Showing posts with label Antique Jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antique Jewelry. Show all posts

Friday, March 4, 2016

Q&A with Marla Aaron

One of the best things about owning a jewelry shop is learning more about the designers whose work fills our velvet-lined cases. We starting carrying Marla Aaron's eponymous line in December after getting a glimpse of one of her badass locks on a customer—we fell for her even more on Instagram. What began with the now classic carabiner lock has evolved into the versatile collection it is today. Inspired by tools and industrial landscapes, the carabiner remains the central component of the line. Below Marla shares everything from her preferred footwear to a transformative beauty tip...read on for more!

Oh she glows...
Can you tell us a little about how you started your jewelry-making career? Did you have a concrete "aha" moment?

I had a very specific idea about a collection of jewelry, but I also had a job that had absolutely nothing to do with jewelry and children and a life that definitely did not support the concept of me "finding myself". It was pure fantasy. I would sit at home at night and teach myself how to solder. I was constantly reading and studying. My lunch hours were spent on 47th street, talking to people and trying to find my way. I knew I had a collection that I could bring to life, but I was too scared to do it. I was dreaming, plotting and thinking about it constantly.

And then, with my job I had a terrible business trip to France—I will not go into details, but suffice it to say, I had an accident on the trip and was seriously injured. I literally decided while I was there that when I got home I was going to talk to my husband, quit my job and launch my company. On the plane ride home, I wrote a Powerpoint presentation (cause that's the stuff I use to do) for my husband explaining why I had to do it right that very minute. He agreed to it and here we are four years later. I would say that the collection today is precisely what I thought it would be. What I would never have imagined is how women have taken what I have made and made it 'their own' in totally surprising ways.

Marla Aaron 18" Heavy Sterling Silver Curb Chain Necklace, Marla Aaron Medium Lock in 14k Yellow Gold, Antique Egyptian Revival 14k Enamel and Diamond Locket,  Marla Aaron 14k Medium Curb Link Chain 18"Marla Aaron Sterling Silver Heart Lock, Antique Victorian 15k Gold Enamel & Diamond Horseshoe Locket,  Antique Sterling Silver Padlock Charm, Marla Aaron 16" Sterling Silver Medium Curb Chain, Marla Aaron Sterling Silver Baby Lock, Antique Victorian Niello Zebra Striped Locket, Antique Victorian 14k Gold Bloomed Oval Locket with Cushion Cut Diamond
We'd love to hear your two cents when it comes to mixing metals in terms of wearing & styling jewelry. Any thoughts?

The more variety the better. I have no interest in matching…anything. I wear what I love. I would not wear any jewelry I didn't love.

16" Sterling Silver Medium Curb Chain, 14k Yellow Gold Baby Lock, 14k Medium Curb Link Chain 18", Medium Lock in 14k Yellow Gold, 18" Heavy Sterling Silver Curb Chain Necklace, Sterling Silver Heart Lock (All Marla Aaron)
How would you describe your personal style in a sentence or two? 

Wild gypsy caravan served up with fine china on white tablecloths and high heels. In my day-to-day, this translates into a key silhouette that revolves around the right proportion which I can only describe as wide, long and voluminous. I mostly wear Stylenanda so I can splurge on key pieces by Dries Van Noten and Gary Graham. And I am either wearing clogs or stilettos—I really don't have an in-between on that.

Various Marla Aaron Locks available  in-shop and online
Do you have any jewelry designers you particularly admire or are inspired by?

Hemmerle, Suzanne Belperron, Paul Flato. Most inspiring of all are the women who surprise me with the way they wear my jewelry, which feeds me with endless ideas and ways to iterate and improve [my line].

16" Sterling Silver Medium Curb Chain, 14k Yellow Gold Baby Lock, 14k Medium Curb Link Chain 18", Medium Lock in 14k Yellow Gold, 18" Heavy Sterling Silver Curb Chain Necklace, Sterling Silver Heart Lock (All Marla Aaron)
How do you unwind? Any chill-out rituals you swear by?

Bikram Yoga, Tequila and Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant. By wearing the later I can be certain that no one will disturb me…check it out you'll see why.

Mega Curb Sterling Silver Bracelet Finished in Yellow GoldSterling Silver Heart LockSterling Silver and Yellow Gold Regular Lock (All Marla Aaron) 
Thank you, Marla!

Please note, some of the pieces pictured above are not yet available online. Call 415-590-2998 or email info@metiersf.com for more info. 


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Honestly WTF!

We let out a collective "eek!" upon hearing the news of a mention from one of our favorite blogs, none other than content connoisseurs, Honesty WTF. Thank you, Erica, for listing us as one of your go-to antique jewelry shops, we're beyond flattered! Click through to read more.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Brimfield Travel Diary

We're back from our trip to Brimfield, Massachusetts, the mother of all flea markets and America's largest antique show. We got up with the roosters each day to start our hunt for silver bangles, gutta percha, niello, coral, old diamonds and Victorian charms and lockets. We were enamored by one dealer's miniature book collection and another's black & white feather prints (coming soon).

