Stone & Honey

Transcendent first acts are hard to follow…just ask Liz Phair. But every now and then, someone follows up an alluring debut with a second chapter that is equally compelling. Such is the case with Portland designer Teresa Robinson who launched her smallthings designs jewelry line six years ago and instantly won the hearts of many with her charming stained glass pieces. Over time, she broadened the collection but stayed true to the idea of capturing the simplicity and beauty of diminutive objects.

Artistic people with ideas, however, need to change course to keep their creative juices flowing. So rather than continually extend smallthings and risk losing cohesiveness, Robinson has introduced Stone & Honey, a brand spanking new line with its own identity and Web-based store. Inspired by the intricacies of honeycomb and pinwheels, Robinson creates silver and gold necklace pendants in varying arrangements mirroring the silhouettes. For a bolder look, these pendants are layered on top of ringed Brazilian agate stones in dazzling colors, from vibrant pinks, blues and greens to earthy browns and moody grays. Shown above is the Heather necklace with swirled magenta and violet hues and tumbling silver pinwheels.

To view styles and purchase, visit Stone & Honey.

Wendy Brandes

If you've learned anything, it's that laying everything on the line immediately is never a good idea, and full disclosure will always put you at a distinct disadvantage. Nope it's always better to keep a few tricks up your sleeve, to be revealed at the right place, ideal time, when opportunities are plentiful and the rewards rich. Let others make the mistake of taking you lightly at first, because in the end, they undoubtedly will learn that you are indeed quite clever, and have mastered the game extremely well.

Crafting a line of adornments flaunting concealed objects, designer Wendy Brandes digs deep in the past for inspiration. An acorn nut necklace, when pried apart, dangles an interior squirrel, a token of immorality often used in antique mourning jewelry. A black diamond pendant brandishes a skull when opened in homage to Juana "La Loca" who peeked at her husband’s coffin remains. A tribute to English Empress Matilda manifests itself as an elaborate sword necklace that can be pulled from its gold scabbard. The collection also boasts many stealthy lockets and poison rings, as well as intriguing pieces that dramatically twist into several shapes providing alternate looks.

To view styles and purchase, visit the designer’s Web site.

Farrah Dragon Jewelry

You've always been insanely picky about your wardrobe, prioritizing longevity, yet never dismissing the importance of personality. Channeling the essence of you, after all, has nothing to do with being ahead of trends or on point with them, but more in line with assembling a thoughtful grouping of beautiful, quality items to lovingly be worn again and again. But that’s part of growing up, understanding that fads come and go, and arrive again, but timeless pieces always look relevant.

Which is why Farrah Dragon's designs are so appealing, a collection of fine jewelry with a relaxed spirit, but still striking a heady chord in terms of visual enchantment. Flaunting organic shapes, such as fern leaves, lotus petals and exotic flowers, the precious metal pieces are crafted from recycled materials or gathered from environmentally friendly sources, so you feel good about wearing them. The insect rings, moths and beetles, are easy everyday pieces, but we also favor the pendant necklaces dangling fluid orchids in an array of compositions, such as the slipper necklace (above).

To browse designs and view store list, visit the designer’s Web site.

Deka Ray

It’s always the little things that make the biggest impression, which is why mom always warned us to do a “lipstick on teeth” check before every job interview, and of course why Frank Lloyd Wright is known the world over, and always will be. Yep, the devil is indeed in the details, and if you’re clever enough to master them, without being a total control freak, than you’ll always have the upper hand.

Exposing the finer points of objects isn’t foreign territory for designer Eugenie Huang, who holds a Masters degree in architecture, the mother of all detail-oriented professions. Her Deka Ray jewelry line is a collection of concept pieces, with each selection contributing to an overall theme rooted in organic process and technological advancement. But there is zero pretentiousness in her designs -- they are completely accessible in an understated manner, and most importantly, cool.

Multiply, an arrow pendant collection plays with sequenced arrangements on rings, earrings and pendants, including a waxed sterling silver and 10k yellow gold necklace (above). The DeathStar Debris series has a sci-fi vibe, and features oxidized chain necklaces with tumbled cage pendants, and Outland, inspired by the woods of North Carolina, flaunts mixed material pieces crafted from wood, waxed linen twine and shipping rope.

For more information, visit the Deka Ray Web site. To purchase, visit Gargyle.

Molly Mendenhall

There are many ways to skin a cat, as the saying goes, and while the exact task of course is an analogy, and not to be taken literally, the sentiment does ring solidly true. Do things your way, instead of mimicking the traditional path. Order a meal like Sally Albright with everything on the side, or take world-class photos with a cheapie instamatic like Terry Richardson. And when it comes to fashion, it's all about individualistic style, or at least it should be. And if you wear jewelry, than by all means slip something around your neck that hasn't been mass marketed to death.

Heralding from the beautiful state of New Mexico and clocking in at a mere 19 years old, designer Molly Mendenhall draws on her surroundings to create multifarious pieces that are bold and earthy. Leather necklaces are intricately beaded and embroidered and adorned with feathers, gemstones, and shells. Some pieces are dyed by hand, and others incorporate copper and antique brass elements. Each design is one-of-a-kind, making each selection a collector's item.

The designer operates two Etsy shops, one called Hokaiye, which stocks her elaborate beaded pieces, and another called ChanteDesign which features lower-priced designs, such as pretty painted stone necklaces.

Rheanna Lingham

You’ve never been a Saturday night kind of woman, saving up all of your good-time energy and blowing it on one evening. Nope, you prowl the town on your own terms and timeline, be it smack in the middle of Wednesday afternoon, or the wee hours of Friday morning. After all, if you obey all the rules, you bypass the adventure. And British designer Rheanna Lingham’s jewelry confections are the ideal partner in crime for the woman who doesn’t just spring out her fancy gear for one night.

Lingham’s Feather Your Nest collection encompasses her trademark feather designs, from ball-shaped necklaces layered with Pheasant, Partridge or Peacock feathers to chandelier necklaces that dangle white feathers on lengthy gold-plated chains. As radiant as her feather pieces are, Lingham proves she isn’t a one-trick pony, presenting an equally fluid collection of gold-hued inspired designs, including an embroidered double wreath necklace.

Limited selections available at PixieMarket. For more information, visit the designers Web site.

Eva Gozlan

Yes, you’re sweet, but thankfully not that sweet. So, sure you sometimes wear pink, and adore gooey lip gloss, but you balance it out with a choppy haircut and steel gray nail lacquer on your toes. Which is why you adore Eva Gozlan’s jewelry pieces, which are equally sweet and left-of-the-dial cool.

The French designer works primarily with brass adding dainty pearl and gemstone touches, and her collection is deliciously cohesive, transforming girly touchstones (like purses and butterflies) into modern statements. A bracelet with a sculptured form on a closer glance resembles an angel’s wing. A leaf charm earring, to be worn on its own ala 80s style, dangles pearls on oxidized chain. A lengthy necklace flaunts a glass jar pendant revealing miniature brass butterflies.

Her collection is available online at Manjoh.