CAROLYN BENSINGER HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY

18K Gold & Sterling Silver Open Link Bracelets

Get your boogie boards ready for fun-filled times at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The length of the beautiful white sands bordering the Atlantic Ocean serves as a grainy walkway or a place for lounging.  Massachusetts is also home to featured jewelry designer Carolyn Bensinger.

NADINE KANSO | BIL ARABI

18K Gold Maya Butterfly Pendant Necklace

The limestone caves of the Jeita Grotto in Beirut, Lebanon are a series of lower and upper caves.

The lower caves encapsulate merging rivers that provide freshwater to Beirut while the upper caves, which consist of three main chambers, are a popular tourist draw.

Lebanon is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Nadine Kanso.

MARGARITA MEITANI

Oxidized & Sterling Silver Black Swan Double Hoop Earrings 
from Handwritten Collection

Mount Athos is perhaps one of the most unique areas in Greece.  Not only is the area virtually untouched, it is populated exclusively by men: monks to be exact.

Mount Athos is one of the world’s oldest monastic communities.  Greece is also home to featured jewelry designer Margarita Meitani.

RAY GRIFFITHS FINE JEWELRY

18K Gold Crownwork Signet Rings with Sapphires,
Emeralds and Colorless Diamonds

Australia’s boisterous city Brisbane is a haven of commercial complexes, night spots and shopping centers.

Located in the Queensland state the city is also known for its natural splendors including the Lone Pine Koalo Sanctuary, the Portside Wharf, and the Brisbane Forest Park.

Australia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Ray Griffiths.

MAEVE GILLIES | MAEVONA

18K White Gold Ness Cuff Bracelet

Scotland’s Isle of Skye is the largest island within the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

Dunvegan Castle, which sits atop huge rocks, amps up the idyllic locale with powerful imagery as well as the fanciful Eilean Donan Castle.  Scotland is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Maeve Gillies.

BOAZ KASHI JEWELRY

18K Red Gold Huge Ring with Diamonds

The “Roman style” Church of the Nativity, located in Bethlehem, Israel, sits atop a cave that is believed to be the birthplace of the Christ child.

Golden mosaics and gilded iconostasis are contained within its walls.  Israel is also home to featured jewelry designer Boaz Kashi.

ANAT KAPLAN | ANOUK JEWELRY

14K Gold Music Pendant Necklace with Moonstone

Lake Baikal, located between Irkutsk Oblast, Russia and Buryat Republic, is the world’s deepest freshwater lake and is home to over 2,600 animal and plant species.

Russia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Anat Kaplan.

MARY GELUDA

18K gold and Garnet Simply 3 Ring

Sao Paolo, Brazil is one of Brazil’s most cosmopolitan cities.  It is a location filled with modern amenities to suit a city slicker.

Art galleries, museums, book stores, shops and restaurants line the business district known as Avenida Paulista.  Brazil is also home to featured jewelry designer Mary Geluda.

MICHELLE CHANG JEWELRY

14K Gold Diamond Shaped Dangle Earrings with Diamonds

Known as one of the coldest cities in North Korea, the city of Hyesan also has the distinction of being located at the foot of the ominous Baekdu mountain range that contains the Hyongje Falls.  Korea is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Michelle Chang.

SHAMAINE KLEIN DESIGN

14K Rose Gold Signature Pendant Necklace  with
Smoky Topaz and White Diamonds

Perched atop a 25-foot bluff in Port Isabel, Texas is the Point Isabel Lighthouse.

At 150-years old the structure is still affectionately considered the “beacon” of the southern Texas coast.  Texas is also home to featured jewelry designer Shamaine Klein.

BUDHI YASA

Sterling Silver Mushroom Umbrella
Cocktail Ring

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (a/k/a Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park), located in East Jakarta, is an astonishing theme park that encompasses small zoos, gardens, and museums.  Indonesia is also home to featured jewelry designer Budhi Yasa.

SOLANGE AZAGURY-PARTRIDGE

Treasure Necklace with Cabochon Cut Emeralds,
Spinels, Rubies, Sapphires & Diamonds
 from Stone Collection

A visit to Nottingham, England is sure to conjure images of gallantry and fair maidens.

One of the city’s tourist draws is Nottingham Castle which houses an art gallery and gardens.  New adventures await the arrival of eager visitors within the Sherwood Forest Country Park. 

An 800-year-old oak tree, Major Oak, standing on the park’s grounds is believed to be one of Robin Hood’s hiding places.  England is also home to featured jewelry designer Solange Azagury-Partridge.

