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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

Cherries and an Elephant

How adorable are these necklaces?

The Silver Cherry Charm Pendant and this Gold Elephant Charm Pendant are so dainty and precious.

They would work with any outfit making these great for everyday wear, but are still special and unique.

Fun Bright Baubles

If you're looking to add pops of great color, try some brightly colored jewelry.

This Frannie Necklace in green/yellow (shown at left) would be perfect with a basic black crewneck sweater. Different necklaces and lots of different shapes make this piece so interesting. And it also comes in black/white and blue/purple.

A plain t-shirt or tank would quickly become best friends with the Kaleidoscope Bracelet. An eclectic mix of colors in a solid bracelet makes this one standout, eyecatching piece.

A Litte Bit Mod

Left to right:

Avant Necklace,
Square Window Cuff,
Mod Stick Silver and 18k Gold Earrings,
Mod Cup Ring

A friend mentioned that the kinda-mod-looking Collage Ring that I posted about recently looked like a pretty little piece of art.

Feeling inspired, I went to check out other mod-inspired jewelry that's been popping up here and there because who wouldn't enjoy being a walking piece of art?

Wood Jewelry

Top row (left to right):

Triangle Mod Earrings,
Jessica Veneer Bangle,
Larchmont Wood Bangle,
Center Stone Wooden Bangles,
Gold-Leaf Wooden Bangles

2nd row (left to right):

Lucite and Wood Necklace,
Wood Shapes Necklace

Jewelry made of wood is so wonderfully simple and understated, yet elegant and sophisticated all at the same time.

Pieces with cutouts, stones, lucite, metal accents, different shades of wood, as well as cutting wood into different bead shapes make wood jewelry even more fun and interesting.