Mother's Day seemed so far off, oops, now it's a little more than a week away!! Whether you are a mom or know a special mom, nothing really beats gifting that special Mom a piece of designer jewelry to make her feel appreciated! Even if that fabulous Mom is you! Perhaps you are a mom of a sweet pooch or kittie or a mom of 4 kids, all mom's and women are deserving of a little special something. But hey kudos to that mom of 1 or 4 or 6, you deserve an 18kt Gold Medal of Honor.... But we digress...as that may be out of range with the prices of gold these days.... So here are some great Mother's Day gifts!

Is that special mom a Sterling Silver fanatic? If so, Ana Cavalheiro has a sweet selection of rings, earrings and bracelet cuffs. These romantic and architecturally inspired pieces will sure to wow her. Or consider Sally Kay's Sterling Silver Bubble Earrings and ring which have proven to be a favorite gift for many. Is Mom a Gold girl, well then go for gold with Oblik Atelier's Gold Nest Necklace with 2 nestled diamonds perfect for the mom of 2;a personalized Astrology Constellation Necklace from Brooke Gregson also offers that personalized touch! Now if mom is all fashion all the time, there are many directions you could go, but how about some color for the Spring and Summer? Zariin Jewelry offers bold and beautiful pieces designed with raw cut stones,agates and druzies. Mom wants some sparkle in her fashion, any Rodrigo Otazu piece such as the Freedom Swarovski Necklace will surely bring a smile to her face! No matter what you do for Mother's Day, make sure that special mom knows she rocks!!

By now we all know that Neon is big for this Spring and Summer. It's a sassy and whimsical trend that is fun to play with, but can also strike fear in the most seasoned fashionista. I know I am intrigued, but I fear for looking like a Neon Sign walking down the street. That's why jewelry is a great way to bring the perfect touch of Neon into your look without going overboard or getting thrown overboard. Because honestly how many times will you wear those neon green skinny jeans or neon yellow dress. Beyond the number of wears you get out of that neon dress, neon isn't kind or flattering to many skin tones. Our Neon Necklace from Ben-Amun pulls together three playful neon colors into one lightweight necklace and can spice up that t-shirt and jeans. Ben-Amun's Neon Swirl Bangle is also super cool and easy to wear. For something a little more subtle, Kelacala Q's Recoletta Necklace or Salta Bracelet, bring in elements of neon without knocking you over the head. Great options that can work for a range of looks and outfits. Try a little neon by way of accessorizing and don't worry about blinding your friends, loved ones or pets.

Are you having as much fun as we are stacking and layering up your wrists with bracelets, cuffs and wraps?  We have always been big arm candy fans, and love that many have joined the party. So when we first stumbled upon the Hexagon Cuff Bracelets from Kara Ross, we were overwhelmed with jewelry joy. The Hexagon Skin Cuff Bracelets are sleek and sophisticated, bold and crisp... and better yet were simply designed for stacking. We love putting together eclectic color combinations such as an Azalea Lizard Skin Hexagon Cuff with a White Skin Hexagon Cuff and Metallic Blue Cuff. Or sometimes we throw on a Kara Ross Cuff with one of our leather wrap bracelets to mix it up. Or on those days we want to go simple, putting on one Kara Ross cuff is all we need. Kara Ross offers the divine Hexagon Cuff in a range of natural skins and colors in a gold plated hinged bangle design. Any way you go, the Kara Ross Hexagon Cuffs are a great accessory for amping up your personal style.

Accessory Artists & Manika Jewelry Hosting Fashion Night Out- November 17th 3-7PM at Manika Jewelry Store, 11 Maiden Lane in San Francisco. Show continues November 18th & 19th 11-6PM.

A look at gorgeous rings coming this season!

This past week, Accessory Artists' Founder and Creative Director Marcy Roth was out and about at jewelry events again. These insider industry events are where buyers and designers meet and interact to review new pieces for the coming season -- and ultimately help bring us the chic and cool pieces that we'll adorn in the season ahead.

AA: What kind of trends did you see for Holiday?

MR: Statement pieces are still going strong -- these days, the statement jewelry item is like a wardrobe staple, almost like a great  pair of jeans or a good cardigan sweater. It's much less as much a 'trend' as a capsule piece. I say the more the better!

AA: Were there any trends within statement pieces that you saw?

