JULIA SANDLAU

22K Gold Plated Swan Necklace with
Quartz and Cubic Zirconia

Though small the Danish city Ebeltoft offers intriguing attractions.  The world’s “first glass museum” is located here as well as the Kalo and Rosenholm castles. 

Perhaps one of the city’s most notable draws is the extravagant wooden houses, instead of hotels, that accommodate tourists. 

Denmark is also home to featured jewelry designer Julie Sandlau.

MARIA JOSÉ FERNANDES CARVAO | ROCHA CARVAO

Sterling Silver Pearl Ortzi Cobra Ring

The 16^th century Torré de Belém, located in Lisbon, Portugal is a majestic tower designed by architect Francisco de Arruda in a Manueline, Gothic style. 

Ornamental elements of “maritime” symbols and even Moorish influences provide the tower with its commanding presence.  Portugal is also home to Maria José Fernandes Carvao.

CUBIC ZIRCONIA | AN INFERIOR DIAMOND SUBSTITUTE?

The highly dense and refractive cubic zirconia (or CZ) has been a strong competitor to the well-loved and ubiquitous diamond for a little over three decades and counting.  

Unfortunately, however, this flawless isometric crystal has been marred for years by a derisive reputation.  This edition of Splendor Sidebar will explore the origins of this misunderstood man-made gemstone.  

LEEORA CATALAN | nOir JEWELRY

Gold-Plated Brass Wonder Woman Ring with
Cubic Zirconia

A fixture in Columbia County, New York for nearly three hundred years, the Clermont State Historic Site is where the former estate of the influential Livingston family is located.  New York is also home to featured jewelry designer Leeora Catalan.

FELIEKE van der LEEST

Today we visit what is known to be the Netherlands’ smallest city, Madurodam. Despite its size Madurodam has a number of interesting attractions including a wooden shoe factory called Klompenfabriek. The Netherlands is also home to featured jewelry designer Felieke van der Leest.

KEVIA JEFFREY-WEST | KEVIA HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY

 At nearly a century old, Oregon's International Rose Test Garden continues to be the premier "testing ground for new rose varieties."

Though currently closed for the winter, the lush grounds are populated with additional gardens each providing a distinct function. Oregon is also the home of featured jewelry designer Kevia Jeffrey-West.