HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE!

Every year The Local Artisan Guide offers a Holiday Gift Guide and this year is no different. If you read our previous blog on Olfactory ideas for holiday gifts this blog is some of our most favorite gift ideas in multiple categories. As usual the gifts are from brands that are artisanal, small business and local (even if they are available around the world). If we can help guide you to more unique, artisanal gifts then we have done our job. We are featuring here gifts from American, Spain, Italy, Paris and Mexico because that is how we roll. Just click on the captions below for more info on the item.

Khushi Spa, Healing Balm

Khushi Spa, Healing Balm, $24

Khushi Spa is a beauty brand that has focused since in inception as a brand that eschews chemicals and additives in their products and rely on natural ingredients used for centuries for the treatment and healing of your skin. We love their bestseller Healing Balm, which is described as “A simply divine balm made from a lanolin base with shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil and essential oils of geranium and lavender. The Khushi Healing Balm is thick going on but has nice absorption if given a moment.  Use on; dry hands and feet, dry patches of skin, chapped baby cheeks (on the face or the bum), or any part of the skin that needs a bit of extra attention.” The ingredients are lanolin, shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil, beeswax, glycerin, rosemary oil extract, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil and come in a 4 oz jar making for a much needed and affordable holiday gift.

Maria De La Orden, Tree Cashmere Sweater for Women

Tree Cashmere Sweater in Green by Maria De La Orden, $225

Maria De La Orden is a boutique brand based in Madrid that is a very whimsical, color and pattern oriented collection of clothes, shoes, accessories and now home decor. We love the quality of their Mongolian based cashmere, our favorite is Tree Cashmere Sweater in Green is fitted close to the body and has a turtleneck. Composed of 100% 2-ply ultra-soft cashmere, this luxurious green sweater has a stripe detail along the arms sleeves, in natural color.

Inphorm NYC, Girls Strappy Flounce Tennis Dress

Inphorm NYC, Girls Strappy Flounce Tennis Dress, $73

Inphorm NYC is a luxury atleisure wear brand founded by designer Saad Hajidin who from the onset of his brand was focusing on creating fashionable activewear as eco friendly as possible and fair trade for his workers. Inphorm NYC has a reputation for activewear so fashionable that you don’t want to wear it just for sports. Inphorm NYC has lately added men’s and girls and boys activewear to their brand and we are spotlighting the Girls Strappy Tennis Flounce Dress which we feel young ladies will not only adore but likely will want to play tennis more! Sophisticated and playful is how we would describe this dress. We recommend pairing this with their classic compression short as an underpinning. Built in shelf bra eliminates see through on the upper body. The fabric is UV Protective with Moisture wicking and quick dry with Four-way stretch. Also Machine Washable.

Desideri Design, Fukui Organic Silver Ring

Silver Kukui Ring by Desideri Design, $315

Desideri Design is a jewelry brand created and designed by Roman Claudia Desideri (now based in NYC) who initially became known for her Swarovski Crystal designs and has now evolved into other media which included this beautiful solid silver ring inspired by her travels in Hawaii and the Kukui seeds she found on the beach. This incredible ring was created by nature and sculpted by the ocean. The organic solid ring has a nice weight bringing lux and uniqueness to this beautiful wearable art.

Mondelliani Eyewear, Wissing Eye Glasses

Mondelliani Eyewear, Wissing Eyewear, $402

Mondelliani Eyewear is an independent Roman eyewear brand (their eyewear boutique also offers a highly curated selection of smaller independent brands) as well as accessories and art) that has out of the box designs for their eyewear and sunglasses. Their fun play with color is apparent with their Wissing Eyewear, a classic model but with unexpected colors, for a look that is always joyful and never predictable. The combination of colors was created ad hoc for Mondelliani, making the object one of a kind.

Baboushkini, Oso + Me, Green Missy Baby Sleepsuit

Baboushkini, Oso + Me, Green Missy Baby Sleepsuit, £68

Baboushkini is born from this - a UK based shopping destination designed to inspire, bringing to life a curation of the nicest, most high-quality and elegant children’s clothes made by an array of carefully chosen independent brands from around the world, all of which are founded and run by women, all of whom champion the magic of artisanal, thoughtful, ethical design and production when it comes to babies and children. With that we love the Oso + Me brand and their baby sleep suit which is the Green Missy Baby 100% organic double cotton gauze, with velvet trim and runs true to size. Your adorable baby will look even more adorable if that was already possible.

