JEWELRY

Designer Jewelry

NY NOW – Featuring Blue Blue Driver
February 25, 2025

I was so excited to meet June of Blue Blue Driver, someone who excels at what she does and loves to teach others the craft as well. Her pieces are so incredible to the point where you almost don’t believe they’re all done by hand. The art of engraving a piece of fine jewelry is a skill that takes precision and practice, and I have always found it difficult to find people who even know how to do it! I also often only see hand-engraved words, but June’s skillset surpasses “just words.” She can do gorgeous scrollwork, patterns, textures, critters, animals, you name it! I was enchanted by the tiny ant pendant in her collection – I’ve never thought of myself as a fan of ants…in fact, I actually hate them, but this pendant was just perfection and depicted the ant in such a charismatic way. Now that is talent!

Name: June Cream

Where from/where are you based: Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico but I spent 10 years in Seattle before this and grew up in Southern California

How long have you been in the jewelry industry:

Zodiac sign: Gemini

Favorite gemstone: I don’t really have a favorite gemstone but I’m suddenly obsessed with tanzanite because I just love the deep periwinkle color

Favorite piece in your collection: I have lots of fun jewelry that I’ve made and some that’s been passed on to me by my grandmother but I have to say my wedding ring is my favorite and most special thing I own! I carved them both by hand out of 18k gold in a deep relief acanthus scroll design.

3 words to describe your jewelry: longevity, quality, sentimental

*photos by Lauren Newman for Gem Gossip

Related Posts

NY NOW – Featuring Olivve

Designer Jewelry

NY NOW – Featuring Mercurius Jewelry

Designer Jewelry

NY NOW – Featuring Dohee Studio

Designer Jewelry

Write a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Δ

Jewelry Collection Stories

Jewelry Collection Story – Kate of @imsaintkatherine
February 26, 2025

Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from someone I insisted that they share, even though she doesn’t have an elaborately large collection. Which we can all respect – I’ve always said your best dealer is one who doesn’t hoard everything for themselves. Kate loves jewelry – she has been selling jewelry for a really long time, but she is very specific with what she keeps and it is few and far between! Every piece within her collection has a story and a reason it is hers. Let’s learn more about this girl who lives in New York who we like to call @imsaintkatherine:

“I’ve been collecting things since I can remember! When I was a kid, I used to collect the little bags that had buttons that came off of blouses. You know what I’m talking about? I had a pencil case and would be so excited to go through and sort the bags and buttons. As I grew up, my collections grew with me and eventually I got HEAVY into costume jewelry when I was in my late teens (this is still a big love of mine). Then the natural progression to fine jewelry took hold and it’s been a wild ride ever since!”

“My number one and my favorite thing to collect are Saint Christopher medals that specifically have the car on the back. I grew up Catholic, but like with a lower case ‘c’, and the imagery and iconography of it all has always stayed with me. Hence the name Saint Katherine! I’m also a big car guy, thanks to my dad. I’m incredibly sentimental, and collecting these medals with cars ranging from 1910 to the 1970s makes me feel closer to my dad and, oh my god, I’m getting emotional. I also collect (jewelry and otherwise) devil pieces! I have some favorites, but I have a Ruser devil and baroque pearl pin that means a lot to me. My good friend Paul gifted me a vintage sterling silver angel pendant that he added 14K yellow gold horns to and it’s one of my favorite pieces ever. Is it obvious that my Catholic upbringing still runs deep in these veins? Brb, calling my therapist.”

“I’ve been selling jewelry for over ten years and there’s something so exciting about the history of it all. I love learning about every aspect of it and have some GIA classes under my belt! I tend to be a 0 of 100 type of person, and so I am continually educating myself to learn as much as I can. But truthfully, I can’t explain it. There’s just a palpable energy with jewelry that gets me going. It’s intangible but it’s strong. I’ve stopped trying to figure out why I’m so transfixed. Maybe it’s as simple as it’s bright and shiny and pretty. Who knows!”