MR: Similar to our early reports, cuffs are going to be a hot item. They'll be subtle, vintage, bejeweled, bold, dynamic etc. -- and 
you'll see them worn doubled up on a single wrist, worn on both wrists, etc. Definitely expect cuffs to play a big part of holiday 
party wear this coming season. Swarovski accents in every color you can imagine (including neon!) were very popular at holiday showings this past month. Faux animal skins, prints, etc. will also be popular.

AA: Will it only be cuffs?

MR: No, the statement pieces you'll see cropping up for holiday will be across all jewelry types from necklaces to earrings. Especially big, bold earrings, layered particularly as an accent to the cuff trend.

AA: What other trend items should we keep an eye out for?

MR: If you want to be ahead of the trend for holiday, definitely look to the crop of handwoven and crocheted pieces that are becoming more popular. You'll see pieces with materials like metals, threads, other synthetics as well as stones, leathers, and beads. The options we saw were abundant. These items are sometimes a bit more delicate than your typical statement
pieces discussed above, which will be much more prominent for daytime as they're simple and easier to wear.

Absolutely you will want to snap up pieces with elements like feathers, chains and mixed metal jewelry, and especially tassles (or combinations of all three!). These pieces will be on the trend-setters and probably a lot of celebrities, playing on the presence from earlier this year. Enamel and glass sculpted pieces are also going to be strong for holiday, which will be exciting!

AA: Anything that might be a surprise or unexpected?

MR: Tribal influenced collections. We've started seeing this in apparel this past spring and summer, especially in skirts and dresses. 
It's now going to carry over into jewelry of all types. This is a really great trend for fine jewelry lovers, who might want a unique 
look and feel that goes beyond the traditional fine jewelry looks. And also structural, sleek minimal styled pieces such as sleek collars or necklaces and cuffs.

AA: Any updates to old classics?

MR: Yes! Bangles like the classic thin, gold and silver worn a half dozen or so on an arm will be adorned with little semi-precious 
stones, either in an array of colors or solids. Stud earrings were also everywhere, proving that what's old is always new again. And it allows you to balance the statement pieces with something more subtle. We also saw some nautical collections trending for resort collections.

Nothing adds style and flair to an outfit like a bold piece of statement jewelry, especially a chunky necklace. They can dress up a simple sundress or add a bit of drama to a classic white button down. But even though a beautiful necklace may take center stage, nothing showcases a beautiful necklace better than smooth skin and a flawless décolletage.  

Marcy Roth of Accessory Artists got together with beauty expert, LA Times Beauty Contributor and former InStyle Beauty Editor Alexandra Drosu to offer great tips on how to enhance a décolletage with beauty products and baubles. With this advice, no need to hide behind heavy layers of chains and clothing, instead illuminate with beautiful skin and a fabulous necklace. 

1) For smooth skin, start by using an exfoliator. Treat the skin on your décolletage the same as your face, it’s just as sensitive. Avoid body scrubs and opt for a facial exfoliant, such as B. Witching Bath Co's Banana Nut Face Scrub & Cleanser.

2) Moisturize exfoliated skin with a light lotion, again creams formulated for the face is best for the décolletage: try Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer. Decleor Neck and Décolleté Concentrate firms, reduces pigment flaws and nourishes dry skin without an oily residue. Remember to apply the moisturizer at least an hour before donning jewelry. “The oils from the cream can damage fashion jewelry or stain silk and leather,” says Roth.

3) A consistent palette sets off color in your jewels. Correct redness or spots on your décolletage with a spot concealer instead of foundation to minimize rub-off on your jewelry. Dab a matte concealer, such as Ron King Cosmetics Concealer or MAC Studio Fix Fluid; blend with a sponge to even out skin tone. 

4) Oil is your jewelry’s arch enemy so keep your décolleté shine-free. Brush a translucent setting powder like Cover FX by day—the natural mineral powder won’t clog pores. By night, opt for a version with a hint of sparkle such as Guerlain Météorites Powder. 

5) Now that your décolletage is primed you are ready for the perfect necklace. With this perfect canvas set it with a shorter necklace 16-18” length.  If you love the new mixed metal trend, try our Rocker Braided Necklace, or want something more delicate try the Gold Droplet Necklace or looking for that stunning semi precious stone necklace try the Midnight Cascade necklace. Looking for something more bold and gold, try the Portofino Tassel Necklace.

