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The pretty and the dainty. Mixed in with the neutral, an over the taupe nail. Something that only those in the know really would know and easily pick up. Quality amongst an environment that is normally not very. These Mociun rings are to die for - mixing beautiful 14k gold with turquoise and white antique baguette diamonds.

Caitlin Mociun comes from a not so design background, but spent 4 years at the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating with a BFA in textiles. Mociun has a simple Bauhaus and Karl Blossfeldt inspired design manta which combines art and craft and her fashion, print and ceramic works explore sustainability and environment.

Mociun
200 Livingston Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 USA
E: info@mociun.com

Moon and Stars Ring - 14K gold, turquoise, and antique diamonds - $1600

Hexagon Gold Ring - $240

Square Turquoise Ring - 14k gold tourquoise and white antique baguette diamonds - $1750

Golden

Feeling under the weather and not in the mood for much other than the odd snooze and picture flick help me stumble on old favourite Venice Jewellery. Ethnically inspired pieces that are rare and handmade and similar to nothing else that you'll find around. Buy online (via The Grand Social) or from the Venice Boutique (57 Williams St, Paddington, Sydney Australia)

Voila Mariposa! hand-cut out 22kt gold, set with precious red coral and turquoise stones - $525 AUD

La Fenix Gold. hand carved 22kt Gold phoenix on sterling silver band - $445 AUD

Time to Vogue

Trust me when I say this, but Daria Werbowy, shot by Mikael Jansson, wearing jewellery by Louis Vuitton and a little underwear by Agent Provocateur for the Vogue Paris 2011 Calendar, might just be the hottest thing you see this year, and next. It's the liberated luxe, celebration of smouldering sex, and creative free reign that makes me want to move there. The whole year in advance.

le calendrier

janvier

fevrier

mars

avril

mai

juin

juillet

aout

septembre

octobre

novembre

decembre

ring ring

I'm addicted to anything that doesn't scream ordinary. And while I like things to just be simple and classic, I do like a twist. Thus I lurve this jewellery I stumbled upon by Blanca Monros-Gomez - originally from Spain but now living in the US. Her collection consists of simple, timeless yet unique everyday pieces that are made by hand with incredible attention to detail.

Holding a BFA in Industrial Design, Blanca finds inspiration in the world around her. Natural twigs, leaves, seeds are all used as the basis of her work. All of the gold is also recycled.

Rapidfire

Kinda hyper (maybe caused by excessive chilli tuna and protein shake consumption...?!) and can't get Electric Avenue out of my head. Have also made my way through have a container of Extra Whitening gum and about 3L of water. It's kinda like a festival and I'm the only one invited today - though I am doing my best to psych the kids around me. COULD BE that I'm uber (like doesn't even describe!) excited that my gorgeous friend Will and his gf are making me a resin signet ring. GOD can't wait. xo LOVE LOVE ox

Dripping in

I’m not sure if it’s because I has a weekend of shopping in beautiful boutiques, long lunches, a gourmet dinner with bottles of sweet white and even sweeter laughs with gorgeous friends, OR, the fact that I woke up to one of the most incredible views of Sydney this morning, but really really loving expensive today.

These caught my eye – designed by a native of Morocco, Hassan Bounkit, this jewellery range is incredible. Bounkit studied fashion design in Florence Italy, and after stints at Ferragamo and Ferrera moved to NYC to launch his line in 2006. His eye for colour speaks for itself – the amazing combinations of textured stones, precious and semi precious, as well as his incredible settings make his work easily identifiable. He attributes this back to his Mediterranean background but it’s easy to see that the 1940s power dressing has also influenced what he does – most pieces bring to life an irresistible Art Deco boldness.

The insane view I woke up to at Nat's house

Bounkit amethyst and brown jade bib necklace - USD $1529Bounkit smokey topaz and green onyx drop earings - USD $365

Bounkit white topaz and coral branches cuff - USD $1090

Liar

Today was the first time I lied about my age and meant it. Well, didn't really lie, because I didn't bring it up, but I agreed with someone when they suggested that I was only 24. And I'm not. It's not that I'm that much older than suggested age, but of late, I've found myself thinking about impending birthdays and the fact that I will be closer to 30 than 20.

To ease the transition into adult life, I'm changing up my jewels to be warm and gold. Like all things, I like to counter the fine with a tough edge, hence the love of both this Jordan Askill heart ring in pink gold ($165.00) and this Cartier LOVE Bracelet in pink gold ($too much for me!).

