We’re now six days into the month of December and the pressure is on to start, or complete, your holiday shopping with only a few more weeks to go before Christmas, Hanukkah or whatever festive event you celebrate begins.

I’m doing majority of my holiday shopping online this year and while enjoying my favourite past-time activity I came across the most stunning statement necklace by DANNIJO, a New York jewellery line founded by sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder in 2008.

The first thought that entered my head when I saw the Aram necklace, was “Holy crap I want this!” Second thought was, “This necklace could stop a speeding bullet forget Kevlar!”

The Aram comes in oxidized silver or brass which gives it an unrefined yet polished look. It has an adjustable chain that allows you to situate the piece close to the neck or freely enough to make the necklace appear as part of an actual shirt collar.

The design concept of having the shape of this necklace resemble a shirt collar is brilliant and very clever; wearing this adds interest and edge to any ensemble.

Aram necklace, DANNIJO ($158 USD)

Image from Dannijo

Last week, I was introduced to Anouk Jewelry and instantly fell head-over-heels for its artisan-like designs that capture the organic beauty of uncut diamonds.

Anat Kaplan, the creative mind behind Anouk Jewelry, is based in Toronto and sources raw diamonds through trustworthy suppliers in the city who work with non-conflict diamonds. Prices range from $550 CDN with custom raw diamond pieces starting at $2,800 CDN.

Anouk Jewelry can be found online at http://anoukjewelry.com/ or in:
•  Made You Look, 1338 Queen Street West, Toronto
•  Zilberschmuck, 910 Kingston Road, Toronto
•  The Guild Shop, 118 Cumberland Street, Toronto

Swiss jewellery and accessories line, Rita & Zia made its first foray into the Canadian market a few weeks ago by announcing the launch of its ecommerce site and introducing its wears during an intimate preview at Brassaii. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend and I’m kicking myself for it, now that I’ve had the chance to check out the pieces online.  

Necklaces

Sandrine Barabinot is the creative mind behind Rita & Zia and has been designing the line since 2006. Her jewellery “embodies sentiments of happiness and good-fortune” aiming “to bring a positive message with each piece.”

Barabinot really does craft some beautifully sophisticated pieces that channel earthly spirituality and energy. Semi-precious stones such as crystals, quartz and jade are paired with sterling silver and plated gold, or various types of wooden beads adding to this organic feel and look.

The charms attached to each bracelet add character and visually interesting images to look at. Recently added to this collection are the serpent, tiger, octopus, butterfly, turtle and elephant charms.

Bracelets

Rita & Zia's jewellery range from $85 to $650 CAD and is designed and produced in Geneva, Switzerland. The line can be found at the most well-known shops in New York, Geneva, Belgium, Paris, Madrid, Saint-Tropez and Cannes. Canadians can purchase pieces through www.rita-zia.com.

Information courtesy of Rita & Zia. Images from Rita & Zia’s Facebook page.

“Wings of Fantasy” is the name used to describe Swarovski’s fall/winter 2011 collection. Initially, when hearing the name of this collection I cocked an eyebrow because it’s a vague description of what to expect in bejewelled goodness from the crystal company.

However, when I attended Swarovski’s f/w 2011 preview it was very clear by the sheer enormity of the pieces in the collection (easily over 50 items), that “Wings of Fantasy” is a fitting title encompassing lines such as jewellery for men and women, Hello Kitty, Disney and small leather goods.

In addition to the number of pieces shown, I was also impressed by the diversity and styles of jewellery and accessories available providing something shiny and new for people of various tastes.

For me, the show stoppers of the collection are the $10,000 crystal covered Hello Kitty and the multiple statement necklaces – I love me some bold jewellery, oh yes I do! My favourites necklaces are: the collar style Prelude necklace for $525, the Phenix for $300 and the circle shaped Paloma for $390.

Aura, a fragrance by Swarovski

Also at the Swarovski preview, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak/whiff of the Company’s new scent, Aura. Aura is a new venture Swarovski is taking into the realm of lifestyle and cosmetics.

Aura is a complex scent that combines white musk, lychee and hints of citrus. The packaging of the fragrance was taken into consideration during its conception and as a result the cases are made from recycled, recyclable cardboard with no inserts and the entire line is refillable. Aura comes in 15 mL to 50 mL bottles and is priced up to $100 depending on size.

Images gallery #2 courtesy of Swarovski

The trend in accessories for spring 2011 reveals an explosion in cool and innovative watch designs. Below are a few of my favourite timepieces.

Old England

More than 40 years ago Old England burst onto London’s fashion scene with watches coveted by the likes of Twiggy and Elton John. The brand has experienced a rebirth with 30 new styles of timepieces taking inspiration from its British heritage and combining classic shapes, symbols and bold colours. Old England is currently being sold at Selfridges and is listed at various prices in pound sterling.

