SUSAN SARANTOS

Dragonfly Pendant Necklace

One of the few functioning, hand-carved carousels is located in Rhode Island’s Crescent Park.

Built 120 years ago by Danish craftsman Charles I.D. Looff, the carousel boasts 61 horses; 56 of which are in jumping poses.

Rhode Island is also home to featured jewelry designer Susan Sarantos.

REGINA PIERALLINI JEWELRY DESIGN

18K Gold Vermeil Teardrop Blue Quartz Earrings

With a powerful eruption that buried two ancient cities with ash, Italy’s Mount Vesuvius is a must-see!  

Paintings excavated from Pompeii, one of the buried cities, are remarkably well-preserved.

For those who climb the volcano’s summit will be awe-struck by the view of that city.  Italy is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Regina Pierallini.

SHAMILA JIWA

Marquise Lale Lapis & Sapphire Earrings
with 18K Gold Accents

At over eight hundred years old the majestic Qutub Minar mosque stands prominently in India’s capital city Delhi.  

With a height of 238 feet it is the tallest mosque in the world, and is also renowned for its stunning blend of “Indo-Islamic architecture.”  India is also the ancestral home to featured jewelry designer Shamila Jiwa.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | DANNIJO | SEPTEMBER 2015

Seven-year-old jewelry brand DANNIJO is an extension of the personal style of its founders, sisters Jodie and Danielle Snyder.  It is a brand characterized by a diverse collection of stylishly edgy, bold and elegant trinkets.

A photo posted by DANNIJO (@dannijo) on Aug 6, 2015 at 12:21pm PDT

A photo posted by DANNIJO (@dannijo) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:13am PDT

A photo posted by DANNIJO (@dannijo) on May 12, 2015 at 12:54pm PDT

ADVA PUNIN & TAL MANNING | MEZI|

Dunaway Cuff Bracelet with Crystal Flower
and Box Chain

With a kinetic nightlife, nature park tours and unusual cuisine Darwin, Australia has something for everyone.

Australia is also home to featured jewelry design team Adva Punin and Tal Manning.

HIROTAKA INOUE

18K Gold Vermeil Camouflage Leaf
Insect Ring

The 17^th century Nijo Castle, located in Kyoto, Japan, is a marvel of ancient architecture.

Completed in 1626, and covering 2 acres of land, the structure consists of multiple palaces and castles including the Honmaru Palace which houses the one-time living quarters of Shoguns.  Japan is also home to featured jewelry designer Hirotaka Inoue.

LARISSA LANDINEZ

Sterling Silver and Oxidized Silver
Cuttlefish Bangle Bracelet

Located in the Venezuelan state of Sucre, the town of Cumana is rich with historical architecture that includes 17^th and 18^th century buildings.  Venezuela is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Larissa Landinez.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | JENNIFER FISHER JEWELRY | SEPTEMBER 2015

Entering its tenth year Jennifer Fisher Jewelry is a sophisticated, modern alternative to the often cutesy world of charm and personalized jewelry.  Boasting over 4,000 charms that include skulls and complex crests the brand has a palpable vibe of female strength and edge.

A photo posted by JENNIFER FISHER JEWELRY (@jfisherjewelry) on Sep 15, 2015 at 9:44am PDT

A photo posted by JENNIFER FISHER JEWELRY (@jfisherjewelry) on Sep 5, 2015 at 6:38pm PDT

A photo posted by JENNIFER FISHER JEWELRY (@jfisherjewelry) on Jun 27, 2015 at 8:42am PDT

MARY MARGRILL | M2

14K Yellow Gold & Turquoise 3rd Chakra
Pendant Necklace from Chakra Collection

An enduring symbol of friendship, New York’s Statue of Liberty remains one of the state’s most visited landmarks.

Overlooking the Hudson River, the monument stands over 100 feet high and was created by French architect Frederick Bartholdi.  New York is also the hometown of featured jewelry designer Mary Margrill.

RUBEN and GILDA PEREZ

Sterling Silver Quetzal Shadown Jade
Earrings

Sacred ruins, historical architecture, and majestic natural scenery are captivating sights to experience in Antiqua, Guatemala.  

The visual ruins of ancient churches including the Los Remedios and San Jeronimo, along with the adventure of hiking up the active Pacaya Volcano will make lasting memories.  Guatemala is also home to featured jewelry designer Ruben and Gilda Perez.

