I’m both a fan and a designer of nontraditional engagement rings. (In fact, my first big jewelry design — before I was even in the jewelry business — was my own unusual ring.) Therefore, if you don’t want a diamond in your ring, I will happily come up with suggestions for you. That said, there…
What to Watch for a Happy Galentine’s Day
In honor of February 14, I’m going to dole out some tough love, because I’m tired of people who moan that occasions like Valentine’s Day are overrated, too stressful, or no fun. via GIPHY Stop waiting around for someone else to make your (holi)day! You’ve got to squeeze all the celebratory moments you can out…
My Best Dressed at the 2017 Grammys Is …
The Grammys red carpet is always fun because it reliably brings the crazy. When it comes to show-biz style, musicians don’t play it safe the way actors do. Even when you bring a musician to the Academy Awards — the No. 1 event for luxurious, boring fashion — you can’t necessarily get her to conform….
Awards Show Jewelry: NAACP, BAFTAs, Grammys
I’m excited to see big, un-stuffy, unexpected earrings having a major moment on this weekend’s red carpets. Tracee Ellis Ross was my Best Dressed at the Golden Globes last month thanks to her two fistfuls of rings. Proving she’s no one-trick jewelry pony, Ross went completely ringless at last night’s NAACP Image Awards. That kept…
The Week in Review, Plus a Farewell to T P-T
In case you missed it, here’s what was on the blog this week. Monday: I had a little operation that’s limiting my pinkie-ring-wearing ability and Lady Gaga has Prince’s flair for an exciting exit. Tuesday: My colored-gem rings — including one with amethyst, February’s birthstone — are getting some love. Wednesday: Order your PERSIST necklace…
Wendy Brandes Heart Ring on JCK Online
A huge thanks to Amy Elliott of JCK Online for including my Vampire Diana ring on her list of unique heart designs for Valentine’s Day! In her introduction to the photo gallery, Amy wrote: “Are hearts the most exciting thing happening in jewelry right now? Of course not. But just because they have powerful commercial…
She Persisted.
If you’ve been following me for a while, this necklace should be no surprise. Yesterday, when Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate majority leader, stopped Democrat Elizabeth Warren from speaking out against Senator Jeff Sessions’s nomination for attorney general, he said: “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” I instantly knew “PERSIST”…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry in the Press
Thank you to Amy Elliott of jewelry publication JCK for including my Marie Antoinette design on her list of “supersize” amethyst cocktail rings in honor of February’s birthstone. Not only is the amethyst in this ring supersize, it’s super-customized! I had the 27.64-carat cabochon specially cut to fit the setting I’d already designed. Most jewelers…
Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Show Reminds Me of Someone
Lady Gaga slayed last night’s Super Bowl halftime show in a GIF-worthy way. via GIPHY Wrestling memes quickly followed her breath-taking entrance — a plunge from the stadium roof. LADY GAGA FROM THE TOP ROPE pic.twitter.com/DNgEW6bTW3 — ️ (@imWaavey) February 6, 2017 But I was more awestruck by her exit, which involved running up stairs…
Fewer Right-Hand Rings for Me
My right-hand ring-wearing capacity has been temporarily reduced because of an operation on my right pinkie. I randomly developed arthritis in that finger five years ago (the problem didn’t originate in a fall or other injury). Getting this finger operated on this morning ? No #pinkyring for me for a while #pinkie A photo posted…