I was lunching at my favorite Dallas boutique (FortyFiveTen) last week and discovered the most amazing line of jewelry. The Woods Fine Jewelry, based in Aspen and designed by sisters Samantha Hitchcock and Shawn Hecox, is a stunning collection of jewels that juxtapose natural elements like wood, leather, ivory and even antler with old mine cut/Victorian diamonds. The talented duo created the venture three years ago and has since developed a cult following of jewel snobs with impeccable taste.
It began with a shared fascination with old mine cut/Victorian cut diamonds (you all know my love of old mine cut diamonds!) and they envisioned a line of jewelry that reflected their unfussy yet indulgent sensibilities. The collection also embodies the principles they loved in their favorite clothing designers, simple elegance with unexpected surprises. The burgeoning line is defined by contrast - accessibility/luxury, edgy/feminine. Celebrity clients include Charlize Theron, Ashley Olsen, and Kate Hudson.
The necklace I am dreaming about is the Grey Wood with Diamond Beads and Tahitian Pearls (above left, $4,400). The Woods Fine Jewerly pieces are meant to be worn together in multiple layers; it never looks fussy or unpretentious no matter how many pieces you stack on! Most of the charms are detachable and many are one of a kind. Bracelets and smaller necklaces start at $390. Call FortyFiveTen Boutique in Dallas to order! 214-559-4520
I have been collecting jewelry from India for almost 7 years now, way before the style became popular with the mainstream. I bought many of my pieces from LA based designer Suzanne Wilson, who has an incredible eye and travels to India often to find gems to share with her clients in the US. My favorite style is called Indo-Russian, a period inspired by the styles of Russian and Victorian jewels. Old mine cut diamonds are used (not to be confused with Old European cut, old mine cut refer to diamonds from old diamond mines from India) and I prefer the look of old diamonds over new. It's less shiny and so much more tasteful. You can stack three or more old mine cut diamond bracelets on and it won't look tacky! Most Indo Russian pieces are cast in 22k gold with the diamonds set in oxydized silver. You can distinguish a well made Indian jewels by the gallery work put in it (intricate metalsmith work on back of the jewelry). Indian jewelry will look just as beautiful from the back as the front, so turn it around to check out the details before you buy! The antique pieces are best but there are also amazing pieces made in India in the last few decades that use the old mine cut diamonds (the diamonds are hundreds of years old, the setting is not). 
