JAMES AVERY

14K Gold Blossoms of Hope Cross
Pendant Necklace

During hot, humid summers in Houston, Texas joggers are grateful for the spray of water coming from the Gus Wurtham Memorial Fountain.

Built 36 years ago the structure of bronze pipes emits a beautiful, “floating” spray of water in the form of a dandelion.  Texas is also home to featured jewelry designer James Avery.

MARIO GARAVELLI

18K Gold Hoop Earrings with Diamonds

There is an unconventional tourist attraction in Venice, Italy: the Palazzo Ducale (or Doge’s Palace).  

Housing the courts and seats of government the structure is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and “vast collections of paintings.”  Italy is also home to jewelry house Garavelli.

JOANNA DAHDAH JEWELLERY

18K Gold Vermeil Bi-Color Ring

With a population at just over a quarter of a million, the city of Tyre ranks fourth as one of Lebanon’s largest cities.  

The city is one of antiquities where ancient Byzantine and Arabic ruins remain.  Lebanon is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Joanna Dahdah.

STARTING A JEWELRY BUSINESS

So you are an aspiring jewelry artist.  You have taken some courses in jewelry making; you did your research on sourcing materials and wasted no time getting to work. 

Family, friends, co-workers and friends of co-workers have taken notice of your baubles, and you want to know how to transform your hobby into a thriving business.

This edition of Splendor Sidebar takes a look at some things you need to consider when starting a jewelry business.

IFAT NESHER

Silver Feather Necklace with
Spanish Linen Threads

With a population of Americans, Canadians and Europeans the Israeli city of Netanya is truly unique.  

There is a golf course sprawled across the city’s landscapes as well as the gold sands of lengthy beaches.

Byzantine burial caves and strolling soft-shell turtles are other interesting, if not surprising, sights to see.  Israel is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Ifat Nesher.

EKATERINA POKROVSKAYA

18K Gold Infinity Cocktail Ring
with  Quartz and Cubic Zirconia 

The 18^th century Russian structure Catherine Palace is a visual feast for the eyes.  

Ordered for construction by Empress Catherine I, its exterior “contains over 100 kg of gold” while its interior boasts Hanging Gardens, Neo-Palladian accents and the ethereal Hall of Lights.  

Russia is also the birthplace to featured jewelry designer Ekaterina Pokrovskaya.

KARLA CONTRERAS

Sterling Silver Legends Pendant Necklace
with Sodalite

The Peruvian town of Urubamba is a famous passage that leads to Machu Picchu.  

However, Urubamba has its fair share of attractions that include the ruins of Chinchero. Peru is also home to featured jewelry designer Karla Contreras.

PETRI KYMLANDER

18K Gold Dumortierite Pendant
with Diamonds

Espoo, Finland is a city highlighting activities to satisfy the adventure seeker, the nature lover, and the history buff. 

The Serena Water Park offers fun in the sun with water slides and swimming pools while the Marketta Park is Finland’s “largest permanent garden.”

Lastly, the Gallen Kallela Museum is the quintessential setting for the bookish type.  Finland is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Petri Kymlander.

KAROLINA BIK

24K Gold Plated Bulwa Ring

Complete with “a maze of tunnels and hallways, towers and rooms,” Poland’s Malbork Castle is a visual wonder.  

Built during the 13^th century it is a portal through time into the “lifestyle of the Teutonic Knights.”  Poland is also home to featured jewelry designer Karolina Bik.

DIANA FAKHOURY DESIGNS

Prehnite Green Necklace

Enameled steel discs in various shades of gray, blue and green are one of the highlights of the Kuwait Towers.  

Located in Kuwait City, the thirty-seven year old Swedish- designed structure is composed of three small towers that each serves specific functions. 

The upper tower holds a revolving café; the lower tower holds a water tank; while the third controls "flow of electricity and illuminates the larger towers.”  

Kuwait is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Diana Fakhoury.

CHULEEKORN

Hyacinth Princess Beaded Choker with Labradorite,
Amazonite and Blue Lace Agate

Bangkok, Thailand has something for everyone: great cuisine, fabulous architecture, a kinetic night life and a view of its many scenic gifts by way of canals.  

Thailand is also home to featured jewelry designer Chuleekorn.

VOULA KARAMPATZIAKIS

Amphitrite Ring with Silk Threads,
Swarovski Crystals and Wire

Take in the gorgeous coastline of the Paros Naoussa Village in Greece.  

The balmy weather and hot sands of Paros Kolmbithres Beach energize visitors to dabble at windsurfing and then round out the day’s activities with parties into the night.  

Greece is also home to featured jewelry designer Voula Karampatziakis.

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.

NEKE MOA

Sterling Silver Piata Ring with
Totweka and Garnet

“Wet weather gears and comfortable attire” is recommended when hiking New Zealand’s Milford Track.  

This popular hiking trail leads to one of the country’s stunning, natural wonders: Sutherland Falls.  

New Zealand is also home to featured jewelry designer Neke Moa.

JANE CORMACK

Natural Lime Green Sea Glass Earrings
with Swarovski Crystals and Silver

Populated by only 22,000 residents Scotland’s Shetland Islands is a vision of untouched, natural beauty.  The lush coastline is ripe with ancient cultures.  

The islands’ museums harbor remnants of the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages as well as that of Vikings.  

Scotland is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Jane Cormack.

QUOTABLE GEMS | KEVIN COSTNER

MARIA BLACK | MBJ

18K Gold Plated Crescent Earrings (Top Left);
18K Gold Plated Chaos Ring (Top Right);
Oxidized Sterling Silver Castro Ring (Bottom Left); and
Sterling Silver 1925 Necklace (Bottom Right)

At just over 100 years old, The Little Mermaid sculpture, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular tourist site.  

In fact, Copenhagen is ripe with a variety of places to see whether media related or scientific.  Denmark is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Maria Black.