JUDITH BRIGHT

Washington. D.C.’s National Gallery of Art is a 74-year-old museum holding a large collection of art donated by financier Andrew W. Mellon.

The collection includes art work from such famed artists as Rembrandt, Fra Angelico, and Leonardo da Vinci. Washington D.C. is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Judith Bright.

EVELYN H. JEWELRY

Located in the southeastern province of Sichuan in China are the magnificent Dazu Rock Carvings of Dazu County.

These expertly carved out statues reflect a combination of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist influences. China is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Evelyn Huang.

SHAY LAHOVER

There are fourteen remarkable stations along Jerusalem’s historical route known as the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) in Israel. This centuries-old passage is the destination for thousands who want to trace the path Christ walked prior to the Crucifixion. Israel is also home to featured jewelry designer Shay Lahover.

Based on the jewelry items featured on his website, evil eye jewelry and hamsa pendant necklaces--what I consider to be mainstream--are not among the designs of Lahover’s exquisite designer jewelry collections.

His lux gold bead bracelets and gemstone necklaces, however, do reflect Old World artistry reminiscent of lavish ancient kingdoms.

The rich yellow hues of 22- and 24-karat gold along with the icy sheen of fine silver and platinum are stunning. Large faceted gemstones that include emerald, ruby, sapphire, opal, diamond and aquamarine placed within organic metal settings are quite simply gorgeous.

There is a beautiful peal ring wherein a glossy white pearl is held within a clasp of coiling gold; the design of a pair of earrings resemble white ball flowers the petals of which are outlined in gold. Each design is a different entity seemingly imbued with its own story.

His incredibly bold yet delicate fine jewelry takes inspiration from architecture, wrought iron, and ancient rosettes, and is the result of Lahover’s incorporation of time-honored techniques.

“I chose to remain loyal to the tradition of ancient and original jewelry,” he says. “I graduated from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem twenty-six years ago and I have taken the skills I acquired to create my jewelry.

I mold, flatten, solder, stretch, interweave and beat raw materials by hand until I achieve the details and textures I want.

Each item is one-of-a-kind and is made to adapt to the wearer; to ultimately become one with the wearer.”
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Photo 1 (top right): 22-Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Photo 2 (bottom left): 18-and 24-Karat Yellow Gold Rings with Black and White Diamond

PIAGET

Today we visit Zurich, one of Switzerland’s wealthiest cities, and it is also a locale for 9th century architecture including the Romanesque styled Grossmunster Church, and the Fraunmunster Church. Switzerland is also the home base for featured jewelry brand Piaget.

CHALERMKWAN VEERASILP

It would be a shame to travel to Bangkok, Thailand and not visit one of its most magnificent Buddhist temples, the 13th century Golden Buddha Temple. Thailand is also home to featured jewelry designer Chalermkwan Veerasilp.

STEPHANIE WELLS | DOUBLE HAPPINESS JEWELRY

A site of controversy and urban legends, Mount Soledad continues to be a prominent landmark of San Diego, California.

A 98-year old Latin cross is the focal point of the area, and the area also holds the luxurious residence of the late Dr. Seuss. California is also home to featured jewelry designer Stephanie Wells.

ASTRID PERAUER

A ceiling painting of Prince Eugene, by famed artist Martino Altamonte, and a Baroque sculpture by Balthasar Permoser are among the exquisite interior décor of Austria’s 18th century Belvedere Palace. Austria is also home to featured jewelry designer Astrid Perauer.

NINA BUKVIC

High-end resorts and secluded islands like Vis Island are just some of the great sights to explore in Croatia. Croatia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Nina Bukvic.

HEMA

At over a thousand years old, India’s Ellora Caves is a stunning archaeological site that highlights a rock carved temple of Buddha; and thirty-four caves that represent the faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. India is also the home of featured jewelry designer Hema.

CATHY SUTTON | NEPENTHE STUDIO

A majestic 18th century citadel, the Fortress of Louisbourg, is the largest reconstructed “historical society” in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada.

This historic national site allows guests to step back in time to see how early Canadians lived. Canada is also home to featured jewelry designer Cathy Sutton.

RODRIGO OTAZU

The month of February is the perfect time to take a guided tour of Argentina’s second largest national park, the Los Glaciares National Park.

With a surface area punctuated by beautiful lakes and mountains the region is a haven for tourists eager to explore it. Argentina is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Rodrigo Otazu.

DANA LORENZ | FENTON-FALLON

Located in New York City, New York at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue is the iconic Chrysler Building.

Renowned for its stunning Art Deco architecture the 1,047 foot structure is presently the third tallest building in New York City bested by the 1,200 foot Bank of America Tower in 2007. New York is also home to featured jewelry designer Dana Lorenz.

NICOLE WHISENHUNT

Unparalleled natural beauty makes the Philippines’ Pamalican Island something like a modern day Garden of Eden.

Coconut trees, clear blue waters, and crisp white sands complete the tropical setting where we can soak up the sun, scuba dive, or swim. The Philippines is also home to featured jewelry designer Nicole Whisenhunt.

ORNELLA IANNUZZI

The 12th century Amiens Cathedral, located in Picardy, France, is the country’s tallest “complete cathedral”; a Gothic castle with elaborate statues of saints, and an open arcade. France is also home to featured jewelry designer Ornella Iannuzzi.

MICHA KUCHENHOFF | MICHA DESIGN

Located along the borders of three countries, which includes Germany’s southwestern border, is the picturesque Moselle Valley; an area renowned for its lush scenery and white wine. Germany is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Micha Kuchenhoff.

BILL HICKS JEWELLERY DESIGN

The Purnululu National Park, located in Australia, is the site for seeing remarkable sandstone rock formations known as Bungle Bungle.

The sharp cliffs and plateaus of the landscape make for breathtaking scenery. Australia is also home to featured jewelry designer Bill Hicks.

BEX ROX JEWELLERY

Red squirrels and golden eagles are a few of the fauna you will find amidst the surroundings of England’s Lake District.

You can take part in fishing, canoeing and mountain climbing in the Lake District National Park, and catch a glimpse of England’s tallest mountain, Scafell Pike. England is also home to featured jewelry designer Bex Manners.

HOVEY LEE

Though spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons to visit China’s Baishui Terrace, inclimate conditions do not detract from the marble terraces’ stunning beauty. China is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Hovey Lee.

QUOTABLE GEMS - JODIE FOSTER

Having a great fear of being alone, and having a desperate need for solitude and the solitary experience; that's always been a tug of war for me.