People frequently ask me how to pick the right engagement ring. In this week’s video, I offer my expert advice, based not only on my 13 years in the jewelry business, but also on my own personal engagement-ring story. Don’t forget to check out the related links in the video description on YouTube for some…
my designs
The Week in Review
In case you missed it, here’s what was on the blog this week. Tuesday, May 1: Snakeskin is back, and I have to dig up a photo of my shiny snake-pattern pants from the late 1990s. Wednesday, May 2: In this week’s YouTube video, I talked about how I changed my career and what you…
Two ANZA Rings Are Even Better Than One
Image consultant and jewelry expert Amy Roseveare interviewed ANZA Gems founder Monica Stephenson about what inspired Monica to launch her company in 2014. Because I work with ANZA gemstones, I’ve described ANZA’s mission a number of times, but I think you’ll be interested in how Monica herself tells the story. CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERVIEW….
Wednesday’s Videos: My New Collections
I finally feel secure enough to get back to writing about my new website. Whew! The homepage currently features model Tricia Akello. Isn’t she stunning? The photos were styled by the fabulous Shannon Stokes, whom we met through a 2016 Paper Magazine shoot. They were shot by Emmanuel Sanchez Monsalve, with hair by Gonn Kinoshita…
Vote for My Rings (Because Safety First!)
In the early days of blogging, I had fun campaigning for online contests, but this time I’m conflicted. It’s been eight years since the vast reach and power of Poodle made that tech company my personal Voldemort. I never imagined that the social-media company that I will now refer to as Spacenook would become even…
Wendy Brandes Wedding Jewelry on Engagement 101!
As you might guess from the name, Engagement 101 is the site for everything you need to know about engagement rings and proposals. EVERYTHING! There are different proposal ideas for different seasons, a checklist, a schedule — damn! This is thorough! I’ve walked quite a few men (and women) through the proposal process, but from…
Give Me Distance and Respect
I love this tweet. As a woman, I just want the same rights as a rattlesnake. pic.twitter.com/JQIFDoDTUL — Jackie Carbajal (@jackiecarbajal) February 22, 2018 As if I needed another good reason to keep designing snake-themed jewelry! Took my pet snake for a walk yesterday because it was so nice out 🐍 ☀️ #jewelrydesigner #ring #snakering…
Seattle Jewelry Lovers: Get Your Invitation!
Sorry for the late notice, but ANZA Gems is having a très exclusive launch event in Seattle tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 10., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pieces that will be there include my ANZA PURE collection, with gemstone-rough single stud earrings and necklaces (lower right corner of below image). Do you ever feel like…
ANZA PURE Designs Heading Off to Their New Homes
I’m happy to see that one necklace and two pairs of earrings from the ANZA PURE x Wendy Brandes collection are heading off to their new homes! These ANZA PURE pieces by @wendybrandesjewelry just sold—we’re getting them ready to go to their new homes, and planning more! #oneofakind #givesback #roughgems #puregems #anzapure #spinel #mahengespinel #garnet…
The Force Is Strong in This Window Display
Excited am I that my Agrippina poison ring is part of the Star Wars-themed window display at Steve Quick Jeweler in Chicago! The windows were designed by Melissa Quick’s nine-year-old nephew, Hank, who took great care to ensure that each scene represented a different movie as accurately as possible. “In the few weeks since they…