“Where do I find pieces? I’m kind of all over the place with this. When I’m back home in Kentucky I legitimately have a circuit of antique malls and Peddlers Malls in Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati that never disappoint. I’m currently in upstate New York and I drive hours to hit the spots that have the goods. Obviously, I keep my connections pretty dang close to the vest, but I will say I have worked extremely hard over the years to make connections and open doors/windows/vents in any way that I can. Being nice, inquisitive, persistent, (and kind of cute) pays off!”

“You know the expression, ‘You don’t want to see how the sausage gets made’? That’s kind of how I feel about my jewelry storage. I collect antique leather and velvet jewelry boxes of all sizes, and I just have things in individual plastic bags shoved into 15 different boxes. There’s no rhyme or reason, and the pieces deserve better. But it’s just how my brain works. It feels practical and utilitarian, and I have a pretty photographic memory so I can think about a piece and know exactly where it’s at. It works for me but it’s the least sexy thing imaginable.”

“There’s only one piece of jewelry that never leaves my body, and it’s the diamond studs that Kyle bought me. A long time ago, back when I didn’t have any fine jewelry, Kyle surprised me with a pair of diamond studs, and I felt like I was walking on a cloud. It’s cheeseball, but it felt like I was in a movie. Someone loves me and they bought me diamonds?! I guess I’m susceptible as any to that sort of feeling. My most sentimental piece is something I can’t even look at without feeling my heart grow two sizes. I purchased an antique locket, and I wanted to keep notes from my mom and dad on either side. It’s not just the notes that mean a lot; it’s the day they wrote them. My mom re-wrote hers multiple times because she wanted it perfect. My dad wrote his once and then was trying to help me fix the frame back in and accidentally stabbed my finger and I started bleeding. It all felt very eventful. Hah. When I went to take photographs of this piece, I realized that Kyle had also slipped a note in, and I started weeping. I love my family. I love Kyle. And it’s such a special feeling to have something that makes me feel connected to everyone regardless of distance and time. THATS what makes jewelry so magical. That it can make you feel like this. And you can carry it on your person, but more importantly in your heart. Okay, I’m crying. Bye.”

You can follow Kate here —> @imsaintkatherine

Related Posts

Jewelry Collection Story – Kellan of @kellancourtingcarats

Jewelry Collection Stories

Jewelry Collection Story – Janice of @gemsandgoldohmy

Jewelry Collection Stories

Jewelry Collection Story – Louisa of @goldfinder444

Jewelry Collection Stories

Write a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Δ

Designer Jewelry

NY NOW – Featuring Mercurius Jewelry
February 27, 2025

Alisa and David are the husband and wife duo behind Mercurius Jewelry. I’ve interviewed them for May is Gold Month awhile back and have been a huge fan of their work for quite sometime. This was actually my first time meeting Alisa and seeing their work in person! It was such a treat to see all the enticing opaque gemstones they’re known for using, as well as some bridal, like their latest addition which deserved a solo photo, and their new collection featuring intarsia + fairmined gold. The intarsia hoops combine different colorways of turquoise inlaid beautifully in a fanned shape. Take a look at their website for more!

Name: Alisa and David Thorp

Where from/where are you based: based in Oakland, CA

How long have you been in the jewelry industry: Dave has been in the industry for 28 years and I’ve had a toe in since we got married 17 years ago, but went more full-time 9 years ago

Zodiac sign: my sun is in Cancer and Dave’s is in Capricorn

Favorite gemstone: My favorite gemstone is Zircon, and Dave’s is any bi-color crystal. We both love lapis and jade.