HELENA ROHNER

Brass and Thread Hoop Earrings

The stunning 14^th century fortress, Alcazar of Seville, is a remnant of southern Spain’s Mudejar and Almohade architecture.

The structure’s Garden of Vega Inclan features twenty flower beds intermingled with water fountains and walking paths.

Spain is also home to featured jewelry designer Helena Rohner.

MELODY EHSANI

Acrylic Hologram Necklace with Candy
Coated Chain

The ancient city of Persepolis is modern-day draw because of its spectacular ruins.  

Located at the foot of the Zagros mountiain range in Iran, visitors can explore the Tomb of the Kings and the Gate of All Nations.  Iran is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Melody Ehsani.

QUOTABLE GEMS | AL PACINO

I don't need bodyguards. I'm from the South Bronx.

ANDRE RIBEIRO

Black Rubber & Diamond Small and Large Hoop Earrings
and Stud Earrings

If you want to see incredible Gothic architecture then look no further than France’s Reims Cathedral.

Built during the 13^th century the magnificent structure highlights “medieval statues,” “sculptured arches” and “rose windows of stained glass.”

France is also home to featured jewelry designer Andre Ribeiro.

JENNIFER FISHER JEWELRY

14K Gold Bruce, Levi, Tess and Max Charm Sets

Established in the late 19^th century New York’s Central Park, located in the borough of Manhattan, attracts a whopping 35 million visitors a year.

Its 843 acres encompasses popular sites like ice-skating rinks, the Central Park Zoo, and the Delacorte amphitheater.  New York is also home to featured jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher.

IRITH MASHIAH

Sterling Silver & Amazonite Viking Knot Necklace

Despite the fact that it cannot sustain life forms, the Dead Sea, located between Israel, the West Bank and Jordan, holds therapeutic properties within its saline waters.

Israel is also home to featured jewelry designer Irith Mashiah.

UBALDINA PAUCAR ACHANCARAY

Amethyst & Ceramic Lavender Earth Jewelry Set

It is said that Iquitos, Peru is a place for hard-core adventure lovers.

With its shantytowns, including Belén, and sprawling rain forest Iquitos’ natural wonders never fail to fascinate.

Peru is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Ubaldina Paucar Achancaray a/k/a Dina.

GUENEVERE RODRIGUEZ

14K Gold Filled Chain Earrings

Though it is an active volcano, with 33 recorded eruptions, the Philippines’ Taal Volcano is still a must-see for tourists.

Once standing an ominous height of 18,000 feet, Taal Volcano is presently one of the world’s smallest volcanoes.

The Philippines is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Guenevere Rodriguez.

SIMONE WALSH

Sterling Silver Japanese Etched Leaves &
Flowers Pendant Necklace with Natural Silk Cord

Although home to a number of unique animal species, including the emu and dingo, the arid Australian Outback is otherwise sparsely populated but is a big tourist draw.

Australia is also home to featured jewelry designer Simone Walsh.

CLAUDIO BRAVO

18K Gold Brown Crossroad Palm Bracelet

One of Argentina’s most densely populated cities is Rosario.

Independence Park is not only one of the city’s most visited areas, but it is also one of the largest parks in Argentina.

Argentina was also once home to featured jewelry designer the late Claudio Bravo.

INGA REED

18K Gold & Diamond Triple Pendant Necklace with Serpentine Chains

The Great Court, the Rosetta Stone and the controversial Elgin Marbles sculptures each have a home in the 259-year-old British Museum located in London, England.

The admission-free museum contains over 13 million historical objects from around the world.  England is also home to featured jewelry designer Inga Reed.

GABRIELA ARTIGAS

14K Gold Filled Link Chain Necklace with Horn

There are plenty of things to do and see when visiting Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Situated along the Mayan Riviera, this exotic locale offers fun beach activities including sailing, scuba diving and swimming.

Mexico is also home to featured jewelry designer Gabriela Artigas.

ZARAH VOIGT

Isectorum Adventa Nomi Earrings
With Brass Scarab

An expansive collection of vintage motorcycles, automobiles and planes stand within the walls of museums located at Denmark’s Egeskov Castle.

The castle is a splendid example of 15^th century Renaissance architecture as well as lavish décor of wood works and tapestries.  Denmark is also home to featured jewelry designer Zarah Voigt.

CYNTHIA EID

Reticulated Sterling Silver, 22K Gold Keum Boo, Argentium
Silver and Patina Sea Grass Necklace

The Public Garden, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a 175-year-old park that was established by philanthropist Horace Grey.

