The Modern Materialist : Jewelry

Mother's Day Tip: Some Bling for Your Baby Mama

Steph Auteri — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Word on the street is that you knocked up your girlfriend.

I trust that you'll do the right thing.

[$23, Supermarket]

For the love of god, don't forget Mother's Day!

You can choose an endearment necklace that says "mamacita," "baby mama," or "belle maman." She will be totally charmed.

An Electric Fashion Statement

Diana Vilibert — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:51:00 GMT

Only MoMA could turn electrical wires into such a chic fashion statement:

Volpi created this dramatic oversized necklace from flat electrical wires shaped into two intertwined loops and finished with a silver clasp. Pretty pricey, but a girl can dream.

[$250, MoMA Store]

Keep Your Loved Ones Close (To Your Cleavage)

Steph Auteri — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:26:00 GMT

[Photo via]

Steps for Keeping Loved Ones Close (To Your Cleavage):

Purchase a good push-up bra.
Put it on.
Pull on a v-neck sweater.
Locate a loved one.
Hug them to your bosom.

OR, you could just...

[$153-$820, sweet tooth designs]

Yes, a bit pricey. But...cute? Creepy? Overmuch? You tell me.

Record Player Ring

Shaun Seneviratne — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:32:00 GMT

[photo via LolaBix's Flickr]

Vinyl head, eh? Then you'll love this ring:

Question: Would any ladies accept this as an engagement ring? I certainly would!

[$15, Ponoko]

[Via 2 Modern Design Talk]

Related: Wedding Ring For Audiophiles

Garamond Is a Girl's Best Friend

Laureen Mahler — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:02:00 GMT

[$25, Etsy]

SF-based designer Star has just released a new line of necklaces, featuring none other than acrylic cutouts of our favorite typefaces. These pieces are adorable typophile fun, not to mention way cooler than sporting gold-plated cursive around your neck. More typefaces after the jump:

[$25, Etsy]

Oh Garamond, how did you know that I totally heart you?

Needless to say, if you're even half the typeface junkie that I am, you're purchasing one right now.

[via This Is Star]

Scar Jewelry

Diana Vilibert — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:24:00 GMT

I think this is such an original and beautifully executed idea--It’s My Scar doesn't want you to hide your scars...they want you to celebrate them. More info and pictures, after the jump:

It’s My Scar creates personalized jewelry that replicates the wearer’s scar. Users submit photos of their scars, and wax renderings are used to help form each custom piece. And that's not all...It’s My Scar was founded when, after surviving thyroid cancer, the owner created a piece of scar jewelry to commemorate the occasion. Now, 10% of the proceeds from It’s My Scar jewelry go to the Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association.

[It's My Scar]

Related: Breast Milk Jewelry

Something Sparkly

Steph Auteri — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:33:00 GMT

Looking to buy something sparkly without breaking the bank? (I always am.)

[$42, YesStyle]

Actually, at this price point, I'd expect at least a little bit of real sparkle.

Sharpen Your Fashion Sense

Laureen Mahler — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:06:00 GMT

What could be better than an old school pencil sharpener? An old school pencil sharpener that's been transformed into wearable art:

[Ignacio Pilotto]

These pencil sharpener rings are concept only (why must you tease us, cruel designers??), but the idea is that they seamlessly merge form and function. Not only are they sleek, silver accessories, they also still sharpen pencils.

Basically, if you wear your own pencil sharpener and look damn fine doing it, you are completely awesome. Also, can someone make one of these for me?

[via bookofjoe]

Wear Your Heart on Your...Um...Heart

Steph Auteri — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:01:00 GMT

Things I Used to Do When I Had a Crush:

doodled his name in my notebook
doodled his name into my MASH game
checked our horoscopes against each other
silently burned for him
passed pathetically platonic notes

For a much bolder declaration of love, wear your heart on your...um...heart:

[$4, day-lab]

These I heart boy pins proclaim your love for you, and then subsequently drive the object of your affection away, horrified and whimpering.