CYNTHIA SERRANO

24 Gold Plated Brass Upsala Volcano
Pendant Necklace

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, or Los Cabos, is a premier tourist attraction where breathtaking natural scenery and sumptuous cuisine are major highlights.

Located on the Baja California Peninsula visitors can enjoy whale watching, snorkeling, sunbathing and parasailing.  Mexico is also home to featured jewelry designer Cynthia Serrano.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | ALEXIS BITTAR | SEPTEMBER 2015

After selling vintage jewelry in New York's East Village at age 10, by age 22 Alexis Bittar became interested in working with Lucite.  His desire to treat "plastic like it was a precious metal" started a jewelry brand that turned an ordinary material into an unapologetic vision of full-on glamour.

A photo posted by Alexis Bittar (@alexisbittar) on Jul 15, 2014 at 5:23am PDT

A photo posted by Alexis Bittar (@alexisbittar) on Jun 20, 2015 at 9:55am PDT

A photo posted by Alexis Bittar (@alexisbittar) on Nov 3, 2014 at 3:00pm PST

RUTH DORON DESIGNS

Gold Vermeil White Opal Pendant

Although relatively small the Israeli city Netanya is full of surprises!  “Burial caves from the Byzantine era” can be found during tours of the Beit Aharon Reservation, as well as soft-shell turtles.

Hiking trails, beaches, and museums each provide a variety of stimuli to the senses.  Israel is also home to featured jewelry designer Ruth Doron.

JANE GOWANS

18K Rose Gold Hitch Pendant Necklace

Dumfries, Scotland is a historic city replete with medieval castles (Castle Douglas), and beautiful scenery like the Threave Gardens, and Galloway Forest Park.  Scotland is also home to featured jewelry designer Jane Gowans.

JOANNA CAMPBELL

Sterling Silver & Gold Vermeil
Reptile Lace Cuff Bracelet

Although Milford Sound Fjord is among the “wettest places in the world” it is visited annually by a little more than half a million people!

Located in South Island, New Zealand the fjord can be accessed via boat tours and sightings of seals, dolphins and penguins are common.

New Zealand is also home to featured jewelry designer Joanna Campbell.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | KARA ROSS | SEPTEMBER 2015

New York-based designer Kara Ross' love affair with semi-precious and precious minerals began 37-years ago during a trip to Africa.  After becoming a certified gemologist, she embarked on a career in jewelry making where she excels in both ready-to-wear and custom pieces.

What doesn't fit in here💩💩💩 #finejewelry #oneofakind #myPURSEonality #655madison

A photo posted by Kara Ross (@kararossny) on Jul 20, 2015 at 11:15am PDT

A photo posted by Kara Ross (@kararossny) on Jun 11, 2015 at 7:55am PDT

A photo posted by Kara Ross (@kararossny) on Jun 6, 2015 at 11:06am PDT

CHRISTINA KARAKALPAKI

Leather Waves Necklace from
Skin on Skin Collection 

Known for its kinetic nightlife and picturesque beaches Mykonos, Greece is a quintessential hot spot.

Mykonos, however, also has a subdued side with “romantic” seaside villas and 16^th century windmills.

Greece is also home to featured jewelry designer Christina Karakalpaki.

WADARAT SUPASIRISUK

Sterling Silver Floral Fantasy
Half Hoop Earrings

Sukhothal, Thailand is a UNESCO World Heritage site best explored via bicycle tours.

Ancient ruins that include buildings with splendid reliefs and a Buddha statue are surrounded by picturesque lakes.

Thailand is also home to featured jewelry Wadarat Supasirisuk.

QUOTABLE GEMS | COLIN FARRELL

ELEUTERIO ANTUNES | ELEUTERIO

18K Yellow Gold Earrings with
Rose-Cut Diamonds

The 18^th century structure Casa de Mateus and Gardens is one of Portugal’s stunning visuals.

Located in the picturesque valley near the Douro River the site is known for its lovely, blooming almond trees and wine.

Portugal is also home to featured jewelry designer Eleuterio Antunes.

ADRIANA SOTO JEWELRY

Rock Crystal & Garnet Pomegranate Pendant
with 14K Gold-Filled Chain

A registered, historical landmark since 1986 Texas’ Fair Park, located in Dallas, is a 277 acre public park replete with a cultural district.  