Its 24 acres holds numerous monuments including Thomas Ball’s “equestrian statue” of George Washington; and Anna Coleman Ladd’s Triton Babies Fountain.

Massachusetts is also home to featured jewelry designer Cynthia Eid.

KATHRYN WILLIAMSON JEWELLERY

Sterling Silver Circle Stud Earrings with Assorted Paper

Touted as one of Scotland’s most picturesque cities, Edinburgh contains foreboding yet stunning remnants of the country’s storied history including medieval and Gothic architecture.  Scotland is also home to featured jewelry designer Kathryn Williamson.

EFVA ATTLING

18K Gold Genie Ear Earrings

One of Sweden’s most popular areas is the scenic city of Ostersund.  Located by the stunning Storsjon Lake, tourists visit the city in the hope of catching a glimpse of the mythical creature Storsjöodjuret.  Sweden is also home to featured jewelry designer Efva Attling.

NOOR FARES | N.OOR

18K Gold and Ebony Crack Cuff Bracelet
from Touche Du Bois Collection

The city of Byblos, located in Lebanon, is an area ripe with historical attractions.

They include ancient Phoenician Temples the Temple of Baalet Gebal; and the Byblos Castle and St. John the Baptist Church both built during the 12^th century.

Lebanon is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Noor Fares.

THERESA NGUYEN

14K Gold Filled Hoop Earrings with Rose Quartz, Pink Topaz,
Pink Tourmaline and Crystal

Though constructed during a time of war, Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels attract tourists who want to see the lengths they span and the history they hold.

The expansive connection of burrows encapsulates underground hospitals, factories and villages.  Vietnam is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Theresa Nguyen.

OLGA NORONHA

Wrist Restriction (left): and Front and Back Views of
Cervical Collar made from Laminated Resin, Plastozote, Gold,
Plated Silver and Leather (left and right photos)

The town of Evora, located in the Portuguese province Alentejo, is a region filled with historical monuments.

Amidst the locale’s “wide plains” is the 2^nd century landmark Temple of Diana as well as the Palace of Vasco da Gama.  Portugal is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Olga Noronha.

QUOTABLE GEMS | ALICIA KEYS

I'm not ashamed of what I am and that I have curves and that I'm thick.  I like my body.

SHERYL JONES DESIGNS

18K Gold  and Black Tahitian Baroque Pearl Necklace

A natural fixture within the concrete landscape of Manhattan, New York is Bryant Park.

Situated along 42^nd Street and 6^th Avenue its eight acres provide a tranquil setting as a contrast to the busy city streets.  New York is also home to featured jewelry designer Sheryl Jones.

PHOEBE and ANNETTE STEPHENS | ANNDRA NEEN

Brass Braid Cuff Bracelet from  Brass Collection

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is a beautiful coastal city that offers invigorating water activities including para sailing, snorkeling or surfing.  

At night you can wind down or up patronizing such eateries like Villa Serena and Arrecifes.

Mexico is also the birthplace of featured sibling design duo Phoebe and Annette Stephens.

SOMLUCK KOMOLMITH

Sterling Silver & Amethyst
Falling Moon Drop Earrings

Wat Phra That Lampang is a 7^th century temple located in the Thai province of Lampang.

Its distinctive architecture includes shrines adorned with floral patterns and two Buddha that support the structure’s roof.  Thailand is also home to featured jewelry designer Somluck Komolmith.

DOMINIKA SYCZYNSKA

Copper & Copper Mesh Roxy Necklace

Touted as the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus, Poland’s Old Town, located in Torun holds a wealth of history in its streets.

Among the town’s attractions is the 14^th century Cathedral of John the Evangelist and the four-year-old Center of Contemporary Art.  Poland is also home to featured jewelry designer Dominika Syczynska.

ISABELLE LANGLOIS

18K Gold Earrings with Diamonds, Tsavorites, Sapphires,
Amethyst, Rhodolite and Pink Quartz

You will find a little bit of Rome in France via the Nimes Amphitheatre.

Originally used as a fortress, the marble and limestone structure is now the location for rousing international festivals, circuses and bull fights.  France is also home to featured jewelry designer Isabelle Langlois.

LITO KARAKOSTANOGLOU

18K Pink Gold Labradorite from Madagascar Ring
(left); 18K Yellow Gold Beryl Heliodor from Madagascar  Ring (right)

The Samaria Gorge, located on the island of Crete in Greece, attracts more than 3,000 visitors who hike along its narrow passage ways.  Greece is also home to featured jewelry designer Lito Karastanoglou.

