Gold/Yellow Rings

Golds and yellows are so luxe, especially on stunning rings like these.

Contemporary and simple, this Goldtone matted Square Fashion Ring stands out while still remaining affordable.

This Charles Winston 'Preziosa Luce' Resin and Gold Ring is reminiscent of a beautifully bold piece of modern art.

It looks sort of like the Geico gecko, but the Charles Winston Yellow CZ Lizard Ring is different and edgy.

A tried and true simple ring, the 10k Gold Square Citrine and Diamond Ring is timeless yet gorgeous.

Marcasite Rings

Marcasite, or "white iron pyrite," is a mineral with a metallic sheen and looks so organic. Most of these rings have a great vintage feel to them, but there are also some great modern designs out there also.

Left to Right:

Sterling Silver Marcasite Swirl Ring,

Sterling Silver and Marcasite Fashion Ring,

Sterling Silver Marcasite Band Filigree Floral Ring,

Sterling Silver 6 Row Marcasite & Cubic Zirconia Ring,

Sterling Silver Marcasite Ring (Style 1296kz),

Sterling Silver Marcasite Ring (Style 1309kz).

MBMJ Necklace

A long chain and a big bold pendant in a bright color make the MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Hinge Jewels' Square Pendant Necklace stand out.

If it were just the gold cutout rectangle on a gold chain, the design would be so classic and simple, the colored sides add a modern twist to the necklace, but it's still easy to wear.

Bracelets Inside Bangles

Check out these snazzy wrist adornments.

The Juicy Couture Thin Resin & Chain Bangle Bracelet (left) and the Internal Bangle merge basic chains with resin or acrylic for a fresh new take on bracelets AND bangles.

These simple pieces are perfect for stacking (which is pretty neat because usually it's not so easy to stack chain bracelets on your arm).

Extra 20% Off Sale @ J.Crew

Picks from the J.Crew sale section (which is an extra 20% off through May 17th, 9:59pm ET).

Left to Right:

Byzantine-Print Merino Cardigan (J.Crew print cardigans are always so pretty),

Wavy Double-Link Bracelet (a unique take on a basic piece),

Kaleidoscope Bracelet (as seen in this previous post),

Enameled Tile Necklace (perfect for sprucing up boring neutral tops or dresses).

BirkaScandinavian Jewelry

Left to Right:
Flower Earrings, Amber Ring (available in sizes 2 - 15), Midsummer Bracelet

Etsy is a fantastic outpost for anything handmade. One of our favorites is BirkaScandinavian, a store that strives to create "elegant designs at affordable prices." The quality of the jewelry is outstanding, and the designs strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.

We simply love the stacking rings that come in a plethora of colors AND sizes, which allows for mixing-and-matching on all fingers. Simple basics that are perfect for all occasions and outfits.

Recently, we caught up with Marie Maciel, the designer behind BirkaScandinavian.

shopaphilia: Can you tell us about your biggest inspirations for your designs?

Marie Maciel: Being from Sweden I grew up with Scandinavian design. Being homesick makes me appreciate it even more. I want to make functional jewelry with Scandinavian simplicity and clean lines.

shopaphilia: What got you started with creating your own line of jewelry?

MM: I started making jewelry in Sweden. My mother was an avid knitter and it was natural to fall into jewelry chain-making since it is very similar to knitting. I then got deeper into silver smithing and developed the skills I needed to express the ideas I was having at the time. When I moved to the US six years ago, I expanded my business. I began selling my jewelry to Scandinavian stores in the US. The business grew and developed into what it is today.

shopaphilia: You've lived in Sweden and studied as an archaeologist - how has this exciting background influenced you as a jewelry designer?

MM: I try to have a historical perspective when designing. I’m drawn to old artifacts and I try to incorporate these ancient influences into my designs as much as I can. When I design, I seek to remain grounded in the classic at all times while I explore the modern. This keeps me from creating anything too crazy, but I always try to remember that the new and modern is what I am truly after. It is a push and pull, and a little knowledge of the past is always a great help!

shopaphilia: Marie, thanks so much! We look forward to exploring any new designs you come up with at BirkaScandinavian!

Bold, Earthy Necklaces

I picked up this Stacked Disc Necklace recently. It's a pretty solid, heavy necklace (budget jewelry can sometimes be too flimsy). I love the bright tangerine color and the stacked discs with the edges sliced off really add some interest.

The Tiger Eye Necklace is another gorgeous piece. The cotton thread wrapping the necklace gives it a natural feel and the tiger eye beads have just the right amount of glint to them.

Chunky Chain Necklaces (on Sale @ The Buckle)

Bold necklaces are hard to ignore pieces.

An option in classic gold, the Filigree Pendant Necklace has a briolette wrapped in filigree - a very pretty piece.

For a more casual look, try the Hoop Necklace with it's mod black and white hoops and beads.

The Square Rhinestone Necklace is a nice no frills basic. Simpleness at it's best - a chunky chain and a lovely pink rhinestone pendant.

Plus, all these options are now under $10 each, so these necklaces are not only an easy way to make a statement, but a cost effective way too.