Now's your chance to get the perfect pallete and show off that glow with Beautiful Skin and Baubles!

TV Personality, Style Maven, Celebrity Insider & Founder of Dinner with Bevy:
A Twitter Chat with Bevy Smith

Gal about town and Twitter sensation Bevy Smith joined us last week for a quick Tweet Up right after her glamorous fashion shoot for Essence magazine. We took over a corner table at the SoHo House and let Bevy share her favorite style tips, talk about how she started her “Dinner With Bevy” franchise and tell us about how she became such a fashion and lifestyle expert. Here’s a lightly edited account with highlights from our rollicking conversation:

Accessory Artists: @bevysmith is with us! Hot Pink # AArtistschat

AA: We’re so happy you’re here with us. You look like you’re ready for a fashion shoot today.

Bevy Smith: Well I did threaten to wear my makeup from my @EssenceMagazine shoot the entire weekend! LOL

AA: Tell us, how did you become such a fashion expert?

BS: My sense of style is greatly influenced by growing up in Harlem and having a very stylish mom. She never wears JEANS, lol!

AA: How would you describe your personal style?

BS: My personal style is sexy with a splash of designer for sass and cash!

@Beak906: @bevysmith What type of summer shirts should I wear? I’m heavy chest like you and love it hunny.  

BS: @Beak906 Well, as a busty babe it’s imperative to have a GREAT bra. So once you have a good foundation, you can wear almost anything.

BS: @beak906 My pal Chrissie from Love & Hip Hop always wore jeans & t-shirts, but it’s the way you wear them. Make sure they are sexy.

BS: @bubblegumpattie Bill Blass told me when I was a kid, “Speak up when you know what you’re talking about.” I do that EVERY DAY, LOL!

AA: How did you start Dinner With Bevy?

BS: I started (Dinner With Bevy) because I realized there were a lot of artists that weren’t connected with fashion.

BS: My first dinner was for Grammy-Award-winning, platinum artist Musiq Soulchild and after that it took off, never wavered.

BS: The original idea was music/fashion. Now it’s branched into philanthropy/film/TV/literature and consumer brands.

@MsLyricPr: @bevysmith What’s your favorite book to read?

BS: Have many. I love F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,’ & Alice Walker’s “The Third Life of Grange Copeland.”

AA: How do you choose your jewelry?

BS: Well, since I’m not a petite gal, I can’t wear tiny jewelry, as I tend to engulf those kinds of pieces.

BS: I also know that as a brown gal I have the luxury of looking good in color, silver and gold.

BS: I also LOVE Bakelite, especially cuffs and modern resin pieces. Significant pieces work best on me!

AA:Are there any other fashion influencers you look up to?

BS: I’ve been working in fashion for 97 years, and I know what works for me. So I dance to my own chaotic beat.

BS: What’s most interesting about my style is that it continues to evolve, but it makes references to past iconic moments like Laura Petrie!

AA: Tell us a bit about your @EssenceMagazine photo shoot? Did we have a Mahogany moment?

@SweetSoaps Ok, what is a Mahogany moment?

@FashionOffice:  @SweetSoaps Seriously. Mahogany? “Do you know where you’re going to?”

BS: @LizLange @FashionOffice @SweetSoaps You know Michael Kors LOVES Mahogany! Great style minds think alike.

@FashionOffice @LizLange Me too! Diana Ross was sooo beautiful and still is! All designers love that movie!

@LizLange @AccessoryArtist @SweetSoaps is it about movies or accessories? I am confused!

AA: @SweetSoaps Diana Ross…Mahogany hellooooo

@SweetSoaps You know I’m clueless. I’ve been shut in a soap dungeon for 14 years

BS: It’s about movies as accessories and how they affect our style, LOL!

@FashionOffice: @bevysmith Seriously, he was DRAMY. WE are all having a Mahogany moment.

BS: @LizLange You know there’s only two of us on Twitter who know who Laura Petrie is, LOL!

@LizLange: Ha! Not possible! My style hero!

AA: So Bevy, we know you’re hitting the road. How do you pack and stay so stylish?

BS: Well, it’s lots of #Belvedere, and honestly for this week’s romp, I’m going to shop on the road.

AA: Let us know if you need anything for the road.