KATE ALTERIO

24K Gold and Sterling Silver Standing Out in a Crowd Ring

The “relative isolation” of New Zealand’s Ulva Island makes it an ideal nature sanctuary.

Its 670 acres provide homes to rare, exotic birds including the Island Robin (toutouwai), and the Forest Parrot (South Island Kaka).  New Zealand is also home to featured jewelry designer Kate Alterio.

DUNCAN AND JACQUI GRANT | LAVA JEWELLERY DESIGN

Sterling Silver Shetlandic Triangular Pendant Necklace

Renowned for the Loch Ness freshwater lake, the Cawder Castle, and red squirrels the Scottish Highlands’ rugged terrain is a popular attraction.

Scotland is also home to featured husband-wife design team Duncan and Jacqui Grant.

PABLO CASTELLANOS

Sterling Silver Mayan Inspiration
Earrings with Guatemalan Jade

Boating and fishing are a few activities visitors can take part in while visiting the city of Flores in Guatemala.

A myriad of fish species live within the pristine, blue waters that surround the city.  Guatemala is also home to featured jewelry designer Pablo Castellanos.

JENNIFER MILLER JEWELRY

18K Yellow Gold Plated Beaded Double Hoop Earrings

Riverside Park, located in Manhattan, New York, is a popular, scenic locale that houses the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, skating and bicycling paths, and the picturesque Community Garden.  New York is also the home base to featured jewelry brand Jennifer Miller Jewelry.

GIOVANNA LARNIA

.950 Silver Filigree Princess Waterfall Necklace

The mysterious Nazca Lines, located in Ica, Peru is just one of numerous locales to see in this ancient city. 

Known as the “land of the sun,” Ica offers an annual wine festival; the Inca Regional Museum; and the stunning Huacachina Oasis.  Peru is also home to featured jewelry designer Giovanna Larnia.

ALON DILLER

.950 and Sterling Silver Aztec Gargoyle
Pendant Necklace with Calcite, Obsidian and Bronze

Israel’s ancient port city, Caesarea, is a virtual blast into the country’s past with attractions like Herod’s Harbor; the splendid Promontory Palace; and the Amphitheatre that has a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.  Israel is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Alon Diller.

Up-and-Coming Jewelry Designer Kasia Piechocka’s GIVEAWAY for a Great CAUSE!

Polish jeweler Kasia Piechocka auspiciously launched her self-titled luxury jewelry brand just one short year ago.  

Although the brand is still growing, the graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins is eager to make a positive difference in the world, as well as settle the score that those in the fashion industry don’t just jump on a charity bandwagon because it is en vogue. 

LEGENDS OF THE FALL | JEWELRY TRENDS FOR FALL 2012

Twenty eleven has come and gone and 2012 has settled in so that means the ushering in of new (or not so new) jewelry trends!  With the Fall season upon us, this edition of Splendor Sidebar lets you in on some of the top jewelry trends for the Fall season along with great designer jewelry pieces from Etsy and Amazon.  

MISUN WON

Sterling Silver Circular Rings
with Garnet and Citrine

A Zen monastery is among one of the many highlights of the picturesque surroundings of Mount Kumgang located in North Korea.

Walking and hiking trails, hot springs and scenic beaches are among other attractions.  Korea is also the birthplace of Misun Won.

HENRI MARTEAU | GEORLAND

18K White and Yellow Gold Gemstone Stack Rings
from Rainbow Collection

The small town of Riquewihr, located in northeastern France, is a locale that dates back to the 16^th century.  

The town holds a castle-turned museum that contains artifacts and the village is renowned for its wines.  France is also home to jewelry brand Georland.

RABAB SALEM | RUBY’S SILVER

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet from Islamic Collection

Erected during the 11^th century, Egypt’s Citadel of Saladin mosques embody the political intrigue of ancient times.  Egypt is also home to Rabab Salem.

QUOTABLE GEMS | HARRISON FORD

You know you're getting old when all the names in your black book have M. D. after them.

BARBARA GARWOOD

24K Gold Vermeil and Cinnabar Link Bracelet

In 2003 the co-founder of The Home Depot, Bernie Marcus, announced his plan to build the incredible Georgia Aquarium as a gift to the community of Atlanta, Georgia for their support of his Atlanta-based headquarters.  

The six-and-a-half year old tourist attraction has welcomed over 11 million visitors and houses over 60 exhibits.  Georgia is also home to Barbara Garwood.