John Robshaw, Aditya Robe

John Robshaw, Aaditya Robe, $125

John Robshaw is well known textile designer mostly known in home decor circles with a stunning collection of east/west patterns and color inspiration designs for his bed and tableware. Mostly handmade in India John Robshaw also has other categories in his design world which included accessories, furniture, stationary and apparel. We chose his Aaditya Robe which is unisex and like his other textiles is also hand blocked by meticulous artisans. Relax in style in this wonderful batik style robe. Incredibly soft and light, these cotton voile robes are perfect for any season. 100% Cotton voile and with pockets. Available in s/m and l/xl.

Long Wharf Supply Co., Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater

Long Wharf Supply Co., Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater, $138

The Long Wharf Supply Co., is an eco friendly apparel brand that creates their clothing from recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottle and cotton. We highly recommend as a gift for the men in your life the Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater. The first fisherman's sweaters made from a soft blend of recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottles, and cotton. Inspired by vintage style and classic comfort, these garments boast ribbed cuffs and collars to promote thermal regulation and lightweight layers for windy days among the great outdoors. This sweater is inspired by the Prince of Pirates, Samuel Bellamy sailed from Cape Cod to become one of the wealthiest pirates in the world. During his time, he was known as a "Robin Hood of the Seas" treating both his crew and prisoners well until he ran aground and perished off Wellfleet, Massachusetts in 1717. Donning his famous ensign, our Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater provides the perfect versatile layer for year-round use.

McNally Jackson, Slim Aarons, “Style”

McNally Jackson, Slim Aarons, “Style” $85

Independent book store McNally Jackson has an amazing collection of books and to support independent book stores in an Amazon age helps make sure they survive. That said we want to recommend a classic book on style, Slim Aarons, “Style”, a book on glamorous fashions, personalities, and places captured by iconic photographer Slim Aarons in this collection from curator Shawn Waldron and author Kate Betts. McNally Jackson’s description on the book is as follows: “Slim Aarons, at least according to the man himself, did not photograph fashion: “I didn’t do fashion. I did the people in their clothes that became the fashion.” But despite what he claimed, Aarons’s work is indelibly tied to fashion. Aarons’s incredibly influential photographs of high society and socialites being unambiguously themselves are still a source of inspiration for modern day style icons. Slim Aarons: Style showcases the photographs that both recorded and influenced the luminaries of the fashion world. This volume features early black-and-white fashion photography, as well as portraits of the fashionable elite—like Jacqueline de Ribes, C.Z. Guest, Nan Kempner, and Marisa Berenson—and those that designed the clothes, such as Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Mary McFadden, and Lilly Pulitzer. Featuring some never-before-seen images and detailed captions written by fashion historians, Slim Aarons: Style is a collection of the photographer’s most stylish work.”

AYU New York, Handmade Stuffed Toys from Oaxaca, Mexico

AYU New York, Handmade Stuffed Toys from Oaxaca, Mexico, Price Upon Request

AYU New York is known for home decor from around the world and in the store we found these adorable and beautiful handmade stuffed toys from Oaxaca, Mexico. These are perfect gifts for a child that has parents that are style and eco friendly conscious as the child gets a fun and colorful toy to play with and the parents have a toy that actually adds to the style of their home decor. No plastic, messy and loud toys here. Made out of cotton, price upon request.

So there you go, ten gift ideas for the holidays that will satisfy everyone on your gift giving list. They are artisanal, eco friendly and help small local brands thrive. Plus your loved ones will appreciate how you went the extra mile to find a gift as unique as they are.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY TWO: JEWELRY

On day two of The Local Artisan Guide Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide we are featuring six local and international artisan jewelers with influences from Italy, Japan, Thailand, Holland and New York. We chose small independent jewelry brands that range in all price points that not only have a unique vision in their creations but work to create ethical and sustainable collections. We have chosen pieces from their collections as gift recommendation however we encourage you to research and do a deeper dive into their creations.