The district includes the Leonhardt Lagoon, which once provided a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition.  Texas is also home to featured jewelry designer Adriana Soto.

ROS MILLAR

High Polish Silver Dagger
Necklace with Gold Vermeil
Detailing

The Irish city of Limerick is known for its cosmopolitan ambience; but Limerick also holds sites of historical relevance.  

The Irish Palatine Museum and the Hunt Museum respectively offer exhibitions of 18^th century German settlers, Irish artifacts, and the works of Da Vinci.  Ireland is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Ros Millar.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | KENDRA SCOTT | AUGUST 2015

A former advertising exec Texas-based Kendra Scott started her brand with a small collection of  items she handcrafted that she kept in a tea box.  Aware of women with tight budgets, Scott built an affordable costume jewelry line with semi-precious gemstones and structural integrity.

A photo posted by Kendra Scott (@kendrascott) on Jul 28, 2015 at 5:23pm PDT

A photo posted by Kendra Scott (@kendrascott) on May 22, 2015 at 10:00am PDT

A photo posted by Kendra Scott (@kendrascott) on Aug 6, 2015 at 9:45am PDT

JEANETTE LAI THOMAS | MORATORIUM

14K Gold Vermeil Asymmetric Angle
Earrings

The Chinese city Wuhan is one of the country’s most densely populated cities.

Wuhan is perhaps best known for three distinctive attractions: the 13^th century, five story observatory Yellow Crane Tower; the breathtaking architecture of the 17^th century Guiyuan Temple; and the fascinating antiquities of the Hubei Provincial Museum.

China is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Jeanette Lai Thomas.

JESSICA DE LOTZ JEWELLERY

18K Yellow Gold Vermeil Shooting Love
Crest Pendant Necklace

Providing a stunning backdrop to the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in London, England, is a top tourist attraction.  

Constructed of Portland stone the structure holds the third largest pipe organ, and a crypt with “over 200 memorials.” England is also home to featured jewelry designer Jessica de Lotz.

BEATRICE PONCE

Royal Blue Tassel & Jade Stone
Lariat Necklace

The Venezuelan city Porlamar is the island of Margarita’s largest.

Due to its size and natural beauty, Porlamar is a hot spot replete with a vigorous nightlife, great cuisine, and even museums for the studious type.

Venezuela is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Beatrice Ponce.

LEYLA ABDOLLAHI

18K Yellow Gold Ianthe Ring with Amethyst,
Green and Purple Sapphires

Though the ancient Iranian city Persepolis stands in ruins, the city’s greatness is still palpable.

Sites like the Gate of All Nations and the Tomb of the Kings are awe-inspiring as they represent the country’s legendary art and architecture.

Iran is also home to featured jewelry designer Leyla Abdollahi.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | SATYA JEWELRY | AUGUST 2015

Inspired by the spiritual journeys of its founders Satya Scainetti and Beth Torstrick-Ward Satya Jewelry is a brand steeped in the healing properties of gemstones, and empowering symbolism.  The brand covers many price points too from gold vermeil and sterling silver to 18-karat gold.

LAST DAY!!! End of summer online sale. Up to 75% off styles. ✨✨ #summer #sale #onlineshop #instastyle #style #jewelry #jewelrygram #meaningfuljewelry #accessories #necklace #bracelet #instagood #picoftheday #instapic #SatyaStyle #SatyaJewelry #DesignedForTheJourney

A photo posted by Satya Jewelry (@satyajewelry) on Aug 9, 2015 at 10:21am PDT

Good morning from the Accessories Circuit Show @enkshows! Stop by booth #8436 for #beautiful, #meaningful & #inspiring jewelry ✨✨ #enkshows #enkcircuit #accessories #jewelry #meaningfuljewelry #javitscenter #newyorkcity #goodmorning #shop #instagood #igdaily #picoftheday #instapic #igersoftheday #igers #best #bestoftheday #instastyle #style #SatyaStyle #SatyaJewelry #DesignedForTheJourney

A photo posted by Satya Jewelry (@satyajewelry) on Aug 4, 2015 at 7:17am PDT

A photo posted by Satya Jewelry (@satyajewelry) on Dec 1, 2014 at 2:32pm PST

KELLY CIMBER | CIMBER DESIGNS

14K Gold Filled Paragon Necklace with Druzy
Rectangle and Pyrite Chain

The closely packed sand of Daytona Beach, Florida is what sets its shorelines apart from others.

