When I like a style, I like it … Joan Jett released “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” in 1981, and I’m wearing a version of her haircut FORTY YEARS LATER. Designer Stephen Sprouse put DayGlo colors on the runway in 1984, and I’m still obsessed. And I’ve wanted Freddie Mercury’s cool star sunglasses since Queen’s…
gold
Jewels of the Month: Tolula in a Tiara and More
In 1985, I listened to British singer Belouis Some‘s song “Imagination” on repeat. Kids these days don’t appreciate the dedication it took to play a song obsessively back then! It was a delicate operation, what with lifting the turntable needle up from the vinyl record and moving it to that flat, grooveless space in between…
Jewel of the Month: Inspired by Lil Nas X
In 2019, 19-year-old rapper Lil Nas X vaulted from TikTok meme maker lauded by Justin Bieber to record-breaking mainstream success with his country-rap song “Old Town Road,” and there are so many things I love about this story. First of all, this song appealed to every age group, from toddlers to their grandparents. If you…
Happy New Ears!
My big self-care moments during the shitshow of 2020 involved new ear piercings by my favorite piercer, Cassi Lopez-March of So Gold Studios in Brooklyn. Cassi has been piercing my ears since 2015 — she’s done 11 piercings out of the 15 that I have. Believe it or not, I have small ears, but Cassi…
Feeling Fancy at Wendy Brandes Jewelry
If you haven’t visited my online store in a minute, come on by! I’ve done a few renovations. My updated homepage now has a slideshow that explains each collection. The first slide is my gold collection. Gold always comes first with me — the first serious designs for my line were done in 18K yellow…
Year in Review: Jewels of the Month for 2019
The highlight of 2019 for Wendy Brandes Jewelry was a gem of a person! I am still madly in love with the photo shoot I did with Judith Boyd, aka Style Crone, because I’m always trying to show that jewelry is for everyone. When I did appearances this year, I decorated my booth/case with photos…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry X The Style Crone, Part 5
Here’s the fifth look from my “Immortal Style” brand campaign starring 76-year-old model Judith Boyd, aka the Style Crone. She’s modeling my Queen of Scots snake necklace and earrings. Shout-out to my stylist Shannon Stokes for putting Judith in this blue sweater — it really brings out her beautiful eyes. Plus, I’m allllll about the…
Jewel of the Month: Ring Redesign With Rubies
I was going to wait until we were further into February to reveal the Jewel of the Month, but I just put the finishing touches on it today and I can’t resist sharing! Gorgeous client Phala asked me to turn her classic ruby-accented engagement ring and wedding band into a nontraditional, single ring. For inspiration,…
Wednesday’s Video: Cool Hearts, Not Regular
Whether you’re buying a gift for someone else or yourself, I have cool heart jewelry — not regular heart jewelry — that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. – GIF from Imnotaregularmom GIFs My heart designs are more than meets the eye — and would you expect anything less from me? The diamond-pavé Sophie pendant twists from…
Jewel of the Month: New “No Class” Signet Ring
In 2016, I introduced my “No Class” signet ring, originally requested as a custom order by singer/songwriter Skylar Grey. Skylar wanted a serious-looking class ring … minus the class. So, where the school crest would normally go, we put a heraldic-appearing “No Class.” Skylar chose two extracurricular activities to adorn the sides, just like a…