Shout-out to the lovely people from Amdur Productions for including me in two Chicago-area art festivals this summer — one in Glencoe, Ill., in July, and one in Oak Brook this weekend. Not only did I meet great new people at both events, but I also met a gorgeous longtime customer for the first time! Thank you so much to Elena from Chicago for driving an hour to visit me today.
When you meet an old friend for the first time.
Elena was decked out with her previous purchases.
My notorious swear rings on Elena.
I was amazed to see this 33-carat blue-topaz ring again!
Mega topaz set in silver, on Elena.
The last photos I have of that ring are from 2012, when “Impossible” singer Shontelle wore it. Celebrity manicurist Tracylee Percival and photographer Anthony Friend also used it in a beauty shoot that year.
Photo by Anthony Friend, manicure by Tracylee Percival, rings by Wendy Brandes.
Elena immediately started giving the most passionate sales pitch to the people who showed up at my booth during her visit. I seriously contemplated stepping away because she could tell my inspiration stories better than I could! She’s also a stellar hand model.
My Dragon and Knight Maneater ring, modeled by Elena.
This experience has encouraged me to take my collections on more trips outside of New York. It’s hard work to take the jewelry and all the necessary display items with me and to talk for eight hours nonstop. But I’ve always believed in jewelry functioning as armor or an amulet — providing the wearer with psychic protection — and it’s so gratifying to see people get a real emotional boost from designs that they love.
P.S. Thanks for the Godiva, Elena!
You are too kind, Miss Wendy! It was a real pleasure to have met you. And a distinct honor to be able to try on some of the Maneater collection. I could never tell the inspiration stories as well as you; I don’t know any of them except the Edburga! Come back soon!
Well, how awesome is that!? I love that gorgeous ginormous topaz ring, and great to see another Swear Rings twin!
That’s a 30-carat topaz!
That ring doesn’t seem huge when you’re wearing it. But I had a “HOLY S**T” moment when I saw the photo of it on my hand. However, I have tiny hands; they make everything look bigger. 😉 It IS a gorgeous ginormous ring!
Go big or go home – that’s my attitude towards rings! 🙂