Elizabeth Taylor once said, “Jewelry has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.” Shall we say more?
In our pursuit of the most unique and personal gifts to give this holiday season, we found an assortment of bracelets, bangles, necklaces and rings, each handcrafted from a variety of local jewelry designers. For those obsessed with fine gold and precious metal to colorful beads, stones with healing properties or just bling, we’ve got you covered.
Each artist is passionate about their craft, which is translated into their designs.
Designer: Annie Fensterstock Fine Jewelry
Specialty: Annie is known for her intricate designs that utilize ancient goldsmithing techniques. She works in 18-karat gold, 22-karat gold, sterling silver and platinum. She uses precious gemstones including less traditional cuts of diamonds as well as rubies, sapphires, opals and Paraiba tourmalines. Many of her bracelets, earrings and necklaces feature open framework that lends itself to the Renaissance, Baroque, or Art Nouveau style.
“All of my jewelry is individually hand fabricated. I don’t use molds and I alloy my own gold. I combine traditional goldsmithing techniques with a modern aesthetic to make jewelry for the strong, independent woman,” she says.
Description: Edgy chic, timeless.
Inspiration: Art, architecture, music and family.
Prices: $200 and up.
Where to get it: anniefensterstock.com
nickel-wound “E” guitar string, silvertone and
glass beads with microphone charm detail on
pick with lobster clasp, $35.
Designer: Black Flamingo Designs
Specialty: Owner/Designer Louise Iacono uses guitar picks and guitar strings that she upcycles to create one-of-a-kind bracelets and earrings. Some of her customized picks feature unique designs from an Australian-based artist she works with. Many of her clients are guitarists and music aficionados.
“Guitar string bracelets are my creation,” she says. “Some customers send me their own strings and picks. One customer found her late grandfather’s guitar after 35 years. I made a bracelet out of the guitar strings for the girl’s mother for Christmas. She was so choked up. I love doing stuff like that.”
(Side note: Louise made guitar string bracelets for Bret Michaels, the ex-lead singer of Poison, and each band member.)
Inspiration: Any type of music, especially classic rock.
Price: $20 earrings; men’s guitar bracelet $35; women’s guitar bracelet $25-$30.
Where to get it: Available at bkflamingo.etsy.com and the Tri-County Flea Market through Christmas.
Designer: Maude Graham
Specialty: Jane Zuckerberg, owner of Say La Vie, a clothing/accessories boutique in Cold Spring Harbor, formerly the tie-dye lady, started creating jewelry under a pseudonym.
“I couldn’t find any jewelry that I wanted to wear so I figured I would create it myself,” she says. Zuckerberg uses freshwater pearls, a combination of beads that she says possess healing properties, and a buddha or druzy for glitter and she always adds quartz crystals to the mix for what she describes as The Master Protector.
“I only create jewelry when I feel calm, happy and centered,” she says. “Everything is made with love. There is an energy to the stones and crystals I use.
“For example, Amazonite has a peaceful, calming vibe and Labradorite offers protection from negativity,” she continues. “Citrine attracts abundance and Lepidolite is a mood booster. Buddha reminds me to live and treat others as I wish to be treated and Ganesha is the remover of obstacles in one’s path.”
Description: Jewelry with a spiritual edge.
Inspiration: Nature and the ocean and the beach.
Prices: $20-$35 baby jewelry; $45, $60, $75 bracelets; $295-$500 and up for beaded jewelry with diamonds and gold.
Where to get it: shopsaylavieboutique.com