Love It or Leave It: Wool Jewelry

Diana Vilibert — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:11:00 GMT

Loving artist Hisano Takei's wool jewelry creations--what do you think? Check out some of the more subtle pieces after the jump. Would you wear them?

[Hisano Takei]

The Sweet and the Low: Real Housewives of NY Edition

Steph Auteri — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Okay, guys. Please forgive me for bringing the Real Housewives into this, but it's come to my attention that Kelly Killoren Bensimon of The Real Housewives of New York has a bit of an owl fetish. Suddenly, it seems to me that I wasn't thorough enough in my previous trend watch post.

After the jump, we play a game of the Sweet and the Low with one of Kelly's necklaces:

Looking for an owl with bling? The necklace on the left was designed by Kelly herself (and I do admit to being dazzled by it), while the one on the left can be found at ModCloth. Which one's sweet and which one's low? Kelly's comes in at $115, while the ModCloth locket is a mere $29.99. The choice is yours, folks.

Cracked Eggshell Accessory

Diana Vilibert — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:55:00 GMT

Cracked eggshell or eggcellent (sorry, I couldn't resist) idea for jewelry?

[$93, Etsy]

Related: Love It or Leave It? Eyelash Necklace

This Belly-Button Ring Gives You a Total Boner [NSFW]

Shaun Seneviratne — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:31:00 GMT

Belly-button rings have been known to cause arousal (of the sexual kind) in some people, but how often does it cause the wearer to "rise to the occasion"? When you have this:

The Penis Belly-Button Ring. Schwing!

[$12, She Cool He Cool]

[Via Fashionably Geek]

The Way To My Heart

Steph Auteri — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:02:00 GMT

The way to my heart?

Typically, a packet of candy buttons or, lately, fluffy stuff lollipops.

But if you want to go the traditional route...

[$198, Q-pot]

Sure. Get me jewelry.

This burger ring comes with an individual ring layer for each part of the delicious, meaty sandwich.

[Via Ooh! Shiny!]

This Ring Wants To Tell You Something

Alex Zalben — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:33:00 GMT

File this under rad, but uncomfortable ideas:

Yoon Jung Yun has created a line of rings called "Inner Message," that leave an imprinted message on your finger. Currently available rings come in Sterling Silver, or Gold, and say "Marry Me," or "Always."

Thoughts on this? I'm a little torn, as I like the idea, but I wouldn't want a ring biting into my finger all day.

[$120-$1500, Yoon Jung Yun]

[Via Cool Hunting]

Freeze-Dried Squirrel Feet Earrings

Diana Vilibert — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:13:00 GMT

Um...so don't click to see the rest of this post unless you're comfortable seeing a pair of freeze-dried squirrel paws as earrings. I mean it.

They're made of real recycled taxidermy squirrel feet. Man, talk about a fashion statement.

[$30, Etsy]

Related: Trend Watch: Acting Squirrely

Tell It Like It Is

Steph Auteri — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:05:00 GMT

I've had my eye on this necklace for quite some time now and, today, I finally bit the bullet. After all, I feel it's important to tell it like it is. And despite the fact that I review vibrators, occasionally attend play parties, sometimes frequent RedTube, and have a nude portrait hanging in my bedroom, I am such a prude.

If you're not, never fear. Etsy seller trashy deluxe is sure to have the right bling for you.

[$50, Etsy]

Polaroid Ring

Diana Vilibert — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:25:00 GMT

I'm pretty much in love with this. Etsy designer yellowgoat was "Inspired by beautiful Polaroid Photos I see daily on Flickr"--and the result is this unique, customizable ring.

Label Whore: Tord Boontje for Cheapskates

Steph Auteri — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:28:00 GMT

I've been obsessed with Tord Boontje for quite some time now, and even own the Garland light above (though it's being stored for the moment, in anticipation of a home upgrade).

Unfortunately, most of Boontje's designs are out of my price range (let's face it: I shouldn't even have bought the Garland light).

But...but...people! Tord Boontje jewelry! Tord Boontje jewelry has arrived!

The Charming line by Tord Boontje Studio is being sold through Artecnica (prices available upon request). I can only imagine that these small baubles are a bit more affordable than Boontje's larger, more dramatic pieces.