JUDITH HAAS $$-$$$

“Half Moon Mondrian Necklace”, $180

Dutch fine artisan and artisanal jewelry designer Judith Haas creates unique pieces that reflect her diverse art background . Born in Holland, Judith Haas now lives and works in her studio in Brooklyn creating a collection of jewelry and fine art. Our selection is inspired by fellow Dutch artist Piet Mondrian and is entitled “Half Moon Mondrian Necklace”. It is fine silver partially oxidized, with 24k gold leaf pendant. 15 inch Sterling Silver chain with 2.5 inch extension chain ( 17.5 inch total) Ask for costume made length. Haas creations are surprisingly affordable and a great gift for lovers of art.

NAKAMOL $-$$

“Paloma Statement Earrings”, $42

Thai jewelry designer Nakamol creates pieces that are made by the over 200 Thai family and friends artisans in her native Thailand. The “Paloma Statement Earrings” are dazzling statement earrings that gives oomph to your casuals.  Materials: faceted crystal, lapis, agate, wire hook. Measurements: 3" drop. Nakamol creates a beautiful collection that is very affordable.

ILENIA CORTI VERNISSAGE $$$-$$$$

“Limbo Cuff Bracelet”, Price Upon Request

Italian jewelry designer Ilenia Corti Vernissage is a fine jewelry and accessories designer. She grew up in a family of artisanal jewelry designers and her creations have crossed into the world where fashion meets nature. Her maximalist style is full of color and precise detail where the beauty of nature is transformed into eye catching creations. Here we have a piece from her “Attendiamo Amore” collection, an intricate mix of golden skulls, snakes, gemstones and floras. The name of the cuff bracelet is “Limbo Cuff Bracelet” Price upon request.

KATAOKA $$$-$$$$

“Diamond Snowflake Ring-Old Mine”, $19,860

Japanese goldsmith artisan Yoshinobu Kataoka is a master jewelry designer whose creations are sparkly minimalist masterpieces made in Tokyo. Although his designs may be minimal, they visually pack a punch. We see that in “Diamond Snow Flake Ring-Old Mine” The description for this ring is as follows, “A Winter’s Timeless Love Affair. With its captivating, beaming, icy white, old mine-cut diamond nestled in the center, surrounded by a sweeping halo of brilliant tiny diamonds and accents on the fine milgrain-edged band, the Diamond Snowflake Ring–Old Mine enchants the hearts of true lovers of winter’s serene flawless beauty. Reminiscent of the sophisticated style of the 1800s, this one-of-a-kind piece brings back the class and elegance of those golden old days.”

Ref: ka0148ab

• Band: width 1 mm thickness 2 mm

• Diamond (center) 0.695 ct. G color, clarity SI1, Old Mine cut.

• Diamond (total) 0.945 ct.

• Picture: 18k beige gold

DESIDERI DESIGNS $$

“Capri Blue Ring”, $255

Rome to NYC transplant, Claudia Desideri is the artisan jewelry designer behind Desideri Designs. Her jewelry collection is unique in that she specializes in Swarovski crystals and gold or silver metal intwined wire. The pieces are colorful and range from minimal to statement within the collection. “Capri Blue” is a conglomeration of Desideri’s Italian heritage and many travels to the Mediterranean Sea. The pieces are very affordable especially for their unique beauty and quality.

Aquamarine , metallic blue Swarovski crystals

• available with or without Turquoise stone

• Sterling silver wire band

• Made in NYC

JACTO $$

“N/S Jaw Necklace”, $395

Jacto is a sustainable, ethical jewelry brand handmade in NYC that uses ethically sourced upcycled fish bones with nickel-free recycled metals. The creator, jewelry designer Melanie Maggio was inspired by discarded seafood waste to create a highly specific, unisex jewelry collection. “N/S Jaw Necklace” is a necklace that was made from an upcycled jawbone from a barracuda. Made with 14K gold-filled bezel and chain. These one of a kind items are custom made to order and can be customized if you wish to add special requests and/or engraving. The collection is affordable especially since it is made in NYC and sustainable.

These six jewelry brands have a wide variety of aesthetics, prices, materials and purposes. What they all have in common is that they are led by the heart of an artisan. We encourage you to explore their collections more fully (just click on the captions for their websites) and consider them as holiday gifts for your loved ones (or yourself).

