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.

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 | 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

ANA DE COSTA

18K Crystal Grazing Pendant Necklace

With its warm weather and natural beauty Portugal is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. 

Fishing, sailing, surfing and cycling are a few activities one can indulge, as well as the surging popularity of golf. 

An equal draw is the country’s delectable cuisine that is punctuated by its myriad of spices including chili peppers and saffron. 

Portugal is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Ana de Costa.

MARYA WILLIAMS | MARYA JEWELRY

Hand-Pierced Sterling Silver
and Copper Capoeira Necklace

Echo Park, located in Los Angeles, California, is an eclectic area where Hollywood filmmakers come to work their magic; where writers and directors take up residence in the surrounding area; and where cultural festivals are held.

California is also home to featured jewelry designer Marya Williams.

JILL MONTESANTO | JILL ALESSANDRA JEWELRY

2-Strand Lapis Lazuli Lariat Necklace

Italian museums, such as the Accademia Gallery, which holds art collections of renowned Italian artist Michelangelo, are among the intriguing places to visit in Florence, Italy.

A view of the city’s stunning architecture, including Pitti Palace, is like walking back in time.  Italy is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Jill Montesanto.

OSCAR AWARDS 2015 | AFFORDABLE JEWELRY ALTERNATIVES

Here are my favorite designer jewelry pieces from the 2015 Oscar Awards along with pocketbook-friendly alternatives from ShopStyle!

Oscar Look No. 1 | Margot Robbie's Van Cleef & Arpels Zip Necklace

SAG AWARDS 2015 | AFFORDABLE JEWELRY ALTERNATIVES

Here are my favorite designer jewelry pieces from the 2015 SAG Awards, and pocketbook-friendly alternatives from ShopStyle!

SAG Look No. 1 | Jennifer Aniston’s Make Love Body Chain by Amrit Jewelry

KATHRYN BENTLEY

Solid Engraved Brass Mollusk Cuff Bracelet
from Dream Collective

Initially known as the State Exposition Park, the Los Angeles California Science Center is considered one of the West Coast’s largest “interactive” science centers. 

Exhibits such as the World of Life, and World of Ecology provide insight and information about life processes and eco-systems. 

California is also home to featured jewelry designer Kathryn Bentley.

WENDY YUE

18K Rose Gold Serpent's Nest Ring
with Opal, Brown Diamonds, Blue
and Pink Sapphires, Tsavorite and Citrine

A World Heritage Site, China’s Jiuzhaigou Valley is the habitat of the Great Panda. 

Shrouded in lore, legend says that the bodies of water located within the valley were created by the shards of a goddess’ broken mirror. 

China is also home to featured jewelry designer Wendy Yue.

LARA BOHINC

Red Acrylic Lunar Light Choker  with
Silver Foil

Rain water passes through the Skocjan Caves during the rainy season of Slovenia’s Karst region. 

Consisting of limestone caves, sinkholes, and collapsed dolines this UNESCO World Heritage site is praised for its beauty, and “archaeological significance.” 

Slovenia is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Lara Bohinc.