I’m going to continue the lazy-ass theme from Tuesday and belatedly do another 2011 wrap-up post. (Actually, I’m working on something for the Huffington Post, so I’m not being 100% lazy.) Here’s a look back at my Jewels of the Month for 2011. I started off last year with a black-diamond Cleves swan ring in…
Jewelry
“Silver to the Third Power” Manicure by Tracylee Percival
Celebrity manicurist Tracylee Percival and I always name the manicures she gives me, and this one is called “Silver to the Third Power.” Tracylee’s concept was silver on silver on silver. The bottom layer is a gunmetal Minx application. She covered that with clear, long-lasting nail gel, then sprinkled silver glitter on. Finally, she added…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry Goes International With Harper’s Bazaar
I wish I could travel to as many interesting places as my jewelry does, but, for now, I’m living vicariously. I finally got a hard copy of November’s inaugural issue of Harper’s Bazaar Brasil, in which supermodel Gisele Bündchen is wearing two of my rings. I think they’re the “3” from the two-ring emoticon heart set…
Foghorn Leghorn Would Say, “That’s a Joke, Son!”
In 2001, when I did my first jewelry designs — my own engagement ring and wedding band — I opted for a lot of exposed metal surface with a satin finish. I wanted to do something that contrasted with the popular “bling” look of high-polished white metal dripping with pavé diamonds. I was tired of…
Get It (on Sale) While You Can
After all that I’ve written about the high price of gold — including my posts from July and October — you’d think I’d be immune to sticker shock, but I guess it doesn’t work that way. I nearly passed out on Friday while I was at a wholesaler getting this 18-inch, 18K-rose-gold chain and clasp….
Wendy Brandes Jewelry in Entertainment Weekly
Gorgeous blogger Brie of If You’re Into It emailed me last night, excited to say she’d spotted my Cleves swan ring in the Dec. 16, 2011, issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine. I felt bad for Brie because I often get emails like this, and 99.9% of the time, I have to tell the eagle-eyed sender…
I’m an FGI Rising Star Award Nominee!
I’m proud to say I’ve been nominated for Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award in the fine-jewelry category! Last year, I was a finalist, and I’d sure like to be one again. If you’re an FGI member, you need to go vote in person at FGI’s New York offices at 8 West 40th Street in…
Jewel of the Month: Empress Wu Dragon Earrings
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love redesigning old jewelry. Last month, I described how I started redesigning some of the pieces I got before I started my own jewelry line. My first project resulted in this tsavorite-and-pearl pendant. Sticking with the pearl theme, I next tackled a pair of diamond…
What Wendy Wore: Thanksgiving and a Birthday
Thanksgiving is my least favorite holiday. There’s too much food and football, and a dearth of costumes, confetti and candy dioramas. I was happy to shake things up by going to a restaurant instead of having dinner at home. So happy, in fact, that I celebrated by wearing something other than my jeans-and-t-shirt uniform. What…
Wendy Brandes Swear Rings in Life & Style
Run, run as fast as you can … to the nearest newsstand to get the Dec. 5, 2011, issue of Life & Style. Why? Because you have to keep up with Kim Kardashian‘s divorce, of course. Then there’s the Ashton Kutcher/Demi Moore divorce. But, more importantly, you can see my swear rings on page 53!…