By Natalie Rivera

Celebrating Women Artisan Jewelry Designers for International Women's Month

With March nominated as the month to celebrate women and their achievements (yes I know shouldn’t it be half the year at least, women are Half the Sky) The Local Artisan Guide has decided every week this month to highlight some women artisans in different categories starting with jewelry designers from around the world that you might not know about but are worth knowing. 

We chose ten women jewelry designers who work in a range from a new twist on the traditional to contemporary to spiritual to cultural pride. There is a plethora of raw materials, stones, crystals, metals, price points and traditions explored by all these jewelers. The spectacular talent these female artisans have in their art form and imagination when it comes to jewelry is worth highlighting in a category where most of the product is worn by women.  More so as many of the jewelers below also explore ways to make their work sustainable, ethical and give back to their communities.

Polly Wales

Polly Wales

Madeira Skull Ring, $15,400

Encrusted skull with purple, blue, and black sapphires and brown diamonds on a large face skull.

Kindly Note: Each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind and unpredictable -- the product of a specialized manufacturing process that we've developed over many years. It is the heart and soul of the Cast-Not-Set process and the Polly Wales style. Stone colors may vary slightly. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, Stones: Sapphires & Diamonds.

Polly Wales is the Creative Director and Founder of her eponymous brand of fine jewelry. Polly was born in London and gravitated towards the arts from a very young age. She studied sculpture in University and later taught art to juvenile offenders. However, she discovered her real passion when she began to design jewelry, making intimate wearable sculptures. She went back to school to study Jewelry Design at the Royal College of Art, where her naturally anarchic spirit combined with classical training to inspire the creation her signature “cast-not-set” process.

Casting gemstones directly into molten gold has enabled her to push the boundaries of traditional fine jewelry and produce unique collections year after year. In 2016, Polly moved the company from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the sunny grit of Downtown Los Angeles where the company is now based. She currently lives in a treasure trove of curiosities in the hills of East Los Angeles

Anna Sheffield

Anna Sheffield

HAZELINE SOLITAIRE RING

14k Gold & Blackened Rutilated Quartz, $2,850

8mm blackened rutilated quartz center with 0.03ctw small black diamond accents set in 14k recycled yellow, rose, or white gold.

Please note that gemstones are natural materials and therefore each stone is unique. The Hazeline is a cornerstone of the Anna Sheffield ceremonial jewelry collection. A classic style with a delicate silhouette, this timeless design is based on a ring belonging to Anna’s grandmother. Envisioned here in a solitaire style with the same detailed basket and slender shank, the Hazeline is the perfect ‘heirloom-to-be.

Anna Sheffield’s childhood in the Southwest has had an enduring influence on her work, setting the stage for a lifelong interest in natural beauty, spirituality, and all forms of art and design—from architecture to indigenous crafts. These diverse interests led her to pursue a degree in sculpture. After moving to New York City, Anna shifted her attention to jewelry, drawing upon her Fine Art fundamentals to create a singular style—elegant, irreverent, and truly original.

Claudia Desideri - Desideri Designs

Claudia Desideri

Crown Hook Earrings $175

Inspired by Classical jewelry  Crown hook earrings are a true beauty. All Swarovski crystal beads are individually hand-stitched. Try pairing  with our crown studs for an edgier look . Material Finishing. Emerald green and Metallic rose gold Swarovski crystals beads. 14K gold filled , 4 cm long.

Desideri design is NYC based jewelry brand founded by Roman born Claudia Desideri. Since her early age, she’s always been interested in Art and Drama and had an affinity for artistic design. After graduating at the Istituto Nazionale D'arte in Rome she moved to New York, where she attended the Lee Strasberg film and theatre institute. Her passionate creativity and love for Art and Nature finally converge in 2004, when she founded Desideri Design. Since then, she has been creating luxurious, classy but still wearable pieces of jewelry which combine both “hard” and “soft” elements, organic and futuristic materials, geometrical Minimalism and sparkling Baroque. Her collection of rings, necklaces and earrings are all unique pieces made using Swarovski crystals, natural stones and fresh water pearls.