Its unique sands allow for motorsports activities, where there are designated areas, which draw the interest of many.

Daytona Beach also provides many water activities including deep sea fishing and kayaking.  Florida is also home to featured jewelry designer Kelly Cimber.

KATE McCOY JEWELLERY

14K Rose Gold Vermeil Linearis Cuff Bracelet

Located near the shores of the Gulf of St. Vincent, Adelaide, Australia is renowned for its German-influenced vineyards.  

Once known for its wetlands, the area is currently a bustling city with annual art fairs, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes like the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Australia is also home to featured jewelry designer Kate McCoy.

MISA HAMAMOTO | MISA JEWELRY

14K Gold Vermeil Journey Steps Necklace

Known for its blend of Japanese and Chinese cuisine and exotic marine life, Okinawa, Japan is a playground for the senses.  

Consisting of islands Okinawa’s Moon Beach is among the top tourist destinations with its white sand, coconut trees, and a plethora of water activities.

Japan is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Misa Hamamoto.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | STEPHEN WEBSTER | AUGUST 2015

At the tender age of sixteen British jewelry designer Stephen Webster  embarked on a journey into the sparkly, glittery world of jewelry making!  By 1999 his varied style approach that included both elegant and bold statement pieces became popular with Goldie Hawn, Elizabeth Taylor and Ozzy Osbourne.

A photo posted by Stephen Webster (@stephenwebsterjewellery) on Jun 12, 2015 at 5:36am PDT

A photo posted by Stephen Webster (@stephenwebsterjewellery) on May 31, 2015 at 10:04am PDT

A photo posted by Stephen Webster (@stephenwebsterjewellery) on Jul 2, 2015 at 5:41am PDT

SASKIA DIEZ

Gold Chan and Pearl Boule Necklace

Built during the mid-17^th century, Germany’s Nymphenburg Palace is arguably Munich’s most popular attraction.  

Having undergone a number of expansions and redesigns, the majestic structure includes a park, decorative mansions, and an orangery.  Germany is also home to featured jewelry designer Saskia Diez.

MORGAN CARRIER and SHIRA LAYE | LACAR Jewelry

Sterling Silver Men's Crater Ring 
with Turquoise

Characterized by their spiky glaciers the Canadian Rockies mountain ranges extend out through British Columbia and Alberta.  

Five national parks lie at the base of its peaks with Jasper National Park being the largest, and Banff National Park the oldest.

Canada is also home to featured jewelry design duo Shira Laye and Morgan Carrier.

APARNA

Sterling Silver Splendor Necklace with Purple
Composite Turquoise

Standing within the East Indian town of Uttarakhand is the ominous mountain Thalay Sagar.

With terrain that is steep and rocky the mountain is considered the most difficult to ascend; yet climbers from around the globe are eager to travail along its unforgiving peak.

India is also home to featured jewelry designer Aparna.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | MELINDA MARIA JEWELRY | AUGUST 2015

In 2005, following successful stints as a make-up artist, and a contestant on the Hollywood Squares game show, Melinda Spigel launched her popular, affordable jewelry line.  For Spigel making women feel beautiful is her brand's central motivation.

A photo posted by M E L I N D A M A R I A (@mmjewelry) on Jun 13, 2015 at 11:59am PDT

A photo posted by M E L I N D A M A R I A (@mmjewelry) on Jul 14, 2015 at 11:37am PDT

A photo posted by M E L I N D A M A R I A (@mmjewelry) on Oct 16, 2014 at 12:13pm PDT

ANDRES GALLARDO and MARINA CASAL | ANDRESGALLARDO

18K Gold Plated Brass & Handcrafted
Porcelain Broken Myths Necklace
with Spanish Bovine Leather

A small but popular destination of Andalusia, Spain is the city of Marbella.

Boasting two main beaches, the Playa de la Bajadilla, and the Playa de Fontanilla, the city’s seaside location is a feast for the eyes.  Spain is also home to design duo Andres Gallardo and Marina Casal.

DANA ARBIB and FARAH MALIK | A PEACE TREATY

Gold Plated Brass Remi Spiked Cuff Bracelet

Today we travel to two destinations.  Our first stop is the North African country Libya where we sojourn to the historic town Dirj.  An annual art festival, known as the Dirj Tourist Festival for Arts and Heritage, is a highlight. 