BS: I need tons. First, Marcy, I need the cuff. Second, the gorge, insane Portofino necklace, I DIE!

@FashionOffice: Accessories are the icing on the cake in fashion.

BS: @FashionOffice Exactly, you can make a plain-Jane moment into a fiesta with the right JEWELRY!

@TheFashionCult: Yep! And a good cake is tasty even without the icing.

BS: @TheFashionCult: And cake is excellent without icing but it’s the icing that makes you lick your lips and fingers!

@Jettaset: @bevysmith: I travel – A LOT! What are the five style items you won’t travel without?

BS: I keep my jewelry in a Ziploc bag ready to go! I also have chic airplane shoes and a pashmina-type of the moment …TBC

BS: Evian spray and my journal. I do my best writing up in the air!

@Jettaset: I love the Ziploc bag idea, and yes, isn’t air writing fab?!

BS: @jettaset The absolute best. I dream a world in the AIR!!!

AA: Bevy Smith you ARE a dream! Thank you for joining us for this chat. We’ll be looking for you in the September issue of Essence and hearing about all your other stylish adventures on Twitter.

Thank you Bevy!

Join us on Twitter to join the style conversation!

This past week, Accessory Artists founder Marcy Roth attended some of the jewelry industry's hottest shows to see what's new and what's on trend for the coming months from designers and stores.

AA: How were the shows this week and what designers did you see?

MR: We spent four fabulous days checking out jewelry! The majority seen was fine jewelry but we saw some unique fashion collections as well as some jaw-dropping, aspirational lines that we feel will fit well with what we carry here on the store. Designers we saw included many we currently stock, including Brooke Gregson, Vicente Agor, Ana Cavalheiro and many others. New lines we loved included Carla Amorim, Pippa Small, Kabiri, Irit, Kara Ross and many, many others. Be sure to check back in the coming months as we'll be bringing quite a few gorgeous new lines on board!

AA: Any favorites?

MR: Well, we love everybody we already carry, but our hearts definitely skipped a beat at the sight of the Isharya collection. It is high-end fashion and appeals to the woman who wants a high-end glamour look. We're going to be viewing Pippa Small's new collection in the next week, which is handcrafted in Afghanistan. Our customers will love both.

AA: What trends did you see?

MR: So many! Many that we already have on the store, which is exciting -- we really strive to be ahead of the curve in the collections and pieces we offer customers. At the shows, Druzy and Agate pieces were very popular, organic designs with semi-precious and precious stone design, slices of delicious diamonds, creative use of stones. Mixed metals will be back in a huge way again in the coming seasons, which is great because that's just such an easy and timeless look. Oxidized sterling silver also seemed to be more prevalent this year. What you buy today should last you for years to come. A lot of designers were mixing sterling with gold, which is something we haven't seen as much in the market -- it's a very chic and unexpected look.

AA: Any trends returning?

MR: Cuffs and bangles! We saw a lot of both. Cuffs have been trending all year this year in a big way, and it looks like they'll be coming in for a second round in the months to come. Key trends for the coming year will definitely be cuffs and bangles with stones and Druzy, especially those that can stack well. Statement necklaces with dynamic stones were also spotted, which are great layered with a more subtle necklace or worn alone. Earrings were a lot more pared down, though no less gorgeous, obviously to make room for the big, bold necklaces and cuffs that will be everywhere through Fall and 2011.

You’ve seen her give expert style advice on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View and more, so you can imagine how excited we were to have the chic Jacqui Stafford, who tweets under the avatar of @ShapeStyleGuru, join us for our very first fashionable Tweet-Up.

Jacqui is dedicated to bringing useful fashion information to all women -- no matter their figure, personal taste or financial situation. Since we both share the same mission, it was an honor having Jacqui as our special guest to help kick off what we hope will become a regular chat session with industry insiders.  

As the sun was setting on the horizon, we poured a glass of red wine, lounged on a glorious Tribeca roof deck and started talking style. Here’s an abbreviated version of our lively conversation via the 140 Character conversation:

Accessory Artists: What’s your best fashion tip for women in general?

Jacqui Stafford: Here’s the thing: You need to wear CLOTHES, but you don’t need to add a piece of jewelry. So that sets you apart style-wise.

AA: What kinds of accessories can any woman wear?

JS:  It’s about your body type: if you’re slender, go for a delicate piece; a larger frame needs something more substantial.