Judith Haas

Judith Haas

Persian Necklace, $275.00

Fine Silver (.99)  partially oxidized, with 24k gold leaf pendant. 15 inch fine gold filled chain with 2.5 inch extension chain ( 17.5 inch total) Ask for costume made length. Pendant is 2x1 1/4 inch. One of a kind

Dutch artist Judith Haas creates jewelry and fine art using gold, silver, bronze and semi precious stones. Her work is characterized by finely crafted textures and unfinished surfaces in contrast with colorful patinas that reflect her passion for art and design history and the industrial environment surrounding her Williamsburg Brooklyn studio.

Ms. Haas received a Masters degree in Physiology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). She has devoted herself to her art career since 2003 and has exhibited at galleries and boutiques widely including Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Hankyu, Tokyo.

Yanina Faour - Oleana Jewelry

Yanina Faour

Citric Sun Mandala Pendant $218.80

In sterling silver, with yellow gold plating, enamel and crystals. Representing the union between the sacred and the earthly world, mandalas are deeply meditative symbols that harmonize chakras and have a positive effect on those who wear them.

Oleana jewelry is handcrafted in Buenos Aires and designed by Yanina Faour, fourth generation of jewelers, inspired in the architecture and fine arts that identify the magic of her hometown, Buenos Aires.

Yanina Faour launched her own brand, Oleana in 2003, combining the high quality craftsmanship of her ancestors with a fresh and modern aesthetic. What sets Oleana apart its is fine jewelry collections in silver and 18K gold, with influences ranging from architecture to spirituality, to be worn at different times of the day. Ind addition to being a young businesswoman and mother, Yanina is a mentor and has an affinity and interest in the development of the female entrepreneur at all levels. She herself is a fellow of the Vital Voices Organization and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women In Business program.

Marielise Lachapelle

Marielise Lachapelle

Malachite Necklace. This necklace featuring a malachite stone, is quite versatile as those three genuine rose leaves coated in gold, are designed to slide through the center of the stone so you can adjust the length. The stone is approximately 2” long but the shape will vary slightly with each piece. Many other stones available. Price upon request.

New York based artist Marie-Lise Lachapelle grew up in the green suburbs of Montreal. Her love of nature, fashion, and the influence of her entrepreneurial parents have culminated into a successful career designing stunning jewelry. She creates custom high impact jewelry and a variety of collections using organic elements and shapes. Her unique combinations of flowers, precious metals, and stones, have garnered her international attention and is a favorite for editorials, celebrities and fans of her jewelry around the world

Jane D’Arensbourg

Jane D’Arensbourg

BLACK BUBBLE NECKLACE $1,500

Jet black glass bubble, sculptural bib necklace. This is a big show stopping unique statement necklace. One of a kind. Chain length 24” x 3/8”. Sculptural bubble bib size 7”x6”. Sterling silver clasp.

Brooklyn based designer Jane D'Arensbourg began working with glass early in her career as an artist and became greatly inspired by the unique properties of the medium, particularly as a vehicle to capture light, energy and fragility. .Jane D’Arensbourg launched her glass jewelry designs in 2002 in New York City. 

In her studio, D’Arensbourg's process starts with raw, durable, borosilicate glass rods that are transformed with a torch free form. Using heat and gravity to shape the glass, the designer handcrafts one-of-a-kind sculptural jewelry. With each piece, D'Arensbourg honors the fragility and inherent elegance of the material, creating timeless and unique jewelry. Borosilicate glass is one of the most shock resistant glass available which results in it being a surprisingly wearable material. Jane D’Arensbourg views her jewelry as functional art. A ring can function as a sculptural object sitting in your home waiting to be worn and experienced in another way. 

Jane D'Arensbourg has exhibited her artwork and jewelry in museums and galleries internationally. Her work can be found in esteemed stock lists from New York to Japan as well as in the permanent collection of The Museum of Art Design, New York.

Ilenia Corti Vernissage

Ilenia Corti

Blue Imperial Moth Necklace $1,920

Sleek, sculptural and dynamic, this deftly crafted necklace has a bold, modern aesthetic that will complement a modern and casual outfit. Handcrafted of 925 silver, it has a distinctive princess neckline composed entirely of realistic imperial moth charms of varying dimensions. The moth's slender wings are finished with a midnight-blue enamel, creating a smooth, elegant texture that resembles that of stones. This exceptional necklace will elevate the style and allure of any ensemble and modern jewelry collection. Lobster claw clasp. Available also in brass upon request.

