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).

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!

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!

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.

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.

The Math Ring

This Sterling Multi-Gemstone Set of 5 Stack Rings for a mere $49.99, which comes out to just under $10 per ring.

And you can wear this ring numerous ways - just a single ring (5 different color combinations), 2 rings together (10 color combinations), 3 rings together (10 color combinations), 4 rings together (5 color combinations), or 5 rings together (1 color combination).

If you want to get into the unique permutations, go ahead - I just figured out the color combinations and I feel geeky enough.

Anyway - with just color combinations alone, you can have 31 unique color combos (which comes out to roughly $1.61 per color combination)!

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?

Pretty Rings! (Valentine's or Whenever!)

I have tiny fingers (the largest size I wear is a 5), so usually finding rings to fit is close to impossible, especially when going out.

My favorite places to find rings are Overstock.com and Banana Republic since both places have size 5's, the stuff looks great, and isn't too expensive.

I actually bought and had to return the Chateau D'Argent Sterling Silver CZ Zigzag Ring (left) since it didn't fit on any of my fingers (it was either too tight or too loose - it just wasn't meant to be). Although it was definitely a gorgeous piece of jewelry and a great price.

The 10k White Gold Smoky Quartz Ring (center) is so simple, yet pretty, stunning, and timeless. This ring would just go with absolutely everything.

I really like how the Banana Republic Collage Ring (right) is just so funky and cool. It's nice to have something that's different and unique in your arsenal.

Plus, there's 10% off until Feb 13th on Jewelry and Watches at Overstock.com

Stuff I'm Loving From BR Right Now

Left to Right:

Cotton Long-Sleeve Sweater Jacket,

Classic Dark Wash Wide-Leg Trouser Jean,

Handpainted Enamel Ring

These items all look so hot. Classy and wearable for years to come, but still bold and unique.