JS: From your London visit to the Royal Wedding, do you have any accessories trends to report?

JS: Apart from fascinators? Ha! Well, Londoners are into their statement pieces. For us, it’s about setting ourselves apart from the rest of the crowd

AA: Back in the U.S., who are your favorite makers of statement pieces?

JS: @Dannijo, Subversive Jewelry, @courtneyleeclc , #Marni, @joomilim.  These brands are major statement-makers that I wear daily.

AA: Since Layering is such a statement this year, how can you get the look without looking like a train wreck?

JS: Layers need a coherent theme to work. Mixed materials are great; however, you should pair the ensemble with consideration.

@SweetSoaps: [How do you layer] and not look frumpy.

 JS: Frumpy? I prefer original. Trick is to keep style effortless. Layering’s huge this season: mixed materials, lengths.

AA: What’s the piece of jewelry you wear every day?

JS: Find something that works for absolutely every occasion. Amali Jewelry has a pair of amethyst drop earrings that work ingeniously.

@WykehamGirl: My grandmother and mom’s gold including rings they gave me.

 JS: Love that! Vintage mixed w/ contemporary is the major trend I saw in Europe.  Re-purpose the pieces you have. I’m jealous. :)

AA: Do you have any tips on mixing metals?

 JS: Like “No White After Labor Day?” Rules should be BROKEN. Mix silver, gold, bronze, but embrace mixed metals in the same style.

AA: What brands do you love right now?

 JS: Kelacala Q. Loving this piece as a conversation-starter: Ricochet Necklace.

AA: What’s your biggest fashion no-no?

 JS: What would I never do? Go minus jewelry. Separates you from the rest. Do you really want to disappear into the crowd?

AA: Thank you for joining us Jacqui. We love what you do and the way you inspire women to be their best! Cheers to you!

JS: Night all! Thanks for sending me all your questions. Can’t wait to chat again soon. Meanwhile, watch out for me on @todayshow!

 AA: In celebration of our fun chat w/ @ShapeStyleGuru. Jacqui Stafford,  we are offering fans a 15% discount code that’s good through Memorial Day.

Promotion Code: JS15 at Checkout.
Follow: twitter.com/accessoryartist so you are in the know about future style tweet chats with fabulous style experts like Jacqui!

Brief video highlight!

Lara Kurtzman is a very talented designer with finely tuned vision, creativity and a great ability to create pieces that are ahead of the curve. Her work has been seen on celebrities and musicians, and made a big splash in the 2011 years Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. We spoke to her as she debuts her latest collection for summer 2011, dubbed Cairo. It's a fabulous collection that we can’t wait to offer to our customers. Email us directly if you want to pre-order any pieces!
 
AA: Tell us a bit about the collection. Where did you draw your inspiration?
 LK: The collection is called Cairo and it’s a collection that I conceived of about a year and a half ago. It was designed as an expression of a modern Egyptian aesthetic.  It’s a study of ancient Egyptian themes that was heavily influenced by my childhood fascination with Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra… the way she and the jewelry seemed to possess each other. I envisioned something that would express my true appreciation for the ancients who evolved the original themes, and my desire to liberate it entirely. I wanted to explore what those aesthetics would look like in the modern world. The timing turned out to be kind of profound in hindsight but I had no idea that Egypt would blossom into revolution or become the fledgling democracy that it has. It became the focus of the entire world and a beacon of hope to millions. To the point, the line was inspired by a vision of Egyptian style made really sexy and modern and I’m really excited about the way it came together just as the country began to seriously reconsider it’s modern path in the world.
 
AA: What are your favorite pieces from the line?
LK: I honestly love them all so it’s nearly impossible to choose a single one. Each is integral to the others. It would be truer to say that each of them is my favorite from the dozens of designs I created in developing the collection.I wanted to give the buyer a lot of freedom with these designs to choose between price and function and to attain similar aesthetics across the board. Some pieces are developed to stun and others I love because they’re so easy to wear. And they’re all designed with a specific attention to weight and gravity.
 
AA: When it comes to wearing jewelry, any tips or secrets?
LK: Absolutely! Be comfortable and authentic and brave and wear what you love. If it happens to be terribly sexy, all the better.
 