Hamilton

Founded in 1892, Hamilton is known for its innovative designs and lengthy involvement with Hollywood, its products appearing in 400 films. The brand’s latest collection, “Modern Times by Hamilton” looks towards world of cinema for inspiration, particularly Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 movie Modern Times.

Hamilton JazzMaster Thin-O-Matic. A 38mm champagne dial with flex bracelet. Retail: $1,050 CDN.

Lady Hamilton Vintage. This model is available in a squared or one oval-shape, consists of a mother of pearl dial and silver PVD. Retail: $550.00 CDN.

RADO

Rado’s forward thinking designs and use of high-tech materials positions this brand at the forefront of watch design and technology. For spring 2011, Rado continues with the development of its r5.5 collection in partnership with designer, Jasper Morrison. Its newest piece is the r5.5 White Jubilé.

RADO r5.5 by Jasper Morrison in white‏. A high-tech white ceramic watch with sapphire crystal, eight diamonds and quartz movement. Retail: $3,000.

ToyWatch

One of the younger but immensely popular watch brands around is ToyWatch. For spring 2011, ToyWatch launches the “‘ToyWatch dressed by Missoni' limited edition collection, featuring “colourful Missoni knit fabric with leather buckles or the Missoni knit with silk scarf tie ends in signature Missoni patterns. Each watch comes in a large, visually striking spool shaped box.”

Images and information courtesy of Hamilton, Old England, Rado and ToyWatch

I really like this interview between Stefani Greenfield and renowned jewellery designer, Gerard Yosca. The interview was primarily sponsored through Gilt Groupe but it gives you very good insight into Yosca’s creative mind and his workshop – where all the shiny and beautiful magic happens.

Yosa prefers to call himself a “fashion designer” rather than pigeonhole himself as a jewellery designer; being a fashion designer is more in line with his views and philosophy on craftsmanship, artistry and the ever changing landscape of fashion.

I love large statement jewellery and it’s definitely one of the reasons why I’m drawn to Yosca’s designs. To see and hear Yosca talk about his work will give you a greater appreciation and admiration for it.

Gerard Yosca's jewellery can be found at the Bay.

PS: who knew that Yosca started the butterfly hair pin craze trend back in the day? I didn’t. You learn something new every day!

Chinese New Year was last week but from what I'm told the party continues all month long in Hong Kong. Therefore, continuing my post-New Year countdown here are several products in red that may bring you some luck in the year of the rabbit. 

PUMA Red, by OPI

To celebrate PUMA’s exclusive line of ballerina flats launching at Browns Shoes and B2 in April, they’ve teamed up with OPI to create a special gift with purchase at select stores. PUMA Red is a brilliantly sexy and stylish nail colour, and is limited to only 50 bottles per participating store.

Tribal print scarf, Danier

Danier’s globally themed spring 2011 collection, Wander + Lust, uses graphic prints and rich colours such as teal, violet and red.

VD Red Friendship Bracelet, SOOS Rocks

SOOS Rocks’ newest jewellery collection, L’Amour is “inspired by timeless romance, the power of friendship, and real-life fairy tales.” This VD red friendship bracelet with its red rope and heart charm is delightful.

Images courtesy of Danier, PUMA Canada and SOOS Rocks

I love statement jewellery; it’s big, bold, beautiful and it draws attention. The other week I came across jewellery designed by Alex Fraga who is based in Brazil. He creates beautiful pieces all made from natural semi-precious stones such as onyx, tiger’s-eye and amethyst. Only three of a kind is made which makes them very unique. 

** Blog entry update: Alex Fraga's jewellery can be purchased at the Bay - Queen Street (now), Montreal and Vancouver (starting September 2010).

Rings 

Necklaces

Bracelets

Images from Alex Fraga

This holiday season designer pop-up stores are all the rage throughout the City of Toronto. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, a “pop-up retail space is a venue that is temporary... (it) allows a company to create a unique environment that engages their customers, as well as generates a feeling of relevance and interactivity,” buzz and exposure (Wikipedia).

I haven’t been able to attend most of the pop-up stores, but I did go to the Bijouxbead Holiday Pop-Up Interactive Store held at the Fair Trade Jewellery Company and had the pleasure of meeting the charming Darlene Martin, jewellery designer and creative mind behind Bijouxbead.

For Martin’s holiday pop-up store she created an eight piece collection inspired by the spring/summer 2010 creations by Canadian designers, such as Evan Biddell, David Dixon, Brandon Dwyer and Sonny Fong. Each necklace had eight strands and was composed of sterling silver and glass crystal pieces – they were quite beautiful and well made.

You still have a few days to drop by, see Martin’s creations and do a little holiday shopping. Here are the details:

Date: December 1 – 14, 2009
Location: The Atelier of The Fair Trade Jewellery Company
523 Parliament Street, Toronto
Phone: (647) 430-8741

Hours:
Monday – Tuesday by appointment only
Wednesday – Friday 12:30pm-8:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 11:30am-6:00pm

Pictures taken by Kimberly Lyn