Friday, April 5, 2013

Fine Jewelry - The Beauty of Rare Pieces

Carved Black Ebony Blackamoor with pearl and coral,18K gold.  Shannon Green Collection

Throughout my life, I have always been captivated by the beauty of unique objects. Sourcing extremely special, unusual, 'one-of a kind' jewelry gives me a feeling of immense satisfaction and happiness.


The search process can take time (often spanning years), ongoing dedication and extensive travel to find and collect outstanding pieces, which become part of my collection.


18K Gold & White Enamel Handcrafted Ram Ring by David Webb.  Shannon Green Collection
 

24K Snake Armband by Nancey Chapman.  Shannon Green Collection
 
12 mm Tahitian Pearl Ring, 18K white gold with Sapphire & Diamonds.  Handcrafted in Hong Kong.  Shannon Green Collection

The feeling of wearing a unique, meticulously handcrafted piece of fine jewelry is indescribable...


Perhaps the piece is a perfect reflection of you as an individual and represents your style and personality?  Maybe it is purely the feeling of wearing something beautiful?


18K gold & Diamond Handmade Tassel Necklace by Abel and Zimmerman.  Shannon Green Collection

The true value of my work is to ultimately make people feel good about themselves.  I hope you enjoy these unique and special pieces at my collection as much as I do.

 

Shannon

Friday, March 22, 2013

Jewels of Heaven - Jade by Nikolai

Throughout China and beyond, Jade has been revered for centuries.  This 'living stone' is believed to possess an aura of eternity and remains an object of enduring beauty and mystery.  Officially named in 1863, by French chemist Augustine Alexis Domour, the literal translation is 'Stone of Heaven'.   




Burmese Green jadeite carved dragon band "Guidance in the right direction, Spirit of Change." 

 

18k White Gold F/VS Baguette Diamonds 1.61ct & 1.70ct each, eternity bands, $7250.

 


Burmese Icy Jadeite Polished Band "True Harmony"

 

14K White Gold G/VS round Diamond 2.50 ct prong set eternity bands, $8000.

 

Nikolai Tsang is a skilled artist and jadeite expert, who works purely with natural, untreated Burmese jadeite, in 9 rare and beautiful colors.   Born into a family of jewelers, she worked with jadeite her entire life from rough form to carve, polish and finish. Following graduation from Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, she opened 'Jade by Nikolai' in Honolulu, overseeing the creation of exquisite handmade contemporary jadeite jewelry.   

 

Nikolai has risen to success internationally, by carefully observing traditional asian motifs, whilst also incorporating more universally acknowledged imagery, such as flowers, butterflies, dragons and nature.  



Nikolai is also an educator on all things Burmese jadeite; the history, cutting and carving techniques, symbolism, healing properties and colors. She devotes time, expertise and resources to overcome the mystery surrounding the gem and make a difference to people's lives.


 

One-of-a-kind Earrings!

 

Burmese Green Jadeite carved Medium Lace cut through earrings, loaded with Diamonds set in 14K White Gold,  $7500. 

 
 

Dragon Ring - Jade by Nikolai

 


Similar to a diamond, jadeite value can be measured by Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. 



CUT  Gemologists study symmetry and smoothness in carved jadeite.   Carving is meticulous work and a notoriously difficult technique.  COLOR  There are 9 colors of Burmese jadeite - red, purple, orange, green, yellow, blue, black, gray and white. Gemologists examine rareness, brightness, saturation and balance.  Often referred to as a 'living stone', color can intensify over time, as it is handled and worn.  Traditional carving techniques for color separation and adding Yin and Yang color principles for 'optimum positive energy' also add significant value.  CLARITY  Graded from opaque to highly translucent/transparent.  More transparent = More valuable.  CARAT  Weight of stone + above measurements = value.