AA: If you could describe one favorite moment in designing the collection, what was it?
LK:  How about three? The first was when I found the original vintage beads that I used as the basis of the collection’s architecture. The second is when I began seeing the first finished examples of what I was making. And third was the reaction of my dad and my friend, Anthony, who saw the collection in my studio and freaked out. If straight guys are freaking about your jewelry you know you’re onto something.
 
AA: What are you planning to create next for the line?
 LK: In developing the geometry of these designs gave myself a great deal of room to be able to evolve the line in dozens of directions without losing sight of the inspiration. I have tons of ideas, many plans and many pieces in the works and I will definitely grow the collection over time. The great beauty of freedom… to be sustained it must be able to evolve. Personally, I have a tremendous amount of faith in the future of Cairo.

Interview with Jean Getson, Professional Stylist
Jean Getson has been working in the fashion industry for over 10 years, starting out in the fashion closet of Allure magazine. She moved to Los Angeles in 2005, and segued into styling for Television Shows & commercials.

Jean, what is your general style philosophy?
I think style should be effortless and easy to wear. That’s the way I style my clients.  Whether a person is  styled in a minimalist way, or over the top way, one should look comfortable in their own skin. Otherwise the look cries fashion victim.

What inspired you to become a stylist?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in magazines, and worked all my summers in college interning in NYC. I didn’t think of pursuing a career in styling until a few years into magazine work, which is where I found I had a propensity for pictures more than words. 

What celebrities have THAT overall intuitive and consistent sense of style?
I always love the way Cate Blanchet looks on the red carpet, she is so poised where every detail from her hair & make-up to her jewelry come together like she owns the look.  I think Michelle Williams & Rachel Bilson both have great personal style- even when they are just in jeans & a t-shirt, they are inspiring. Lastly, Blake Lively is just basically a wonderfully glamorous palette. She is believable in a wide spectrum of looks. 

What accessory and jewelry trends for Winter 2010 are true standouts?
I tend to lean towards timeless pieces. I like strong statement jewelry as opposed to the fine delicate pieces.  I love yellow gold and I’m crazy about the chain jewelry Balenciaga did this season.

What are your top 3 favorite pieces from Accessory Artists?
I like Ana Cavalheiro’s Castle Ring for its simple yet mysterious beauty. This is a piece I would wear every day.
I love the versatility of Lara Kurtzman’s Molten necklace. It’s a cool mix of colors & texture that is fun to play with.
Cocotay’s bold Vintage Snake Cuff is a sophisticated and empowering piece. 

If you were going to put an outfit together for one of your clients to go out for a night on the town or even for yourself, what is your kind of go to outfit for that type of situation?
The weather permits the girls in LA to show some skin all year round. I love to show lots of leg in tall stilletos. I think Sara Freedenfeld’s Red Allison Earrings would draw the attention back up to the face with the beautiful pink saphire accent, and then I would layer some of Lara Kurtzman’s necklaces in various lengths.

What are your Top 3 tips for selecting new jewelry or accessories?
1.Trust your instincts. What you gravitate towards is what is naturally your style. Its just takes some fine tuning to achieve great style!
2. I always try to pick out timeless pieces when investing in jewelry. Something I think I can wear in various situations.
3. Don’t’ be afraid to mix yellow & white when wearing jewelry. I know people have a preference for gold, platinum or silver, but I think they can be worn together if the styles match.

Dewi Designs

Background: La based Celebrity Stylist and Professional Jewelry Designer, Alexandra Dewey offers original, one of a kind designs utilizing organic techniques developed after years of study, exploration and discovery. Each piece is handmade combining a mix of threads, semi precious stones and metals with an emphasis on organic. Dewi pieces are always fun to wear and easily transition from day to evening, a top new line in “green” fashion. Alex's pieces have been spotted on celebrities including Jessica Szhor, Mandy Moore, Rachel Griffiths, Sarah Chalke and most recently E!News Host Ashlan Gorse.

What inspired you to become a jewelry designer?
I never expected to become a jewelry designer. In college, I loved making wearable art pieces and experimenting with different fiber techniques. Upon moving to Los Angeles I continued to play around, and came up with the idea of translating those techniques into a pair of earrings. The first few pieces were atrocious but after much trial and error they started to come together.

