Michael M.'s "Sapphire Collection"

Founded in 2008 by father and son Michael and Peter Meksian, Michael M. prides itself on designing fashion and bridal jewelry collections with an edgy yet sophisticated twist. 

All pieces are crafted in the their downtown Los Angeles studio, using the finest quality precious metals and sparkling gemstones. Michael M. designs appeal to trendsetting women who want longevity from their fine jewelry purchases.

Launched in March 2012, the Sapphire Collection was inspired by the Meksian’s passion for mixing colored gemstones with diamonds, along with their desire to keep the price point accessible. 

The collection consists of 18 styles including dangling earrings, pendants, multi-lined bracelets, and cocktail rings.

 Each design is set in silver, and showcases the beauty and multi-colorations of natural sapphires. The silver is rhodium plated, creating a vintage-inspired and timeless feel within a modern design. 

These pieces are ideal for daily and eveningwear.  

www.michaelmcollection.com

Reena Ahluwalia Does It Again! "Shining Stars for Royal Asscher

Royal Asscher’s latest “'Shining Stars” affordable floating-diamonds collection made its debut at the Luxury at JCK and JCK Las Vegas Show. 


This latest collection designed by Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher is inspired by the day and night of the African Savannah and its animal magnetism.


This new collection consists of beautiful pendants and stunning rings. The styles continue to feature free-floating diamonds encased in a fluid-filled sapphire dome, giving them the effect of shimmering stars.

Affordable and on trend are two descriptions that you seldom see side-by-side, but in this latest collection from Royal Asscher you get BOTH! Following the huge success of their "Stars of Africa" Collection, designer Reena Ahluwalia brings a VERY Fashionable and Affordable collection set in Gem Ceramic or Silver with Yellow & Rose Gold plating that still features their popular floating diamonds design.


"We strongly believe in using conflict-free diamonds for development. It was important for me to highlight Africa, yet again. Proceeds from sales will continue to support Royal Asscher's 'Stars of Africa', Africa-focused fundraising initiative." says Reena on the Royal Asscher Facebook page.


African savannah, abstract leopard and cheetah prints are the inspiration for 'Shining Stars' collection. One of 2011’s hottest looks and a look we are seeing as a strong influence this Fall.  We see this exotic trend hugely influencing runways and street fashion. Versatile to mix with any of your neutrals or with the bright color stories of the Fall Runways.

The Latest Member of the "Shining Stars" Collection...
Ceramics combined with 18k rose, yellow and white gold and floating diamonds. Ceramic is extremely durable, shatterproof and scratch-proof. It is also light weight as compared to metals such as platinum and gold.

ABOUT ROYAL ASSCHER: Legendary history of innovation and gemological excellence. Asscher family had cut the largest diamond ever found the 3105-carat Star of Africa (Cullinan) diamond in 1908. The company had also cut the ‘Excelsior’ diamond in 1903. Royal Asscher was the first company in the world to patent a diamond cut; The ‘Asscher Cut’ in 1902. They are also the inventors of the famous ‘Royal Asscher Cut’ introduced in 2001.http://www.royalasscher.com/en/page/38/history.html

ABOUT DESIGNER REENA AHLUWALIA: http://www.reenaahluwalia.com/Profile.html

Collectible Frank Patania Silver - New Pieces Available!

Recently, Arizona Jeweler, Sam Patania, sent a notice to friends and collectors of Frank Patania Sr.'s Silverwork:


"I have received a 9 piece collection of jewelry given by my grandfather, Frank Patania Sr., to his sister when he would take trips back to New York City from Santa Fe, NM  to visit his family. Three of the pieces, a bracelet in sterling and coral, a necklace in sterling and coral and a pin in sterling and turquoise have my grandfather's personal hallmark. The others have combinations of the hallmarks used by the craftsmen in Frank's studio. These pieces will be provided with written provenance for collectors.

This is a once in a life time opportunity to own vintage Patania jewelry with clear provenance, given with love by Frank Patania Sr. himself, to his sister from the 1930's to the 1950's.

Photographs, written descriptions and pricing provided by request."

Contact Info at the bottom of this article...

