THE WARMTH OF THE SOLEIL

The sun, in french, soleil, is a powerful image in art, architecture and design.  A symbol of intention and focus, I am drawn to ways this potent symbol can enhance the art of jewelry making.

Sunbursts of gold have adorned many a Royal through the ages.  Think of the French King Louis XIV and his work of art, Versailles.      

Gilded gate at the Palace of Versailles

It isn't just the metaphor of Sun as King that is so powerful.  The sunburst yields such promise, that with its rays we have clarity, and we grow.  Vincent Van Gogh features the sun in its golden glory in so many of his mid-career works, the period considered his most optimistic.

Van Gogh's Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun, 1889

Soleil has appeared in my Mom's designs for ages.  Her Sunburst mirrors are always fresh and modern, and take different shapes with every collection she launches.   

Sunburst mirrors, all Jan Showers

Indeed, soleil figures as both a design and a jewelry-making technique in my Fall/Winter Collection.  By overlaying intricately carved white or milky quartz on deep-colored gemstones like malachite and pyrite, I've created a unique reflection and depth that looks different in every light.  

Soleil ring in milky quartz over mother of pearl

I love the poems written by 14th century Sufi poet Hafiz, for whom the sun was such a powerful symbol.  Hafiz wrote with whimsy and optimism, and as reviewer Brian Bruya says, "if it is true that a poet is someone who can pour light into a cup, reading Hafiz is like gulping down the sun."  To me, these words of Hafiz are truly like gulping down the sun!

Even after all this time

the sun never says to the earth,

"You owe me".

Look what happens with 

a love like that,

it lights the Whole Sky.

 - From "The Gift" by Hafiz, as translated beautifully by Daniel Landinsky

Feel beautiful!

Elizabeth

WHAT FALL 2013 MEANS TO US!

Announcing our newest collection!  And there's so much to say about it!

As the daughter of an Interior Designer, I've grown up steeped in - surrounded by - absorbing the inspiration and history that's informed the modern aesthetic.  Art Deco design, with its clean lines and structure, and utter accessibility, has deeply influenced my Fall/Winter Collection.   

I think of the great monuments of the Art Deco era.  The Empire State Building (completed in 1931) and the Chrysler Air Flow Sedan (first off the assembly line in 1934), both quintessential icons of the style.  And my favorite, the astrologically ornamented ceiling of New York's Grand Central Station is the perfect marriage of Art Deco symmetry and the mystery of the stars.   

My Fall/Winter Collection is about shape and color.  Deep color shades, that speak to the crushed velvet brocade and twinkling crystal we saw and loved in Baz Luhrman's Great Gatsby.   

I am especially excited about the pieces in Fall/Winter that reflect the accessibility that defined Art Deco.  Check out my entire Collection (in our features section, To You From Elizabeth), and take special note of the ways you can wear Elizabeth Showers at a price that inspires you! 

Audrey in lab-created blue sapphire, $435//Deco in white quartz, $295//Ball Stack rings with white sapphire, $195

Feel Beautiful!

Elizabeth

OUR OWN AUDREY

A jewelry designer's greatest achievement comes in creating a piece that lives long, stays fresh and reflects the beauty of every single person who wears it.  As we bring out a new collection, I always smile that my AUDREY still has such a place of honor.  In a different stone, with a different hue, our Audrey is timeless.  

While I didn't title Audrey for the true Icon who shares her name, I am struck by how alike they are.  

You think Audrey Hepburn and hear tinkling chandeliers -- "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "Roman Holiday".  To me though, there's the simple optimism that was Hepburn's aura.  Beauty, to Audrey Hepburn, is kindness.  Her care for those in dire straits, struggling in war torn nations -- it never tarnished her belief that the most important thing in life is, simply, to be happy.  As she said, "it's all that matters."  

This week, the AUDREY earring is being featured on my great friend Kim Schlegel Whitman's blog.  Kim, much like Audrey Hepburn, has such timeless style, and I am excited to see how she styles our iconic earring throughout the week.  Turquoise with grey, delicious for Fall -- check out Kim's post here and see how she brings our White Quartz over Turquoise Audrey to life.

While life for me, is lived largely in the present, I am drawn to those Icons who've shaped the past and are still alive in spirit today.  Audrey Hepburn speaks to me, and I love that we are able to honor her loveliness with our own Iconic piece.  Here's our AUDREY.  

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

- Audrey Hepburn

Feel Beautiful!

Elizabeth

Audrey earrings in Mother of Pearl set in 18kt yellow gold, check it out here. 

Audrey earrings in faceted white quartz over turquoise set in rhodiumed sterling silver, check it out here.

Audrey earrings in white quartz over abalone set in rhodiumed sterling silver, check it out here.