FASHION BY THE RULES: William Belack Jewelry

May 24, 2010

He believes that “there’s a beauty, in a kind of misshapen roughness, in both art and life.” So, Mr. Belack takes his thought and translates it to his métier which is fine jewelry. The end result is a hand made work of art which has been crafted in the manner of the master jewelers and metal workers of times gone by. The pieces might be wrought in gold or sterling and some with stones but always with an incomparable level of awareness for the inherent beauty of each unique creation.

Even though it seems that the jewelry is perfect, there is always an underlying quality of imperfection which echoes back to Mr. Belack’s philosophy. Take for example the winged cuff with its hand wrought hammered surface and yet its perfect depiction of a single wing or notice the semi precious stones which by nature are not perfect. An even more stunning example is used with the branch necklace and twig cuff bracelet where one has only to see it to know the perfect imperfection of nature itself.

Mr. Belack, who is based out of the Miami area, has a very limited distribution but can be found online on his website http://www.belackinc.com/ and don’t forget to keep up with me on Facebook or at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/.

The Designer

FASHION BY THE RULES: What’s Old is New

May 10, 2010

There seems to be a growing trend amongst new talent that entails old world artistry.  In particular, I have noticed this growth in the accessory area. One classification which is almost totally overlooked is millinery and yet there is a burgeoning industry amongst the young designers. There was a time that ladies never left her home without the appropriate headwear but today’s milliners have fashion in mind.

So first up is Victor Osborne who started his business with Zachary Bennett in 2007. They have steadfastly worked together with one aim, to grow their nascent business into a thriving industry. The guys have set up a shop in Williamsburg which also doubles a factory and showroom for their wholesale accounts. The art of hat making is alive and well within these confines and once again we can be introduced to hats as a must have fashion accessory.

Keeping with the old world ways of manufacturing is a jeweler located in London by the name of Duncan Stevens.  Whether creating his works in sterling or in gold or as an accessory or decoration, he continually demonstrates the fine art of manufacturing jewelry. His pieces take on many themes and looks and he is constantly creating new looks for his clientele which now stretches to Dublin and Johannesburg. Duncan has grown to a point where he can now offer “one off” pieces which greatly appeal to the luxury customer.

Both designers hearken back to a  time to when craftsmanship  was an art form as well as to when these items were the must haves of  every ” proper” lady or genleman in their daily wardrobe.

Please look them up on their websites and as always look for me at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/

Giveaway #22 – Winner Sara M. from Cleveland, OH

November 30, 2009

Enter to win a Hadley Necklace from Stone and Honey

Oligoville has partnered with Stone and Honey, to bring you another great giveaway! Enter for your chance to win a Hadley Necklace from Stone and Honey.

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Hadley necklace features a hand cut silver feather riveted to a slab of brilliant brazilian agate. Choose between a deep purple or jade green stone measuring about 3 by 1.75 inches at widest points. Sterling silver feather has a brushed finish. 16 inches of sterling silver chain, closes with a toggle clasp.
Please note: each of our agate necklaces are handmade and one of a kind. because no two stones are exactly alike, the agate used for each necklace will vary slightly from one pictured.
Care: silver can be cleaned with any standard silver cleaner, or silver polishing cloth. Our agate necklaces should not be worn in chlorinated swimming pools, as chlorine may damage or discolor the stone.

A Little About Stone and Honey

Stone and Honey is the latest project from Smallthings jewelry designer Teresa Robinson. Hand-cut sterling silver combined with brazilian agate, crystals, feathers, and other ephemera, make for a collection that is modern, ethereal, and truly one of a kind.

Registration for this giveaway closes on Monday Dec 07, 2009 at 12:00 AM (CST). The winner will be randomly selected and announced in our next round of newsletters along with information to our next great giveaway. Please note, you must be living within the United States to qualify for this giveaway.

For designers who would like to participate in our Oligo Giveaway events, please email product information to our fashion editor at email_editor.

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