitting in a shoe box somewhere. And while these technicolored cuffs, statement neckpieces and elaborate earrings might blow your feeble attempts out of the water, it’s nice to pay homage to simple pleasures with these not-so-simple beaded treasures.

Steven Shein’s jewelry is the stuff little girls’ dreams are made of—pink diamonds, candy red apples and fairy tale castles—just tongue in cheek enough to be appropriate for the pop culture-obsessed adult. Shein’s rings (soon to be under the name of his upcoming line, NEIVZ) are in the acrylic-plexi-polycarbonate vein, with cut-out versions of giant diamonds and fingers giving the peace sign affixed on top. So if you can’t afford that giant rock yourself, why not give yourself a cartoon equivalent? The aforementioned apples, castles and sayings like “MIND BODY SOUL” also grace the rings, providing a thoroughly modern take on the type of jewelry you used to get in plastic bubbles from a candy dispenser.

Don’t be fooled by Pamela Love’s demure name. The jewelry designer creates some fierce pieces—and the prehistoric era seems to be her inspiration, or at least birds and creatures of the reptilian persuasion. Eagle claw rings, crow skull necklaces and snake earrings are set in silvers, bronzes and gunmetals for a paleolithic touch. Tired of girly accessories? Then these science nerd meets stone-age diva pieces might be just the thing.

In his first ever collaboration with Atelier Swarovski, former CITYist Matthew Williamson goes big. This is not unusual for the British designer known for his gemstone-colored dresses. Except this time, the gemstones (or crystals, we should say) are on necklaces, bracelets, earrings and cuffs. Featuring geometric shapes and large-cut crystals that can be seen from a mile away, the pieces are adorned with nearly every color of the spectrum, creating a visually stunning collection. Each piece is significantly different from the other, yet tied together by abstract florals and graphic shapes–making the line some sort of ethnic boho space odyssey.

While it seems that practically everyone has up and fancied themselves a jewelry designer these days, Jennifer Carol Kramer and Heather Marie White certainly have the credentials, working at both W magazine and Marie Claire between them. Their magazine and PR background means they know the value of good styling, good materials and a good story—their debut Jewelry collection, Carol Marie, cites Greek “reef knots” and Byzantine prayer beads as inspiration.

Vice has long been of interest in the art community. Tortured artists have nursed their brilliant minds with booze, pills and smokes for centuries. And now, in the ultimate pop cultural statement, you can wear your poison of choice around your neck. Cast of Vices takes the detritus of our debauchery—bottle caps, cigarette butts, pills and vials—and covers it in silver and gold.

Despite all the endless jewelry options out there, from the high-end to the sidewalk-sold, it’s still difficult to come across that effortless, casual necklace or ring to add some detail to an everyday ensemble. Herewith, we highlight two New York designers who have managed to create modern, earth-inspired jewelry casual enough to be worn all the time, and beautiful enough to merit so much attention.