Thank you, thank you, thank you to the judges of JCK’s Jewelers’ Choice Awards for selecting my toi et moi ring for ANZA Gems as a finalist in the category of colored stone jewelry over $10,000. The JCK editorial team also got to choose five personal favorites, so a special thank you goes out to…
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Jewel of the Month: ANZA PURE Charm Ring
Because the rough-gemstone jewelry of my ANZA PURE x Wendy Brandes collection generated a bit of excitement recently, I’ve decided that my newest ANZA PURE piece should be April’s Jewel of the Month. It’s an 18K yellow gold charm ring set with a large, rough grossular garnet, modeled by ANZA Gems founder Monica Stephenson in…
Two ANZA Rings Are Even Better Than One
Image consultant and jewelry expert Amy Roseveare interviewed ANZA Gems founder Monica Stephenson about what inspired Monica to launch her company in 2014. Because I work with ANZA gemstones, I’ve described ANZA’s mission a number of times, but I think you’ll be interested in how Monica herself tells the story. CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERVIEW….
“Do Not Be So Presumptuous”: A Note From Richard Kimball
In my last post, I redacted the name of a jeweler who publicly criticized my ANZA PURE x Wendy Brandes collaboration because I didn’t want to create undue trouble for him even though I was like … I figured it was one thing for me to write about his mean-boy comment, but another thing for…
Mean Boys and Rough Jewelry
One of the great things about the jewelry business — in my 13 years of experience, at least — is the dearth of mean girls. via GIPHY The majority of the women I’ve encountered in the industry have been friendly, collaborative, and supportive. Their encouragement has often kept me going through challenging times. But, to…
Seattle Jewelry Lovers: Get Your Invitation!
Sorry for the late notice, but ANZA Gems is having a très exclusive launch event in Seattle tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 10., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pieces that will be there include my ANZA PURE collection, with gemstone-rough single stud earrings and necklaces (lower right corner of below image). Do you ever feel like…
ANZA PURE Designs Heading Off to Their New Homes
I’m happy to see that one necklace and two pairs of earrings from the ANZA PURE x Wendy Brandes collection are heading off to their new homes! These ANZA PURE pieces by @wendybrandesjewelry just sold—we’re getting them ready to go to their new homes, and planning more! #oneofakind #givesback #roughgems #puregems #anzapure #spinel #mahengespinel #garnet…
The Week in Review
In case you missed it, here’s what was on the blog this week. Monday, Jan. 15, 2018: The Jewel of the Month is my first-ever man brooch! The 20+ carat garnet at its center was sourced by ANZA Gems. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018: I approve of some recent celebrity engagement rings. This is rare! Wednesday,…
More About the Garnet Man Brooch
I already wrote about the garnet man brooch that is January’s Jewel of the Month on Monday, but here it is again! I can’t resist, because Monica Stephenson — ANZA Gems founder, garnet provider, and customer — shared the brooch on Instagram, and I’m amused by her caption. Shhh! Can you keep a secret? We…
Jewel of the Month: Garnet Man Brooch for January
January’s birthstone is the garnet, so this is the perfect time to unveil my latest creation for ANZA Gems: a 20.36-carat rhodolite garnet “man brooch” accented with seven rose-cut diamonds and set in 18K yellow gold. All of my ANZA designs are special because I get to work with ethically mined gemstones that give back…