Frank Patania, Sr. is the first generation Jeweler in a Family Dynasty that runs Three Generations - Sam is the current generation of a family whose work is installed in the Smithsonian.  

For those who may not be familiar with the Patania name, a bit to whet your curiousity:

Frank Patania, Sr.

Three generations of Patania men have been working for over 70 years, creating jewelry and decorative objects that have come to be known for their excellence in craftsmanship and design. In October 2000, Kenneth Trapp, co-curator of the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery, took possession of three Patania bracelets to be placed in the museum's permanent jewelry collection.

Frank Patania, Jr.

The renowned Renwick Gallery's acknowledgment of the family's work came as no surprise to those who were already admirers, clients, and collectors of Patania pieces, but the move did confirm the family's important role in 20th century jewelry.

Sam Patania 

Trapp himself perhaps said it best, in talking to the Arizona Daily Star, October 25, 2000 about the acquired Patania bracelets: "I really feel that these three pieces represent the very best of craftspeople and designers. What interests me is the quality of design-they're absolutely stunning." 


From Patania: 70 years of Excellence  by Shari Watson Miller 

For more info click thru - the Miller article is accompanied by dramatic photos of truly stunning jewelry that is a piece of our history!

Frank, Sr. was an Italian immigrant whose work was dramatically and forever changed with his introduction to SouthWest style of Native American silversmiths in the 1920's.  The result of the marriage of the two styles became known as the Patania Thunderbird Style.

The significance of these new pieces is HUGE - the provenance couldn't get any better.  Being a gift to his own sister.  Inquiries, prices and information will be provided on request.

Sam Patania can be reached through his website at:

http://patanias.com/home.html

Additional information and resources:

Shari Miller's complete article: http://www.modernsilver.com/patania.htm

Bahti Indian Arts: http://www.bahti.com/

I hope you enjoy clicking through these resources and learning about the talent of the Patania Jewelers. You will find a style that works for you - whether you are drawn to the Southwest style of Frank, Sr; the clean modernist work of Frank, Jr or the still emerging style of Sam Patania, the current standard bearer of the family!

Wendy Culpepper

Wendy Culpepper

Contemporary

Handcrafted

Designer Jewelry

http://www.wendyculpepper.com/

Wendy’s introduction to the arts and metals came at the University of Florida as an Engineering and Fine Arts Student. Originally focusing on her strong drawing skills, she traveled to Florence, Italy to immerse herself in a study of diverse mediums. This search for her artistic Muse had her exploring metalsmithing and jewelry design...the perfect blend, engineering, fabrication and the creativity she craved.

Following her heart, Wendy furthered her jewelry education by completing the Fashion Institute of Technology's vigorous bench jewelry and design program, graduating with the coveted honor of top design student. With her jewelry designs and beaded work selling right from her neck, Wendy began to explore an online business for her well-received pieces.

Culpepper’s first experience in the Jewelry Industry came when she joined the product development team at Me & Ro Jewelry (famous for their numerous celebrity clients). Her success in this position encouraged Wendy to look into launching her own line...and in 2005, W. Culpepper was born!

Wendy’s work is best known for her strong, simple carvings, bold statements, wear-ability and classic elegance. Her feminine and balanced pieces have led to a strong clientele and followers ranging from editors, stylists, celebrities and popular personalities. Her pieces have been featured in Lucky, InStyle, Redbook, People, and the Rachel Ray Show to name just a few!

The collections from this artist, range from the strong yet fluid movement of the Paradise Collection to the fun and feminine florals in the Flower of Life Collection and everything between... culminating in the funky organic feel of the Alligator Collection. There is a collection that will suit the mood and style of every woman.

While it is her Jewelry that drew me in, I think it was Wendy’s Artists Statement that spoke to me...below is just a small part of that statement:
“When working on a piece, I tend to have personal battles. I put my heart into my ideas, and I put a piece of myself in everything I do. I tend to be in my work, but as each piece progresses, it’s unusual for the audience to actually see all that I intended. I find that I mask so many of the ideas I begin with. Something in me tends to hold me back from fully exposing the ideas that I want to share. This obstacle is what I am working toward overcoming.”

Infinitely wearable - W. Culpepper can be purchased through their website and in various retail outlets http://www.wendyculpepper.com/