UPDATE: Pieces will retail for $20-$40 depending upon finish and package choice. Not bad!

[Via NotCot]

Valentine's Day Resource: Candy Store Collective

Steph Auteri — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:19:00 GMT

[$16, Candy Store Collective]

Okay. I'll give my man this card if he gets me one of these necklaces:

[$80, Candy Store Collective]

[$148, Candy Store Collective]

Does that seem fair?

Oh, p.s. These silhouette necklaces are actually custom made from whatever digital image you send in, and then engraved with the name of the subject. How sweet is that!?

[Via paper n stitch]

Flash Your Significant Other

Diana Vilibert — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:02:00 GMT

Can a flash drive be a romantic gift? I think so, if it looks like this:

Load it up with a digital photo album of the two of you and it becomes a nerdy Valentine's Day gift. You're welcome.

[$15, Sourcing Map]

Jewelry and Jetsam

Laureen Mahler — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:33:00 GMT

You know that scene in American Beauty where Ricky and Jane are watching the video of the plastic bag, and Ricky says, "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world"? I love that scene, mostly because it speaks to the part of me that wants to turn every little piece of junk into something wonderful and usable.

Jewelry designer Kiel Mead has done that very thing with a collection of wearable everyday objects (think recycled retainers and ABC gum):

The retainer finally has a use beyond teenager torture:

[$200, Areaware]

Matchstick bliss:

[$65, Areaware]

ABC gum gets sexy (or at least brass and pink paint that resembles gum)

[$100, Areaware]

This piece has drilled its way right to my heart:

[$75, Areaware]

Bit of Bling: Natural Wonders

Steph Auteri — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:19:00 GMT

[£120, Alex Monroe]

You guys know how much I lurve bird-related bling. And Alex Monroe's got me covered. In addition to all of the other delicate objects in nature:

[£105, Alex Monroe]

[£150, Alex Monroe]

[£315, Alex Monroe]

Trend Watch: Feeling Up Felt

Laureen Mahler — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:34:00 GMT

Felt should get a prize for its diversity; it is, after all, equal parts clean-cut fashion and super-geeky fun. Remember how in kindergarten they used to tell stories with felt pieces on a felt-covered easel? Now that was something a kid could write home about. Fortunately, for adults on the lookout for felt on felt action, this versatile fabric is making a seriously fashionable comeback:

[$84, Branch]

These felt bowls are multifunctional and eco-friendly. Plus they're from Branch -- a beloved San Francisco stop for the environmentally style conscious.

[$39, Uncommon Goods]

What do you get when you combine reversible felt, magnets, and pop-out shapes? These fantastic little wrist cuffs. The shapes push out to create a "wrist sculpture," and the clasps are magnetic.

[Joey Roth]

Any idea what this mysterious box might be? It's the world's first felt and bamboo mouse! Right-click in serious comfort, and look really, really good doing it.

[$175, Carga Bags]

Carga is one of those companies that you want to have over for dinner, just so you can get her drunk and make her spill all of her fabulous fashiony secrets. These newest bags use industrial elements (metal rivets, wool felt, patent leather) to create a gorgeously functional satchel.

[$19, Elsewares, also pictured above]

Berkeley designer Josh Jakus has been hard at work on a whole line of fun felty designs, but these media pockets capture the most lovable things about felt: functionality and form. They're handy for mp3 players, cell phones, or any little gadget that deserves a cozy koozie.

Merit Badges for Adults

Laureen Mahler — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:41:00 GMT

[$8, Artezn]

Way back when, I had a brief, ill-fated stint in Girl Scouts that can be summed up with a few highlights: I was sent home from a troop meeting for making construction paper boobs during craft time, I accidentally set fire to our troop leader's sleeping bag at camp, and I managed to never earn one single merit badge. Damn those green-clad wenches!

But guess what? Now I can earn my own adult merit badges, for things that actually matter in real life:

[$25, goodEGG]

Gave up caffeine? Jumped on the wagon? No matter what your vacated vice, the Quitting Cold Turkey badge is the perfect reward. Good job, you!

