About the Jewelry
Conniving queens, merry murderesses and Mother Nature rank high among the inspirations for Wendy Brandes's fine jewelry. Expect the unexpected, including jewelry that opens up, twists into new shapes and even whistles. Rings are surprisingly hefty, often incorporating more than an ounce of 18K gold for a luxurious feeling that will spoil you for anything less, while shoulder-brushing earrings are, shockingly, as light as a feather. Sparkling diamonds, couture craftsmanship, and unusual metal treatments are deployed in the service of tongue-in-chic puns and medieval references alike. Keep an eye out for details that surprise and delight with their sensuality, whimsy and realism: the veins across the back of an oak leaf, three minuscule eggs in a hen's nest, the wrinkles across a wolf's snout. An acorn opens up to reveal a squirrel that holds an even tinier acorn. A gleaming sword pulls out of a golden scabbard. Anything is possible.
About the Designer
Wendy's first designs were her own engagement ring and wedding band in 2001. She began designing jewelry professionally in 2005, after 15 years in media and marketing, including key editorial positions at the Wall Street Journal, CNN and People.com. In 2012, she won Fashion Group International's
Rising Star award for fine jewelry. Wendy's blog, Wendy Brandes Jewelry, was launched in 2007 with the motto, "Wear What You Want." Aiming to entertain and educate, Wendy writes not just about jewelry and royalty, but also fashion trends, vintage clothes, historical fiction, current events, small-business tips and whatever else strikes her fancy. She's also on Facebook and Twitter, and famous for chatting 24/7 with her readers, whom she adores.