Ilenia Corti grew up in a family of jewelers and worked as a fashion accessories designer for high luxury companies all over the world. She created Vernissage inspired by the world of nature, and the tension between the childlike awe we feel in front of its small and enchanting phenomena and the pragmatism of the adult world. The uniqueness and strong creative identity of her work has earned the enthusiastic response of authoritative magazines. Each piece is handmade by the expert craftsmen of the Santagostino company, leader in this field and owned by the Corti family.

Sewit Sium

Sewit Sium

ETERNITY SNAKE CUFF $150

The snake is symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. For thousands of years, the snake has been utilized as a symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. 18K gold plated brass. Snake is 3/16" (4mm) wide. Cuff is adjustable. Availability: Handmade to order in New York.

Jeweler and educator Sewit Sium has been crafting powerful jewelry imbued with living African history for over a decade. Prior to starting her company in 2015 of the same name, she taught Fashion Activism and Design in various NYC High schools. “I used jewelry - the oldest form of decorative arts as an educational tool, as primary document to teach predominantly Black students about their living African lineage, the world and their place in it. The goal is that they view their creations as well as their bodies as sites of knowledge transmission. I want them to internalize that their creations will outlast them, to see themselves as leaders and agents of change who can transform the world of image making authority.” 

Sewit’s mission and approach extends to her design practice that she hopes will be adopted by institutions such as the fashion industry, museums and design colleges alike. “it’s important for me to get as indigenous and specific as possible via symbols and motifs, I know the optimal power of jewelry is unlocked when attached to its origin story and makers - to bodies.”  Sewit's goal is to create initiatives that serve the reclamation and activation of indigenous objects. “Jewelry is a point of departure, but this is about people and ideas and those who lay claim should get to decide how their culture is accurately interpreted and shared.” Sewit is dedicated to decolonizing the way jewelry is engaged with, “together we can restore it to its rightful place - as documentation, a stunning object of desire and daring catalyst for change”. 

Sewit completed her MA at NYU Tisch, where her thesis was entitled Activation: Jewelry and the Body, Sites and Tools for Liberation. 

Sewit's jewelry has been featured in Elle, Vogue, Bazaar, Town & Country, Vanity Fair Magazines. She created various costume design pieces for HBO Insecure as well as feature films such as Coming 2 America. 

Mia Hebib - Oblik Atelier

OBLIK ATELIER MOBIUS EARRINGS $200

Mobius Earrings, brass plated in 14k gold

Mia Hebib started in jewelry at the School for Applied Arts and Design in Zagreb, Croatia. Upon resettling in the United States, she attended the Savannah College of Art and Design where she received a BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing. Besides running Oblik Atelier, Mia has been instrumental in re-launching Robert Lee Morris collection as well as launching multiple high- profile fashion brands like AllSaints and Coach wholesale line. Mia has also mentored at PRATT Institute, 92nd Street Y and SCAD.

Mia creates conversation pieces and her mission is to elevate jewelry from simply existing as an accessory to becoming a wearable sculpture, an objet d'art.

Mia's studio "Oblik" means "shape/form" in Croatian and the name is echoed in each created piece. Oblik Atelier is on a quest to define the most elegant and clean line and thrust that line through a three-dimensional metamorphosis.

Oblik Atelier jewelry marries traditional metalsmithing techniques to timeless designs via fold forming, fabricating and forging techniques. Each piece is hand bend to conform to the body. Surfaces are smooth, architectural, sculptural, sinuous, voluptuous and polished.  Jewelry is made in brass and finished with gold or rhodium plating.

All the above mentioned women jewelers come from around the world yet all find a way to uniquely express their vision of jewelry thus creating wearable art. Women creating for other women, a wearable badge of how a woman can express their aesthetic to the rest of the world through the media of metals and precious stones.

The Local Artisan Guide will feature a blog every week for the month of March on a different category celebrating women artisans and highlighting their contributions to the world.

By Natalie Rivera