[$8, Artezn]

Did you exercise superior foresight and bike instead of drive to the bar recently? Nevermind the hedge that you pulverized, or the sprained ankle that you managed to get when you forgot that sidewalks have curbs. You deserve a prize for your premeditated responsibility!

[$25, NaNoWriMo]

This set of 10 merit badges includes patches for such mature accomplishments as Socializing, Procrastination, Caffeine Abuse (an excellent precursor to the afore-mentioned Quitting Cold Turkey badge), and The Eureka Moment.

[$12, PodPost]

Mail a letter recently? How adult of you! Show off your not-yet-lost interpersonal skills with this handy badge set. And it comes in a sequential set of three, so if you can't find any postage, you can still feel somewhat successful.

A Promise That Lasts Forever

Steph Auteri — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:03:00 GMT

A marriage is a promise that lasts forever (and ever).

(And ever.)

Promise your loved one everything...:

[$72, Supermarket]

...with the most literal promise ring out there.

Decadent and Dirty

Steph Auteri — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:03:00 GMT

[$1,200, Coco De Mer]

It's not just the artfully arranged photos. Neither is it the descriptions, as simultaneously sexy and instructive as any book of erotica. There's an artistry and opulence about the products sold through Coco De Mer that oozes sensuality. How can one help but take out their Platinum Visa as if in a daze and snap up everything in sight?

My purple tickler and soft leather handcuffs can't hold a candle to these items:

[$25, Coco De Mer]

Speaking of candles, I wasn't aware that massage candles existed. This Afterglow candle can be used in the usual fashion before blowing it out and dipping the included body brush in the melted wax. When heated, the was apparently liquefies into a high-slip massage oil. The site says that it "burns up to 42 hours, every one of them memorable."

[$150, Coco De Mer]

It's tough to see in this photo, but these teacups have inscribed upon them, in delicate cursive, "bitch" and "wanker." Both cheeky and demure. Love.

[$850, Coco De Mer]

Both ring and tickler.

[$795, Coco De Mer]

This beautiful pearl circlet is "designed to adorn the middle finger of your most able hand; when turned towards the palm, the seven pearls are particularly indicated for penis adoration." Apparently, it can feel pretty damn sensational on one's clit as well.

Check out the vibrators, dildos, cock rings, and anal toys if you're looking for something with a little more oomph. They're just as beautifully designed.

[Via Whorange]

Related: The Power of Art to Arouse

Your Pill Addiction Gets Fashionable

Diana Vilibert — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:01:00 GMT

Own up to your pill popping and turn it into a fashion statement with these pill earrings. Unfortunately, there are no little blue pill earrings yet, so I'm going to hold off on ordering them until I can proudly battle erectile dysfunction with accessories.

[£6.00, The Drugstore]

Related: The Right Way To Self-Medicate

Inventory I Lust After: Rock 'n Rose

Steph Auteri — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:26:00 GMT

[£8, Rock 'n Rose]

Once upon a time, I was the un-girliest girl I knew. I wore baggy jeans and dirty Nikes all the time, and my mother had to bribe me to wear color or do my nails for school dances. Then, I went to school in a city where people dressed up to go to the goddamn supermarket, and now I wear a-line skirts every day and lust after delicate little doo-dads from the likes of Rock 'n Rose.

I hope the menfolk will excuse me for me for a bit as I freak out over the following small lovelies. Perhaps Alex or Shaun could follow this up with a dirt bike review...

[£11, Rock 'n Rose]

[£14, Rock 'n Rose]

[£5, Rock 'n Rose]

[£10, Rock 'n Rose]

[£5.50, Rock 'n Rose]

Keep Your Good Fortune Close

Steph Auteri — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:26:00 GMT

Best fortune I ever received from my Chinese takeout?

"You are a lover of words. Someday, you will write a book."

I still have the fortune, as a sort of lucky charm...a record of my fate...but I constantly worry about losing it.

[$220, Etsy]

This necklace from Etsy seller Christina Kober can be customized with the fortune of your choice. Though I may need that book advance first in order to even pay for it.