May 23, 05 | 5:00 am

Favorite Independent Jewelry Designers: Part I

Compared to my shoe, clothing and handbag collections, I’m sorry to admit, my jewelry box is quite lonely. Over the past few months, it’s been filling in nicely, but relatively speaking, my collection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets are few and far between. Oh, I have the requisite ‘classic’ pieces like diamond studs and necklace, but those are frankly quite boring for my taste most of the time. The problem is that unlike shoes, clothes and handbags, with which I have no problem being adventurous and a little quirky, jewelry is a little more intimidating. Okay, I confess, sometimes it scares me. I love the layered look and long, chunky, colored beads, but I always feel too overdone in a bold necklace and a little like I’m trying too hard. So, I took a step back and started just looking for pieces I adore and felt I could work with my wardrobe – and that reflected my young, cool, eccentric taste.

Where else would I go to find the perfect jewelry, but to independent designers? Being picky doesn’t always pay off, but there are so many great independent jewelry designers, it’s not as difficult as it seems to find a great piece. Below, I’ve chosen some of my favorite pieces and designers here (and will bring you more of my favorites in Part 2) and even arranged for some exclusive discounts for Lifestyle Daily readers.

Share the love ladies, and spread the word – keep these designers designing!


Luka Designs



Why I love Luka Designs: I have purchased from Luka Designs a couple of times and continue to go back often and see new pieces that are always unique and current. They keep up with the trends without being ‘trendy,’ and really put a lot of effort into making beautiful, individual pieces.

Why you’ll love Luka Designs: Their pieces are beautiful, unique, AND affordable (not such an easy to find combination any more). The customer service and gift-wrapping are also superb – I ordered a necklace for my sister’s birthday and she still raves about it!

How to wear this piece: I have a similar pin from Luka and I wear mine with everything. It looks just as great with a white blazer and jeans as it does with a suit. If you’re feeling adventurous, clip to your handbag or wear it on a white t-shirt.

Special: Use Code LIFESD306050002 at checkout for 10% off your order – good until May 30.


We Dream in Colour



Why I love We Dream in Colour: I don’t know about you, but when I was playing with shrinky dinks in elementary school, my creations never looked anything like this. Along with other unique pieces, We Dream in Colour produces some of the most amazing ‘shrinkable’ art I’ve ever seen. From flamingos to bromeliads, each piece is hand drawn on heat-shrinkable plastic and truly is wearable art.

Why you’ll love We Dream in Colour: You won’t find anything like these at your local jewelry store – unless you happen to live in the Caribbean where some of their items are sold in exclusive stores. Every piece they make is fun and will make you and everyone around you smile. Believe me, I’ve seen it!

How to wear this piece: This necklace would look fabulous with a simple tube dress or with a simple scoop neck t-shirt and your favorite jeans.

Special: Mention Lifestyle Daily for a 30% refund on your order. Good until May 30, 2005.


Peggy Li



Why I love Peggy Li: Peggy Li is doing all the trends in her own way and then some. I love her tusk necklace because it’s simple and one of the more affordable versions available. She’s also doing crescent moons and charm necklaces, alongside classic chains with layered beads.

Why you’ll love Peggy Li: You can find anything for every occasion – even weddings. Her pieces are beautifully made from high quality materials and will last longer than similar pieces by designers who are just trying to get in on a trend before it passes.
How to wear this piece: Layered of course! Wear it with a chunky beaded necklace, or a few silver or gold chains.

Special: Sign up for her newsletter and get 20% off your first order.


Better Through Daisy



Why I love Better Through Daisy: ‘Antique’ and ‘Vintage’ are tossed around like celebrity names now – usually depending on how much a designer wants to charge – so it’s hard to be sure what is and what’s not. Now, you can go one better than vintage, you can go archeological dig with Better Through Daisy’s vase shard pendants and necklaces. Colleen’s specialty is working with antique (yes, really) vase shards from the Ming dynasty in China and turning them into beautiful works of art. I love that every piece is unique and bold and can act as the centerpiece of an outfit.

Why you’ll love Better Through Daisy: Each pendant comes with a ‘collage’ on the back, or if you want it to be even more special, you can personalize it with a cool ‘ransom note;’ they make great gifts.

How to wear this piece: These necklaces deserve to be the center of attention, so they’re best worn with a low or v-neck shirt/blouse and a cute knee-length skirt. Or, you can take your conservative suit down a notch by wearing one of these necklaces under your slightly unbuttoned white button-down.


Grechen is the founder and webmistress of Grechen’s Closet, an online fashion/style/shopping magazine with features such as a daily "Look What I Found," a comprehensive directory of where to buy designer and independent labels online, a list of more than 500 online boutiques, The DenimGuide to finding the perfect pair, Reviews of designer and independent clothes/accessories on real women, and lots more. Now Grechen’s other endeavor, an online boutique featuring some of her favorite indie designers: The Needle in a Haystack.

COMMENTS