Get wed with Camilla Gough

As the year catches up with me I feel like some serious cocooning to quell the sense of exhaustion that is taking over. My new years resolution? Quit the harsh lifestyle and get back to the mellow basics discovered through self imposed unemployment in early 2009. My younger sisters new year resolution? Get her wedding shit sorted while keeping her head above water (the engagement invites proved to be the start of what will be a verrryyyy long journey).

On weddings – discovered these beautiful rings from Camilla Gough. HUGE generic solitaires (that are more glass than diamond) make me feel really unwell, but these pieces are sweet and not very ostentatious. Pretty.

wrapped up: 1

Wrap up your wrist in an Elke Kramer Ekjwo8 Pet Keepwatch Bracelet.

Made from red coral, and inspired by childhood toys like jointed snakes and board games, this chain link bracelet brings a grown up sophisticated feeling that's still playful.

made up with Melinda Maria

Beautiful costume jewels from US based designer Melinda Maria. Unique, contemporary but classic enough to be a statement piece worn with any outfit, MM's range is a gorgeous gift idea for self and loved on.
True testament to the idea that "you don't need to spend a million bucks to look a million bucks" these pieces are chic, sexy, and bold luxury that can be worn everyday.

Turnin' Japanese

It not uncommon for me to write up a Todd Selby shoot, and the images of Yoshiko Kajitani and her home definitely caught my eye. Designer of Yoshiko Creation Paris (a sweeet jewellery brand with something for everyone worthy of a statement piece) the mash and clash of beautiful jewels, high bright colours and old school strong furniture makes for an eclectic abode. The hues are expressive and make me cherish my own highlighter shades even more.

Protected.

Rarely am I consistent. Depending on my mood, the weather, the music I'm listening too, where I'm going (and who with), the time I wake up (list is endless...) I flit from one thing to another and kinda make up my mood as I go along with it.
One thing I AM consistent with however, is my recognition of karma. And while I sometimes forget the old adage "count to five" I am truly aware of how my actions impact the energy around me. Which is why I wear a Hamsa, or Chamesh Hand.

My first Hamsa was given to me when I was 18, by a lovely and very attentive Italian ex boyfriend, who I think thought I was a bit of a handful (even for myself) and I needed something to ward off the evil eye. Since then, I've moved onto my red string which never leaves my wrist. Ever.

The Hamsa hand (Arabic) or Chamesh hand (Hebrew) is an old amulet for magical protection from the evil eye and is known to draw positive energy, happiness, riches and health. The hand has five digits and is representative of the meaning of the number 5 (the protector). By pointing towards the floor, mystic Jews believe that the negative energy of the evil eye is directed away from the wearer.
The color red is significant within Jewish history because it was one of the items necessary to build the original Temple, and the thread came from a type of worm (considered as one of the lowest life forms - warranted or not - and yet it was intrinsic to the building of the Sanctuary. The red thread, reminiscent of the lowly worm, is a reminder that a person is no greater than the smallest, most insignificant element in the universe. It serves to remind that humility is the ultimate weapon against the "evil eye".

As the year comes to a close, and we start to wrap up and reflect on what we've left as our markers in the sand this year, I'm kinda thankful that my Hamsa has kept most of the negative backlash, that could have come from my wreckless actions, at the door. Make me feel like I'm taking some well learnt lessons into 2010, a little bit less scathed than others.

Want a Hamsa? Try One of a Kind.

Lani

Like Lana Jewelry a lot. Really pretty, calming, understated pieces. Which is ironic given my own little Lana who is frenetic and THEN some.

These gorgeous pieces in rose gold, with precious and semi precious stones would make unique, and sweet and very lovely presents for a sister, cousin, or beautiful best friend.

we are righteous.

Did you back a Melb Cup winner? I did in Komono. While rebelling the stifling confines of the straight line and the colourless (eg 9-5 work ...) the loose sleeve amazing that my beautiful friend from Belgium, Raf Maes, sent me in Komono, sucked me whole of incredible sentiment and desire.

Combining a love for the colourful and the design/designed, these amazing pieces include an aspect of planning as a response to the anticipated problem of needing. Additionally, they result in a piece that can be left behind as a exploration of a solution that is critical for an everyday necessity of being. Consider YOUR living space without under pants, or sunglasses to block out the crowds and the night just passed (Christian - imagine if you didn't have those Wayfarers...).

Don't push a square peg into a round hole. PUSH a piece of something that defines YOU into your being, and revolve around the less than over designed, and the very possibility that everyone can participate in a shape of the world that they choose.

My choices? The Bond (in black gun metal) the Einstein (in yellow) Tyson (in grey). BANG.IT.

Raf Maes'theMasses + Mo + Natalie the wonder

the Bond (in black gun metal)
the Einstein (in yellow)
Tyson (in grey)

Sums it up really, yeah?