Favorite piece in your collection:currently we are both pretty obsessed with our Intarsia hoops

3 words to describe your jewelry: Artisanal, Transformative, Striking

*photos by Lauren Newman for Gem Gossip

Related Posts

NY NOW – Featuring Olivve

Designer Jewelry

NY NOW – Featuring Blue Blue Driver

Designer Jewelry

NY NOW – Featuring Dohee Studio

Designer Jewelry

Write a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Δ

Jewelry Collection Stories

Jewelry Collection Story – Kellan of @kellancourtingcarats
February 28, 2025

Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from Kellan of @kellancourtingcarats. She is someone I began following after seeing her posts from one of my challenges. I was blown away every time by the jewelry as well as the photo-taking skills, so obviously it was an instant follow for me! I’m so excited to get to know her a bit better, let’s dive in:

“I’ve been a jewel-hoarding dragon for as long as I can remember. It all began around the age of five, when my great-grandmother, Nana, first showed me the contents of her jewelry box. I was completely awestruck by the jewels and the stories behind them, and this quickly became my most requested activity during our visits. She’d indulge my fascination, and I would lose myself in the glittering diamonds, the moody Bohemian garnets, the bold electric pink ruby, and the cool depths of aquamarine, hoping one day to have these pieces in my own jewelry box.

Soon after I began collecting rough gemstones—those humble treasures from tiny shops where you could fill a bag for just a few dollars—and any pretty rock I could find in nature, antique coins and bills found at weekend auctions, and a few rings. I was particularly enamored with onyx and opal stones, and Claddagh rings.

In high school, I dove deep into sterling silver and accumulated a collection of rings (mostly blue moonstone and labradorite), earrings, pendants, and bangles. I’d pile on more pieces until even the slightest movement would result in a satisfying symphony of metal clinking against metal.

In my early 20s, I became obsessed with antique engagement rings, easily losing hours scrolling through images online, saving my favorites for what I imagined might one day be the perfect engagement ring (big diamond target ring with sapphire halo was my favorite at the time!). I couldn’t pass by a jewelry shop without peeking in the window and often popped in to try on rings just for fun. (Add coffee and snacks and this is still by far my favorite activity!) Around this time I also took an intensive silversmithing course and set up a little workshop at home. I made a few pieces; most to keep but I sold a few, too.

Fast forward a couple of decades to the end of 2020 when I discovered a few Instagram accounts dedicated to antique jewelry, and the joy of participating in the annual Jewel Advent. I acquired my first antique Victorian diamond ring from a trusted seller soon after and the rest, as they say, is history.”

“I have always been fascinated by the night sky, never missing an opportunity to gaze at the glowing moon and twinkling stars. No surprise then that the delicate starbursts and crescent moons of the Victorian era resonate deeply with me. They capture the quiet wonder of all things celestial—timeless, serene, and magical.

The ethereal beauty of Art Nouveau with its graceful, organic lines best captures my vibe, and the style is reminiscent of one of my favorite artist’s work, Alphonse Mucha. I am equally drawn to the bold elegance of Art Deco, with its icy white metals, sharp symmetry, and often larger-than-life presence. Every era has its unique charm and I can always find something to appreciate about a piece.

As a sentimental romantic, I’m drawn to jewels that carry personal meaning with a numerical reference: a 23-stone piece to commemorate our wedding date, a 13-stone design to represent my husband’s birthdate, and a 20-stone ring to celebrate our anniversary. This is also an excellent way to justify a purchase—another ring for every year of marriage!!!

“I’m also irresistibly drawn to blue and green stones, no surprise given my love of nature. Vivid green chrysoprase like new Spring leaves, dark green tourmaline like pine trees shrouded in mist, while velvety blue sapphires contain the night sky, blue moonstone glows like its namesake, and aquamarine glitters like the tropical seas. The moody blues and greens calm me, while the brighter hues invigorate and excite me.

And then, of course, there are diamonds—that’s a motif, right? In truth, most of my collection revolves around diamonds in nearly every shape, cut, and size. I’m particularly enamored with the old cuts, their perfectly imperfect hand-cut facets and open culets, the gentle sparkle of rose cuts, the sharp precision of step cuts… There’s something about knowing they were cut by candlelight, that gives them irresistible character and allure. Modern machine-cut stones just don’t compare.