Now we travel to the town of Chitral, located in Pakistan.  Rich with history Chitral is known for its majestic architecture that includes the Palace of Mehtar, and the Jami Mosque.  

Today’s feature is the jewelry design team of Libyan Dana Arbib and Pakistani Farah Malik.

DARIO SCAPITTA | DSA

3D Printed Red, Black and Blue Polyamide
Sparkling Cuff Bracelet

Touted as the second tallest mountain in Europe, Mount Etna is also known for its numerous eruptions.

Located in Sicily, Italy the surrounding land is nutrient-rich due to lava ejections; and because of the land’s abundance of various critters it is a declared wildlife sanctuary.

Italy is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Dario Scapitta.

QUOTABLE GEMS | BROOKE SHIELDS

ANNE MAA DESIGNS

Amethyst Geode Slice Necklace
with Gold-Filled Wire

A great place to regroup from life’s daily stressors is California’s Balboa Park located in San Diego.

Equipped with a zoo, ten museums, and lovely gardens it is a location that caresses the senses with its educational yet gentle attractions.

California is also home to featured jewelry designer Anne Maa.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | JACQUIE AICHE | JULY 2015

Los Angeles-based designer Jacquie Aiche delicately combines Egyptian and Native American aesthetics to produce dainty trinkets that are great for layering!

A photo posted by Jacquie Aiche (@jacquieaiche) on Jul 21, 2015 at 12:37pm PDT

A photo posted by Jacquie Aiche (@jacquieaiche) on Jul 26, 2015 at 8:43am PDT

A photo posted by Jacquie Aiche (@jacquieaiche) on Apr 15, 2015 at 10:33am PDT

MARIE PONIATOWSKI | STONE PARIS

18K White, Black & Rose Gold
Gatsby Rings with Diamonds

Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus hails from the picturesque city Torun in Poland.

Filled with numerous historic sites, such as Old Town and St. John’s Cathedral, the city is renowned for its unique beauty.

Poland is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Marie Poniatowski.

SAINAMPHUNG CHUNTAKOWSOL

Sterling Silver Fun Earrings

Known for its beautiful interior and outer structures Thailand’s Grand Palace, located in Bangkok, is a key attraction.

Within the walls of the 18^th century palace stands the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; a European-styled reception area; and an inner court where royalty resided.

Thailand is also home to featured jewelry designer Sainamphung Chuntakowsol.

INSTAGRAM THURSDAY | TODD REED | JULY 2015

See what designer jewelry brands are up to at Instagram in my first Instagram Thursday post!  Today’s feature is 40-year-old, self-taught jeweler Todd Reed.  Reed began creating jewelry 23 years ago and is known for his stunning work with raw, conflict-free diamonds.

Today's cuff stack. Rose gold, sterling silver and diamonds.

A photo posted by Todd Reed (@toddreedjewelry) on Jul 14, 2015 at 11:02am PDT

A photo posted by Todd Reed (@toddreedjewelry) on May 19, 2015 at 9:57am PDT

A photo posted by Todd Reed (@toddreedjewelry) on Jun 25, 2015 at 12:22pm PDT

ELSA SARANTIDOU | ELSA ART

18K Pink Gold Vermeil Destiny Leaf
Texture Bracelet with Brandy Diamonds

Known for its beaches and constant sunshine Greece’s Rhodes Island is the largest island in the country.

Visitors flock to its beaches Faliraki, Lindos or Ladiko where they engage in either snorkeling; diving or surfing.

Greece is also the ancestral home to featured jewelry designer Elsa Sarantidou.

STEFANIA LUCCHETTA

Titanium Crateri 25 ring

In the mind of many Italy’s Island of Capri evokes a romantic rendezvous amidst gorgeous scenery, and they would be right.  

The isle has an almost magical aura filled with lovely backdrops that include crystal clear waters and historic structures like the Garden of Augustus.  Italy is also home to featured jewelry designer Stefania Lucchetta.

SARA ENGBERG

So Little Time Burning Heart Sequin Piece

The Uppsala Domkyrka, located in Uppsala, Sweden, is the largest church structure in the country and Uppsala is the fourth largest city.

Additionally, the neighboring 13^th century Uppsala University is the oldest of its kind “in all of the Nordic countries.”

Sweden is also home to featured jewelry designer Sara Engberg.