special jewellery

My friend Darlene makes the most amazing jewellery ever, and I just have to share it with everyone! We met a few years ago when her company, Bijouxbead, donated a necklace to The Breast Darn Show (a fundraiser we planned and designed to honour women with breast cancer), and since then, I've seen her jewellery take off to the moon! In fact, no word of a lie, Monika Schnarre wore a Bijouxbead necklace to the Toronto International Film Festival just a few weeks ago (see pic below). I love the pics of her jewellery above (taken by photographer Max Wellander) - these photos really do Darlene's detailed and intricate bead work justice. So beautiful - I would gladly wear her stuff any day, all day...sigh. I also think her jewels would be perfect for a wedding party. Brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, take note!

Monika Schnarre wearing Darlene's jewellery! {Pic from fashionmagazine.com}

nature-y jewellery

When I was hunting for a jewellery designer to create my wedding ring, I headed down to one of my favourite places in Toronto - the Distillery District - a wonderful artsy area of old distillery buildings converted into artist studios, cafes, great restaurants, and galleries. There are a few beautiful jewellery stores there as well, and I fell in love with some wonderful botanical pieces by Michael Michaud. Unfortunately Michael does not make rings or do custom work {I ended up discovering Kim Drosdick who designed my ring and she is was amazing! Highly recommended!}. However I still covet Michael Michaud's work and would love to own one of his pieces one day. Check out some of his amazing leafy and birch-barky cuffs and necklaces! Drool...

take that, wedding ring!

I love untraditonal engagement and wedding rings, ones that are so different it provokes conversation. My favourite designer is Kim Drosdick - I love her style. Some of her work really throws the concept of wedding tradition back in our faces, almost cheekily, but still oh so lovely. I would be happy with any of these engagement rings (take note, Craig!).

cool set!

yummy!

I love how she makes it so obvious that it's a wedding ring, as if it wouldn't be obvious on it's own. Cheeky, I like it! {All photos from Kim Drosdick's website}