Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but why stop there? This month, we traveled around to great Memphis shops to find the women who create beautiful trinkets and baubles not just with diamonds, but also with precious jewels, gems and a variety of metals. We’ve rounded up a dozen pieces that are worth dropping a hint about to your significant other, since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Designer: Amy Wells
Originally in the financial services industry, Amy Wells became a jewelry designer several years ago after not being able to find what she was looking for in a Mother’s Day gift. Based in Memphis but with a customer base around the country, Amy Wells Designs features jewelry fashioned from natural gemstones, freshwater pearls and Thai and sterling silver. Find items like those pictured below and many more of her products at Loni’s Fashions in Collierville, and in Amy’s online store.
For a more rustic look, try these bronze and vintage drop earrings from Amy Wells Designs, $45. They feature bronze rings with a vintage pewter bar accented by Czech glass. Image: Amy Wells Designs
For a more bohemian look, try her “Richards” necklace ($168) which features an artisan soldered arrowhead with a combination of faceted pyrite, a faceted bezel set crystal quartz, and a hammered gunmetal ring on a blackened Czech glass chain.
Designers: Debra Lazarov and Jill Notowich
Celebrating 10 years this year, Debra | Jill takes its name from two childhood friends who later became sisters-in-law. The jewelry line of Debra Lazarov and Jill Notowich showcases gold, silver, precious and semiprecious stones via necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Nature is an inspiration for their line. You can shop the Debra | Jill collection at Joseph, Oak Hall and Social.
Debra | Jill’s dainty Beaucoup bracelets are available in 14-karat rose gold/silver ($455), 14-karat yellow gold/silver ($455) or silver ($150). Buy just one or all three for stacking.
These stunning hearts from Debra|Jill come in three metal options, priced from $600 – $1600. For availability, email [email protected] Image: Donna Olswing
And for a modern, but elegant, take on dangly earrings, try their Myron earrings ($90 small, $165 large).
Designer: Allie Varner
For hip and worldly jewelry pieces, try Allie Rox. Created by Allison “Allie” Varner, her pieces are inspired by her jet-setting adventures as an international flight attendant across Asia, India and Europe. Pieces from this Rhodes College history/art history major are often customizable. Her jewelry, which includes rings, bracelets and necklaces, features custom design options, such as colored enamel and gemstones and can be found at 20Twelve.
If you’re looking for a beautiful piece that will complement multiple outfits, try the beaded necklace from Allie with multicolored gems, $150, by Allie Rox.
And for a more classic look, try her white pearl necklace with sparkling, beaded tassels, $190.
Designer: Laurie Bartholomew
Metal artist Laurie Bartholomew has provided customers with custom-made jewelry for the past 25 years. In addition to shops all around the country, her line can be found in her flagship store Bartholomew Jewelry in the Laurelwood Shopping Center in East Memphis.
Combine classic appeal with an exotic gemstone with Laurie Bartholomew’s moonstone and diamond earrings (price upon request).
A ruby and 14-karat gold ring is both elegant and unique and a stunning signature piece.
Here is another showstopper featuring rubies and diamonds. Prices for all pieces are available upon request from the designer.
Designer: Shelley Spiro
For the last designer, we traveled to another high-end, woman-owned boutique, Worth Avenue, 716 S. Mendenhall Road. Among the Worth NY and W by Worth clothing, we find pieces by Memphis jewelry designer Shelley Spiro. Many of the items in the Shelley Designs collection feature vintage objects, and pieces can also be customized, including the length. Worth Avenue is open by appointment only. Call (901) 237-9205 to learn more.
For a dramatic statement piece, try this necklace featuring quartz beads and pearls, quartz drop and vintage pin ($295).
For a beautiful, bohemian look, try this necklace with vintage chains, a vintage pin and a handmade suede tassel from Shelley Designs ($380), available at Worth Avenue.
Memphis is home to a number of women creating gorgeous jewelry. Now you have a few more items and designers to add to your collection.
Subscribe to SB email and download the SB App to always have the best of Memphis shopping at your fingertips!
