I really need to get back to writing my history-inspired posts! Here’s a throwback one in honor of the Chinese New Year. One of my favorite badass royal ladies was Empress Wu, as she’s known now. When she ruled China in the 7th century, she used the name Emperor Shensheng (spelling may vary), making her…
Jewelry
What Wendy Wore: AGTA Spectrum Awards in Tucson
Earlier this month, I was in Arizona for the big Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. The temperature in New York fell to about 5 degrees that week, so I was delighted to be in warmer cactus country. I have excellent gem dealers in New York City, but it can still be tough to find very…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry in the San Francisco Chronicle
I’ve got to give a belated thank you to the San Francisco Chronicle for including a nice big photo of my gold IDGAF necklace in a Valentine’s Day story called “Tough-Love Tactics.” The Chronicle also shouted out my “Screw U” mixed earring pair, which I would love to see someone wear with Stubbs & Wootton’s…
Twisting and Turning Jewelry
I was inspired this week to take a little video of two of my mechanical jewelry designs. The first is the Sophie twisting heart necklace, which I wrote about recently. When I was working on that post, I didn’t have the extra pair of hands required to record video, but a few days ago Eryn…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry on ScarJo in W Magazine
I’m thrilled to say that gorgeous actress Scarlett Johansson is wearing my barbed wire rings in the March issue of W Magazine. Admittedly, you may need a magnifying glass, a microscope or the Hubble telescope to see the rings on ScarJo in the photo, but they’re there, I swear! I have a credit and everything….
Are We Drunk or Do You See This Too?
My Pink Elephant and Tipsy Writer Maneater ring was inspired by novelist and journalist Jack London (1876 – 1916). As a child, I was a huge fan of London’s dog/wolf novels, The Call of the Wild and White Fang, but I was blissfully unaware of his fictionalized “alcoholic memoirs,” John Barleycorn. The first-known reference to…
Valentine’s Day Splurge: The “Sophie” Twisting-Heart Necklace
Thanks to Erika Winters of PriceScope for including my Sophie twisting-heart necklace in her Valentine’s Day gift list of “9 Diamond Hearts for Your Love.” CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST. This limited-edition, 18K-gold-and-diamond design was inspired by a twisting locket featured in the 2006 movie The Illusionist. In the film, which was set in…
Snow-Day Sale: 50% Off Gold Jewelry
I hope all of you on the East Coast are at home — or on your way home — to take shelter from this crazy winter storm. There are travel warnings in effect so pay attention to those and don’t get stuck out on the road late tonight. Tomorrow, you might be tempted to play…
Jewel of the Month: Customizable Gold Engagement Ring
Most of the wedding jewelry I create is made to order, with the customer and I working on a one-of-a-kind design together. Here are a few examples: Lori’s white-sapphire engagement ring. Olivia’s surprise ring. Mindy’s redesigned engagement ring. Two more redesigned rings. But I do try to add new designs to the options I have…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry in K-Note Magazine
This is certainly my week for international recognition! First, my Pink Elephant and Tipsy Writer Maneater ring was on the cover of Jewellery News Asia. Now, two of my designs are in K-Note, a Turkish magazine that goes to luxury car customers. Hopefully, those readers are luxury jewelry customers too. The pieces are part of…