   

Calculating the true value of jadeite jewelry is, however, more complex and requires training, knowledge and extensive experience. Jadeite is known to draw out impurities from the soul and bring longevity, love, wealth, health and good luck to the life of the bearer. It is also believed to energize and invigorate the spirit and bless the path that leads you through life.





 
 

"There are 6 billion people on the planet, and 5.9 billion of them going to bed every night starving for one honest word of appreciation".

Nikolai Tsang

 

I am thrilled to be showcasing Nikolai Tsangs beautiful pieces as part of my Spring 2013 collection.



Embrace and enjoy.

 


Shannon

 



 



Friday, March 1, 2013

Treasure Hunting for Fine Jewelry in NYC





 Throughout the past week, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most fabulous and exciting cities in the World, New York.  I return to Naples re-energized, inspired, invigorated and particularly looking forward to studying all the beautiful pieces I collected on my trip - including fabulous pieces handcrafted in Milan, India and Los Angeles.






One of the exclusive events I attended in the heart of New York, is the oldest and most successful jewelry shows globally for the past 105 years! This event has a cool, cutting-edge vibe, reflective of the progressive elegance of the industry.  I enjoyed viewing the latest collections and trends from the world's finest jewelry brands. 

 

I carefully selected an array of beautifully crafted statement pieces and couldn't resist giving a sneak preview!  

Beaded 14k Gold and Diamond Bracelets with Evil Eye and Diamond Bar, handmade in Los Angeles. 




Possibly the finest shield ring I have ever seen.

18k and Sterling Silver rose cut Diamond Ring, with Diamond shank, handmade in India. 




One of the biggest trends currently in New York is the 'Nautical' trend. 

Mens Sterling Silver and Diamond Anchor beaded bracelet, handmade in Los Angeles.



18k Gold handmade interlacing flower ring, 3.84 total carat weight. 



18k Gold, Diamond and Sterling Silver handmade rings.

18k Gold rim with Black Diamond and Sterling Silver ring. 




18k Gold and rose cut Diamonds ring.




Unwrapping beautiful pieces as we speak ...  

 

Come and be inspired!

 

Shannon

 

Friday, February 15, 2013

Men's Jewelry - Spotlight on Buddha to Buddha

Buddha to Buddha Winter 2012/2013 Campaign.  Photography - Bas Andries





'Every journey has a new beginning...'


Batul Loomans 

Buddha to Buddha - Founder, Owner and Designer

 


   

Buddha to Buddha was created in 1997 and is renowned globally for their bold, handcrafted sterling silver bracelets. Inspired by a way of life and rooted in Eastern and spiritual ideology,  the company philosophy is to live consciously, calmly and enjoy each day fully.   The timeless collection boasts over 100 types of jewelry for both men and women including;  bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces.  The beautifully crafted pieces are made from 925 sterling silver and are occasionally combined with leather or precious stones.   

 



Shannon Green Collection



Buddha to Buddha have a well-represented global presence and can be spotted on countless celebrities including; Fergie, Debbie Harry, Ronaldo, Snoop Dogg, Bryan Adams, George Michael, Robin van Persie and Pamela Anderson, amongst others.


Snoop Dogg, Opening Ceremony of the Superbowl


George Michael, London 2012 Olympics, performing with Buddha to Buddha 'Bianca' bracelet


In 2005 they expanded their horizons and launched a clothing line, inspired by the Buddha to Buddha lifestyle.  A jewelry line for the younger generation appeared in 2008, shortly followed by a luxurious range of bags and accessories. 

 

The new collections focus on a range merging silver with wood and designs set with gemstones, such as Onyx.  The latest Spring/Summer 2013 collection has enlisted incredible Diesel accessories designer Lotte van Tangeren to design unisex collections.