Great Deals at May Yeung Jewelry

It's easy to be drawn to the simple beauty of May Yeung Jewelry.

No fuss, no muss. Just clean designs that are all at once classic and modern.

Left: Necklace with White Jade Disc & Swarovski Crystal

Right: Lariat Necklace with 2 White Mother of Pearl Square Drops

Cute Kohl's Stuff

Check out these adorable and affordable finds from Kohls.com!

With short-sleeves and made of cotton, the Simply Vera Vera Wang Ribbed Cardigan is an easy layering option. The slight gathering at the cuff of the sleeve is great and the 'Ruset Clay' color is so lovely.

The AB Studio Cardigan looks like it came from J.Crew, but at a fraction of the price.

Pretty, flowing skirts and warm weather go together so well. The apt. 9® Leaf & Flowers Yoked Skirt has a lovely border print.

These daisy fuentes® Sleek Flats in gold or silver have a charming braided rope-looking bow. The pointy toe helps to keep you looking long and lean.

Perfect for everyday, but not lacking in style, the multi-strandness of the apt. 9® Rectangle French Ironwork Bracelet gives this bracelet some added interest.

A chunky chain and fairly substantial sized stone makes the Sterling Silver Green Amethyst & Quartz Necklace a stand-out piece that is easy to wear.

Baring Your Arms? Don a Cuff

Cuff bracelets are great, especially now when long sleeves are being put away and are being replaced with 3/4 length, short, and sleeveless tops.

At left is the lovely Gold and Silver Swirl Cuff. This adjustable cuff features both gold-tone and silver-tone metals and has a nice antique-y feel to it.

This Metal Cuff in Gold is hammered which gives it depth and texture. Simple, yet stunning.

These bold, statement cuffs would be the perfect final touches to any outfit and not very costly either!

Fantabulous Necklace

This necklace is so awesome.

I love the irregular links that create a pretty substantial necklace that gives off the look that it's a big and bold bib necklace, but since the links are hollow, this piece won't end up heavy around your neck.

And for $6.80, really, why not?

W. Culpepper Rings

Just discovered these stunning rings by W. Culpepper at Manhattanite.

The W. Culpepper 14K Gold Vermeil Akasha Cup Ring (at left) is such a bold, unique piece that is also very feminine also.

The W. Culpepper Sterling Silver Engraved Flower of Life Ring is a wide band with lovely floral engravings.

The rings are great for stacking (and definitely experiment with mixing up the metals!) but they'd also be gorgeous on their own too.

Also, use code "Spring2008" for 20% off at Manhattanite until May 26, 2008!

Wrapables.com

Just discovered Wrapables.com and found some delightful items.

This Gin Emerald Jade Apple Pendant Necklace is just precious. A three-dimensional pendant in a sumptuous, deep green color is sure to be a standout necklace.

The Sienna Brass Snap Frame Clutch makes me break my own rules about how clutches should have wrist straps. Made of soft ultrasuede and featuring a pretty floral print, who would mind holding on to this clutch all night?

There are also chic and practical items like this Labyrinth Laptop Tote. The tote comes in 2 sizes, is padded to protect your laptop, comes with a removable shoulder strap, and is made of PVC coated cotton (so it's water-resistant). The larger size has extra room for all your papers and laptop accessories.

Budget Friendly Versatile Necklace

A simple 24-inch necklace, the Frosty Bead Necklace comes in gold or purple.

Wear with a dress or a simple tee, this necklace will look great for any occasion.

Now on sale for $14.99.

It's Easy being Green

Today, Daily Candy Deals led me to this Green Apple Ring and it's so different, but a great way to incorporate the bold color thing into your wardrobe. It also comes in red, but there was looked way more enticing despite the fact that I prefer red apples to green.

These Oversized Teardrop Earrings make me want to get my ears pierced. They're so superbly big and dangly, but not overly ornate or fussy.

Amber Necklace & Earrings

This Amber Circle Necklace Set comes with a bold, exquisite looking Amber necklace as well as the simple beaded earrings (all for a whopping $16.00).

The hue is fairly neutral, but this is definitely not a blend in the background piece, so expect and enjoy all the attention this necklace grabs!

Bangle Watch

This Michael Kors Women's Round Tortoise Bangle Watch is gorgeous.

A great statement bangle, but with a watch.

It's so wonderful when beautiful things can also be practical at the same time.

Pretty Origami Necklaces

The Origami Mini Crane Necklace (left) is an adorable symbol of longevity and the Origami Bunny Hop Necklace (right) a cute symbol of new beginnings.

Both these necklaces are so sweet and original. 3D pendants are so different.

These are perfect necklaces for everyday wear that will grab attention too.

Ring with White and Pink Gold (and Diamonds!)

Lately, I have had a slight necklace aversion. I have preferred to go necklace-less and dress up my wrists and digits.

For an elegant look, I love this dainty 14K White and Pink Gold Diamond Ring.

Pink gold is less used so it's different and the mixture of white and pink gold here makes for a very pretty combination. Plus, the diamonds add a lovely sparkle too.

This little gem comes in under $100, making the price fairly pretty too.