Any trip out East requires a sampling of local treats: we went straight from the Boston airport for classic lobster rolls at Row 34; munched Faddy's apple cider donuts, ate giant chocolate chip cookies and drank fresh squeezed lime rickeys. A classic bacon-and-eggs breakfast fueled our days of treasure-hunting.

Everyone we encountered, from fellow Instagrammers to jewelry dealers shared stories, finds, and tips on navigating the market. We stayed in a hand-built cabin in the woods, Laurel Ridge Bed & Breakfast and returned with our bags full of one-of-a-kind gems and antiques.


 If you have questions please inquire at info@metiersf.com or stop by the shop.

Saturday, August 29, 2015

The Now Mood


Variance Objects Lapis Earrings, Gillian Conroy 14k and Bone Drops, Gillian Conroy Silver and Gold Thorn Drops, Gillian Conroy Emerald Earrings, Gillian Conroy Long Drops,  Rebecca Overmann Gold Studded Black Drops, Gillian Conroy 18k Thorn & Rose Cut Grey Diamond Earrings, Found Landscape Painting as Backdrop
Ryan Roche Alabaster Top Hat, Victorian Calibre Turquoise and Rosecut Diamond Arrow Pin 
(Index Finger) Deco Zircon and White Gold Ring, Victorian 14k Rose Gold and Triple Opal Ring, Late Georgian 14k Flat Cut Diamond Ring, B.C.E. Jewelry 14k Champagne Diamond Ring,  (Middle Finger) 1920's Rose Gold Set With Rosecut Diamonds, 18k Victorian Opal and Diamond Ring, Gillian Conroy 18k Diamond Band, B.C.E. Jewelry 14k Turquoise and White Diamond Ring, (Ring Finger) Victorian Rose Gold Prasiolite Ring, Rebecca Overmann Tourmaline Ring, Gillian Conroy White Diamond Pear Shape Ring, Victorian 12k Opal, Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Ring (Pinky Finger) Victorian 18k Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, B.C.E. Jewelry 14k Boulder Opal Ring, Victorian Gold and Opal Baby Ring.
Heather Day Paintings coming soon to Metier!
Gillian Conroy 18k Gold and Emerald Rings

All items available online are linked in the description. If you have questions please inquire at info@metiersf.com or stop by the shop.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Gemstone Gypsy visits Metier

 Angela from Gemstone Gypsy, one of our very favorite jewelry instagram feeds, stopped into Metier recently with her boyfriend and we were so excited to meet her!  Long-time admirers of her luscious photography and witty posts we knew we would all become fast friends.

An obsessive jewelry lover and thoughtful collector, Angela is based in New York City and has an Etsy shop, Jewels for Gypsies with a collection of stellar antiques and fine made-to-order pieces. She quickly put her own spin on our rings and took these seriously gorgeous pictures below. Angela ended up falling for two of our favorite pieces: a men's bloodstone ring and an Art Deco hand-engraved platinum and 14k band. The engraved band will become her wedding band, perfectly complimenting her stunning sapphire and diamond French target engagement ring.

Thanks for coming by and hanging out with us, Angela! We can't wait to visit your studio in the Fall.  Check out her newly-launched blog for more images and coverage of her trip to
 San Francisco as well as her spot-on musings about collecting, creating and admiring jewelry.
  
Georgian Rose Gold Ring with Silver Set Rosecut DiamondsVictorian Gold and Silver Turquoise Dome Ring Georgian Silver Set Rosecut Diamond Band Ring, Turquoise Pave(Sold). Victorian 14k Gold, Opal and Diamond Flower Ring
Victorian 18k Black Enamel Diamond Ring in store. Victorian bloodstone ring now belongs to Angela.
Our antique hand engraved platinum and 14k gold band paired perfectly Angela's beautiful diamond and sapphire target ring.
Snake ring(Sold), Georgian Diamonds, Ruby & 14k Gold Dome Ring
Metier + Gemstone Gypsy Show Me Your Rings!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Engagement Rings + Wedding Bands

Mingling estate pieces with modern jewelry has become a signature wedding look at Metier. Here are a few of our favorite pairings, including a selection of bands for the gents.  
We are always drawn to stones that seduce with unusual cuts and settings with a-point-of view. We prefer finely finished metals and handworked pieces. You can find more rings (and other jewelry) in our tiny shop in Hayes Valley and online at metiersf.com. And if you don't see what you are looking for we are happy to help you hunt for your perfect ring. 

Antique Art Deco 18k White Gold Filigree Diamond Ring, Rebecca Overmann 14k Oxidized White Gold Stream Band
Gillian Conroy 18k Celeste Band,  Slim Tapered Diamond Band, English Band, Slim Tapered Diamond Band, Classic Wedding Band.
Antique Art Deco 18k Yellow and Platinum Set Diamond Ring, Gillian Conroy 18k White Pear Rosecut Diamond Ring
Antique Art Deco Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Rebecca Overmann Fine 14k Twist Band and 14k Feather Band Ring w/ Rosecut Diamond
 Gillian Conroy Men's 14k Flat Edged Wedding Band, Gillian Conroy Men's 14k Rounded White Gold Wedding Band, Rebecca Overmann Men's Knife Edge 14k Band, Variance Objects oxidized sterling silver and 14k/18k Seamed Men's Band