APRIL STAR DAVIS

Turquoise and Gold Orbital Bracelet

Named for Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Balboa Park is a nearly 200 year old site that offers lush scenery, performers and the San Diego Zoo.  California is also home to featured jewelry designer April Star Davis.

Though the Ohm, star, four leaf clover and cross symbols make up a portion of Davis’ affordable (and eco-friendly) fashion jewelry collections, raw gemstones, crystals and geodes are clearly her passion. 

In many cases she provides extensive info on the stones used in her straightforward yet pretty pendant necklaces.  

The glimmer of citrine, amethyst, blue druzy, rose and crystal quartz are a selection of the bevy glam rocks implemented!

However, amid the Earth Goddess spirituality of these designs is a tad of edgy grit.  Pairing a recycled sterling silver anatomical heart pendant with a silver bird’s skull reveals the designer’s dark underbelly.

The imagery evokes not only a Goth, biker-chick vibe but a stark interpretation of life and love.  I envision a dejected lover mourning the end of a relationship.  He/she layers the necklaces as a reminder to never give his/her heart away to the wrong man or woman.

Crystal and Agate Star Bracelet

Davis’ story began seventeen years ago while working at a bead shop.  Strapped for cash she wanted nice but affordable jewelry.  When she could not find what she wanted she started making her own.

She then ventured into costume design where she built relationships with actors, stylists, and other costume designers.  The networking paid off in a big way!  She was sought after by costume designers for television series including Grey’s Anatomy, Nip/Tuck, and Friends.

“April’s designs are always original and versatile enough to use on almost any character I design costumes for,” says Costume Designer Denise Wingate.  “We have worked together for over 10 years and her jewelry is always the perfect complement to any outfit.”

These accomplishments led to trinket requests from stellar celebs like Kate Moss, Justin Timberlake, and Gisele Bundchen.   Close to Davis’ heart, however, is her charity work with Ugandan women.

“I went to Uganda to teach women how to make jewelry and the experience changed my life and theirs.  They sell their jewelry at Equator Jewelry.  For over 10 years I have also been donating jewelry for charity auctions. 

Blue Quartz Thick Chain Necklace

I decided to get other designers involved with Drop in the Bucket.  

The money earned at auction was used to build a water pump that gives drinking water to over 1,200 Ugandan children.”

2014 Jewelry Trend Alert:  Davis’ simple design aesthetic highlights, of course, the year’s style trend of minimalism in the honest beauty of geode or druzy pendants.  

In addition, her inclusion of 14-karat gold filled and sterling silver metals and crystals place Davis on point for the style trend of fashion (costume) jewelry.