What is the most fulfilling aspect about being a jewelry designer?
I love the entire creative process from start to finish. Sketching new designs, working with my hands and ultimately bringing people enjoyment are the most enjoyable elements.  Unlike fashion where you have to take into account sizes, wearability, and overreaching trends, I feel that jewelry has much more creative freedom. And I must say, it is so fun to accent any outfit with a little pizzazz.

What is the greatest inspiration for your jewelry collection?  How do you take your inspiration and translate it into a piece of jewelry?
Each piece is derived from a diverse range of inspiration.  I gather inspiration from hikes with the dog and road trips to old art history books, architecture and everything in-between.

Once the idea has formed I begin to sketch it out. The technique I use does come with some limitations. One of the more challenging aspects is making a piece that is structurally sound while staying true to the original concept.  It can be both maddening and liberating, sometimes simultaneously!

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect about being a jewelry designer?
For me, the most challenging aspect of being a jewelry designer is the business side of things. I can get lost for days coming up with new ideas and playing with new materials, but am uncomfortable with the marketing and selling aspect.  I know to be successful you have to don both hats so I am constantly working on that part.

How do you define the Dewi Design Brand?
Dewi is jewelry inspired by nature and art. Each hand-crafted piece appears ethereal and delicate but is remarkably well constructed.  My work is an eclectic blend of fashion, art, nature and joie de vivre.  

Final Thoughts:
I love seeing people get enjoyment out of my pieces no matter their age or aesthetic. What thrills me is when customers tell me how special they feel when wearing it or how fun it is to receive accolades from complete strangers.

With our big launch this week, we turn the microphone to Accessory Artist founder Marcy Roth to hear about what's behind the site's jewelry collections.

Style Chat: What motivated you to select the designers and items you carry on Accessory Artists?

Marcy: On the insights as to why I chose the pieces and designers, I really dug far and wide and tried to find designers that had unique collections. So for example if they did a hoop earring such as Yayoi it was done with a twist in this case a branch element look. I sought out designers that are truly emerging or even under the radar but I saw a special talent, vision and drive. Some are more established, but I chose them because they're still very unique. I try to stay away from pieces that are mass produced or that you can find everywhere else. This way what you find here is truly one of a kind and unusual.

Style Chat: What pieces do you love and why?

Marcy: I love all the pieces for different reasons but some of my personal favorites: Sara's knotted circle necklace, her Red Allison Earrings because they have that bohemian glamour look. Alex Dewey's Asymmetrical Globe Necklace and the Gold Entwined Earrings. With Alex's designs what hit home was that you can see the work that goes into them and I really can wear her pieces with any outfit any time of the day. Kerry MacBride's one of a kind Dashing Deer necklace. My mother is an animal lover and big animal and environmental advocate so anything with animals on it has special meaning to me. Any of Ana Cavalheiro's rings because they each mak such a statement for such a small accessory. There are so many more!

Style Chat: What do you look for when you buy jewelry for your own personal collection?

Marcy: When I shop for jewelry, sometimes it's a no-brainer, a piece catches my eye. I know I have to have it and have an explicit idea of exactly how I will wear it. There are times I have to think about it before I push that buy button, especially when it's a substantial investment. But, when I can't stop thinking about it, I know in my heart I have to have it so I go back and grab it. When I buy jewelry for myself, I look at pieces and there is usually something that stops me in my tracks it isn't necessarily something that I can explicitly describe but it is just a feeling. That is often how I buy for myself, and how I would advise other people to select their pieces as well. It's got to be something you love.

Style Chat: What are some of your top jewelry styling tips?

Marcy:  In terms of style tips: I like mixing and matching. Maybe wearing a necklace with vintage brass and metal chains, then throw a pearl necklace of similar length in the mix, and top with a simple 18k gold diamond ring such as Jessica Field's Diamond Lotus Ring and a pair of stud earrings. Or take a vintage necklace and wrap it around your wrist for a really impactful bracelet and even add another one in to the mix. When you put jewelry on I think one statement piece is great and then you fill in with other pieces that compliment that one statement piece to complete an outfit. So for example wearing Kerry's one of a kind Jaded necklace with Eilish's subtle pair of Faceted Smoky Quartz Stud Earrings and then throw on a small ring. And you have a great look.

Style Chat: What are some of the hot jewelry trends at the moment?

Marcy: Pieces that mix silk or leather with metals, whether precious metals and stones or vermeil.  Mixing and matching metals and as always statement rings