I love uniquely beautiful and balanced pieces, whether it’s symmetry in the design or the contrast between dark onyx or sapphire next to bright diamonds. Comfort is paramount for me, so smooth and hefty rings that gently hug the finger are most welcome to join my collection. I have a soft spot for toi et moi rings, navette rings for their flattering elongating effect on the hand, softly worn engravings and sentimental inscriptions, bezel settings, and low-profile rings. I’m still searching for the perfect diamond tourbillon ring–such a satisfying and mesmerizing design!”

“Jewelry is the most exquisite form of wearable art—tiny, perfect expressions of self. One’s style and vibe, one’s mood even, can be expressed through jewelry. These portable little treasures accompany us through life, marking momentous occasions, celebrating milestones, and honoring the memories of loved ones lost along the way. Each piece carries a deep, personal meaning, unique to its wearer.

As an artist, I am in awe of the delicate details and exceptional craftsmanship woven into every piece. How skilled those hands must have been to shape such beauty! There is something deeply humbling in knowing that these pieces have endured for decades, sometimes centuries, surviving the passage of time.”

“I have found most of my treasures from trusted sellers on Instagram: Vintage What, Vintage Gems NH, Dolwenbelle, Luna Merchant, and Pebble & Polish, to name just a few. I also love hunting for jewels in antique shops, vintage markets, and estate sales. There’s always that delightful unpredictability of never knowing what you might stumble upon, tucked away waiting to be discovered. That sense of adventure, of serendipity, is a thrill all its own.”

“I have a special piece with a fascinating backstory!

In the late 1800s, my maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Camille Louis Brandt (1859-1930), was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, a town known for its fine watchmaking traditions. Camille became both a watchmaker and jeweler, and he loved to joke that he was the illegitimate son of Louis Brandt, the famous founder of Omega, as they shared both a name and hometown. Camille handcrafted jewelry for our family and had a shop on 5th Avenue in Brooklyn, NY.

We knew of one particular creation: a stunning old pear-cut diamond snake ring. My mother and I had heard about it but never actually seen it. We assumed it had been lost to time, perhaps vanished in the passage of generations; it was quite a perplexing mystery. That is until my maternal grandfather passed away in 2023.

While my mother was sorting through over 150 years’ worth of family heirlooms in our ancestral home in upstate New York, the ring appeared, almost as if it had been waiting for her. Hidden away for decades, it had nearly been lost forever. In true magpie fashion, she rescued it, and now, this beautiful piece continues to grace hands—spending summers in Vermont with my mom and winters in Florida with me. A timeless treasure, forever linked to our family’s legacy.”

“Jewelry storage is a challenge! I’ve often thought I should design my own box, as I’ve yet to find one that satisfies my vision and storage needs. For now, I rely on stackable trays from The Container Store, which do the job, though they are more function than beauty. I have a few small antique multi-ring boxes, each with its own charm, but they are far too small to house all my rings! One day, I’d love to adopt a large velvet-lined antique box that truly reflects the beauty of the pieces it will house.”

“I’m a creature of habit and tend to gravitate toward pieces that are comfortable and versatile—ones I can wear every day without thinking twice. Low-profile bezel- or flush-set diamond rings and bands are my daily companions.

My most sentimental piece is a humble little heart locket with a tiny seed pearl on the front. Inside is a photo of my dearly departed Nana, the most wonderful, caring, sweet, kind, and thoughtful person I have ever had the great fortune to know.”

You can follow Kellan here —> @kellancourtingcarats

Related Posts

Jewelry Collection Story – Kate of @imsaintkatherine

Jewelry Collection Stories

Jewelry Collection Story – Janice of @gemsandgoldohmy

Jewelry Collection Stories

Jewelry Collection Story – Louisa of @goldfinder444

Jewelry Collection Stories

Write a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Δ

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.