Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Monday, December 1, 2008

Everything in Nature Works Well Together

Similiar to nature itself, beauty is to be found in the details. Jewelry designer Betsy Barron’s collections have evolved naturally from her spirit within. Finding inspiration from natural surroundings, the sentimentality of Victoriana as well as loved ones, Barron’s quality, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces are meant to be worn close to your heart.

Barron’s aesthetic is best reflected in both her past and current collections. Tuned in and stirred by the environment Barron utilizes recycled silver and precious metals ranging from darkened silver, to 22K gold to her most favorite metal to work with, rose gold, which only a handful of artists are working with today. She manipulates nature, transforming these elements into twigs that resemble hearts, eucalyptus nuts, leaves, dragonflies, pinecones, seeds and florals on a much more delicate and tinier scale. Mother Nature can often be unpredictable and harsh at times and Barron’s pieces are weathered and hammered with many incorporating precious stones such as rough black diamonds, rubies, sapphires and scraps of diamonds to offset her pieces. Finally, each casting is carefully hand finished and handcrafted elements are added on. Each of Barron’s pieces romantically work well together and more than several can be worn together creating a layered, mixed look.

Barron summarizes her collections best saying that “everything in nature works well together…branches, leaves, blooms…just come together.” Find unique, timeless, collectible pieces that can be cherished for the moment and passed on for generations to come. Barron's pieces can be found at any of the Gallery of Jewels store locations and online at http://www.delamina.com/.



~Erika Lind ~



Photo: thing-sf.com/betsy

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Bell Jar


Owner Sasha Wingate stocks her new, Victorian-inspired boutique in the Mission with a well-edited blend of what she calls "gorgeous little things," vintage furniture from flea markets in Germany, France and Spain ; ultra-chic clothing by Mike & Chris, locally designed jewelry and luxurious bath products.  The boutique is outfitted with vintage-inspired botanical wallpaper from Sweden and taxidermy specimens that give the otherwise-sweet look an Edward Gorey touch.   Visit the Bell Jar at 3187 16th St, S.F. (415-626-1747) or for more information:  www.belljarsf.com

~Tia Newton~

photo: www.belljarsf.com