Shannon Green Collection


Shannon Green Collection



Shannon Green Collection



Shannon Green Collection

Shannon Green Collection



Batul Loomans - a successful and fascinating entrepreneur, remains inspired by his hometown of Amsterdam to create his timeless Dutch masterpieces.    He made his first jewelry sketch in 1994 whilst in Goa, India at a meditation centre.  It took 3 years to make a small collection and here lies the start of his incredible journey.  In 2013, the brand is now sold in more than 15 countries.






Embrace Life.


Shannon





Thursday, February 7, 2013

Valentine's Day - Passion, Fashion and Jewelry

via. New York Times Style Magazine

Photo - Rodney Smith




Welcome to THE most fashionable week in February!  It's Mercedez Benz Fashion Week in New York, Feb. 7 to Feb. 14.  We eagerly await 'livestreamed' Fall 2013 presentations, from 90 of the world's top designers.  

 

Not to miss this week is Proenza Schouler's hot runway show and Kenneth Cole's long awaited return to fashion week, following a seven-year hiatus. 

 

Amidst all the excitement, we need to focus on the fact that Valentine's Day is on the horizon once again.  What better way to celebrate the occasion than with Jewelry?  The jewelry world has absolutely outdone itself when it comes to romantic pieces. 




 via. Vogue US, 'Brief Encounter' 

Photo - Annie Leibovitz



Even if you are not yet in the mood, allow me to show you at a glance the most gorgeous and stylish jewelry buys for the big day.

 

There is no time like the present to start dropping hints to your loved one...  Failing that - it's a great time to treat yourself!



via. Vogue Turkey




'Where there is love there is life'

Mahatma Gandhi


14K Rose Gold .53 Total carat weight , Pave Heart $2000, made in Los Angeles, CA.  Shannon Green Collection


Diamond &  18k rose gold Heart on purple silk cord $360, made in Greece.  Shannon Green Collection



18k & diamond triple heart hoop earrings $2750, made in Italy.  Shannon Green Collection



18k & diamond Love Rings starting at $475, made in Greece.  Shannon Green Collection




18K Yellow Gold, diamond & Red Spinel hand enameled vintage ring by Ruven Perelman $8500.  Shannon Green Collection



18k black gold with white diamonds on yellow silk cord, $160 made in Greece.  Shannon Green Collection





Life happens... Love helps

 

Shannon 








Friday, February 1, 2013

The Beautiful Stories of Pequenas Indulgencias


Pequenas Indulgencias Fashion Campaign, photography - Maria Elisa Duque
 
 


Pequenas Indulgencias is a spectacular line of jewelry created by Colombian designer Alejandra Garcia.  Crafted by hand, each piece is unique and incorporates 24k Gold, Silver, Bronze and complementary natural components.

 

Accessories are pieces that connect us to our being...  Jewelry is symbiotic with our feelings, thoughts, experiences and everyday emotions.    All Pequenas collections are tied to a beautiful story drawn from the imagination or life of the designer.  Each piece reminds us what is really important in life and aims to bring a little more light and sweetness into the world.  

   


 

via. pequenasindulgencias.co


Each beautiful piece is handmade in Colombia



You reap what you sow - that is the Pequenas philosophy. What goes around comes around and each piece celebrates the positive effects of these actions.  This includes finding true friendship, eternal love and respect for others or giving love unconditionally.



"...together we'll fly like leaves in the wind." via. pequenasindulgencias.co 

 

 

Pequenas Indulgencias were awarded Best Jewelry Designer from Infashion Magazine for originality and dedication.

 
 
 

Seeding Love Bracelet, braided in threads and bronze flowers, 24k Gold plated, $215.  Shannon Green Collection

 

Etched Bronze Love Story Bracelet, 24k Gold plated. Available soon at Shannon Green Collection

 

 Earrings with turquoises, 24k Gold plated.  Available soon at Shannon Green Collection



 

San Martin Flowers Necklace, 24k Gold plated, faceted Turquoise, agate and etched bronze, $540.  Shannon Green Collection

 

Beautiful, Creative and Emotional...  Be inspired.

 

Shannon