SKULLS! by Devora Libin Jewels

Roxy II, Blue  $125

Poppy S., Rutilated Quartz & Onyx  $80

Devora Libin Jewels' publicist reached out to me regarding their latest collection.  It's rare to get pitched something this good by a PR person. And I should know, since I have been one for longer than I will admit. 

I am a huge fan of classy punk rock style.  And these pieces are the embodiment of that.  You can slip in and out of conventional society undetected, until someone looks closely, of course. 

The pictures tell the story, but just so you know, this stuff is super high-quality. And I really dig the glittering crystal pave beads and Swarovski crystal detailed skulls.  There are skull necklaces and earrings available online too, although wearing ALL skull jewelry at once might be overkill.  So check out the handcuff and pistol pieces to break up the monotony!

Report from the Front: Wendy Mink Sample Sale

Nancy Brenner brings GS back to life, post-vacay:

Confession: Rarely do I pay retail, but Wendy Mink is a purveyor of such delicately individualized pieces - bracelets, earrings and necklaces, that I even drop by the comfortable artsy boutique in between official sample sales succombing to irresistible retail wares.

I spied pieces starting at $15 and a gold cuff bracelet I coveted earlier in the season slashed to $50. Shoppers called all day in anticipation of the sample sale that started at noon.

Head there for first section of designs in striking shades of red or turquoise, bringing out the color of your eyes or the hue of your dress at prices that won't pop your purse.

Worst side effect: strangers will ask you where you bought your jewelry.  You can decide if you want to share the intel, keep it to yourself, or tell them you bagged it at Bergdorf.

72 Orchard Street
Friday March 19 12-8, Saturday 12-7, Sunday 12-6

Little King Ltd.: The Best Bracelet on E. 9th St.

Finally! I made it to Little King Ltd. yesterday after years of seeing their ads and thinking "why have I not yet gone to Little King Ltd?"

Well my glorious monkeys, I have to say it was worth the trip, if not only to come upon certainly the best bracelet on E. 9th St., if not the whole of the East Village. And here it is! It is a most substantial piece, and yes the heart is comprised of real, live red rubies. Like a million of them. And so goes the story - you get what you pay for, so alas our fine bracelet is not cheap! But it is one of a kind, and I was told that a similar sister bracelet is on its way shortly.

Casket Jewelry by Mariam Aryai-Rivera

The other night, my friend's friend was wearing a necklace with a giant gold clasp in the shape of an octopus. I was charmed, moved and...I found out the name of the designer. It's Mariam Aryai-Rivera.

Not only sea creatures, she also makes bracelets out of metal tags taken off of caskets...yes, caskets. Here's a bit about those: http://thehandoffatima.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-not-morbidreally.html

Here's what else I found out about her: "I am a jewelry designer from New York City, specializing in reconstruction of antique and vintage parts into one-of-a-kind pieces. I sell my work on http://www.thehandoffatima.etsy.com/. My work has been featured in BUST magazine, and newsday.com, along with several reputable blogs." (oooo, now she can include Guerilla Shopper too!)

website: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=104420
blog: http://thehandoffatima.blogspot.com/
portfolio: http://www.etsy.com/shop_sold.php?user_id=104420
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/6/406/6b4

IRIDESSE First-Ever Sample Sale - Apr. 28-30

This isn't my thing so much, but maybe for Mother's Day?

IRIDESSE First-Ever Sample Sale
Earrings • Necklaces • Strands • Rings • Bracelets

Cultured pearls of all kinds including: Freshwater • Akoya • South Sea • Tahitian

Exclusive Designs by:

IRIDESSE • Anthony Nak • Gabrielle Sanchez

Chrisse Coleman Douglas • Christian Tse

Prices are 50%-60% off retail at this 3 day event

Retail $250 to $9,000, now $100 to $4,500

Monday, April 28th, 11am to 7pm
Tuesday, April 29th, 9am to 7pm
Wednesday, April 30th9am to 6pm

The Warwich Hotel

65 West 54th Street in the Oxford Suite (Corner of 6th Avenue)

Mastercard, Visa and American Express and Cash accepted.

All sales final. No exchanges. No refunds.